Bulldozer Radiator Guard Segmentation for Cost Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiator guards for bulldozer assemblies are costly, labor-intensive to manufacture, and require frequent maintenance due to the use of cast or forged yoke assemblies and sockets, which are time-consuming to replace when failures occur.

Innovation Solution

A radiator guard design featuring a face plate with angled top and front sections, side plates, and gussets, which eliminates the need for sockets and yoke assemblies by using a simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing process and external yoke assemblies that reduce maintenance requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cast or forged yoke assemblies and sockets are used in radiator guard design, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyoke assembly reliabilityVSAvoidradiator guard complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiator guard is divided into multiple modular components including the guard body, yoke assemblies, and mounting brackets. Each component can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive cast or forged yoke assemblies with simpler, more economical alternatives that can be manufactured using less costly processes. The design accepts that these simpler components may have shorter service lives but compensates through ease of replacement and lower initial cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If conventional cast or forged yoke assemblies are used, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveyoke assembly strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke assembly function is segmented into the radiator guard body itself and separate mounting components. This allows the guard body to be manufactured using high-speed processes while mounting components are produced separately and attached, significantly reducing total manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical casting or forging processes with alternative manufacturing methods such as welding, bending, or assembling pre-fabricated components. This substitution maintains the required structural strength while dramatically reducing manufacturing cycle time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If sockets and yoke assemblies are integrated into the radiator guard, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting structure stabilityVSAvoidyoke assembly replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is designed as separate, modular components that can be independently removed and replaced. The yoke assemblies are detached from the radiator guard body through separable connections, allowing failed components to be replaced without affecting the entire structure or requiring complete disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design facilitates easy replacement of worn or failed yoke assemblies by providing standardized mounting interfaces. Old components can be quickly removed and discarded while new ones are installed using simple fastening mechanisms, minimizing downtime and maintenance complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If conventional yoke assemblies requiring greasing are used, then operational reliability is improved, but maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecylinder connection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The yoke assembly design incorporates self-lubricating features or sealed bearings that eliminate the need for periodic manual greasing. The components are designed to maintain their lubrication internally or use materials with inherent low-friction properties, allowing the system to service itself without external intervention during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10400423B1Radiator guard and method of making

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A radiator guard may include a front plate, a top plate, spaced side plates, gussets and yoke assemblies. The front plate may have a varied profile such that a first lateral width proximate a top of the front plate is greater than a second lateral width proximate a bottom of the front plate. The top plate may be angled relative to the front plate and the side plates may be fixed near the lateral sides of the front plate such that portions of the front plate proximate the top of the front plate extend laterally outwardly from the side plates. The gussets may be disposed on the rear surface of the face plate at these laterally extending portions and the yoke assemblies may be disposed on the front surface of these portions.