Rear Cab Limiting Mechanism for Crawler Dozer Operator Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crawler dozers have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to limiting mechanisms for all directional movements being provided at four positions, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A rear cab supporting apparatus with a height difference in the floor portion of the cab frame, using vibration proofing mounts between the vehicle body frame and the cab frame, and rear limiting means arranged below the rear pillars to limit movement within predetermined ranges, simplifying the structure and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If limiting mechanisms are provided at four positions corresponding to vibration proofing mount apparatuses to bear excessive load, then the cab frame is protected from damage, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the limiting function from the vibration proofing mount apparatus locations and relocates it to dedicated limiting mechanisms positioned at the front and rear of the cab frame. This separation allows the vibration mounts to focus solely on vibration damping while the limiting mechanisms handle excessive load protection, reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting mechanism is divided into front and rear segments rather than requiring four separate mechanisms at each corner. The front limiting mechanism handles front-rear direction limiting, while the rear limiting mechanism handles both vertical and lateral direction limiting, reducing the total number of limiting mechanism positions from four to two
2Strength
If limiting mechanisms are provided at four positions to limit movement in vertical, front-rear and lateral directions, then excessive load is borne, but manufacturing costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The rear limiting mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it limits movement in both the vertical direction and the lateral direction, whereas the front limiting mechanism limits movement in the front-rear direction. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of limiting mechanisms needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate load bearing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the limiting functions for different directions into fewer positions. Specifically, the rear limiting mechanism combines vertical and lateral direction limiting capabilities at a single location, reducing the overall number of limiting mechanism positions from four to two, which directly reduces manufacturing complexity and cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively supports excessive loads during rollovers by concentrating load-bearing capacity on the rear pillars, simplifying the structure, reducing manufacturing costs, and enhancing the protective function for the operator while maintaining riding comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the vibration proofing mount apparatus damps and reduces vibrations and impact applied to the cab frame
Implementation Method 2
limiting mechanisms for limiting a movement in a vertical direction, a front-rear direction and a lateral direction of the cab frame within a predetermined range
Data Source
AI summary
A rear limiting mechanism (35) for limiting a moving range in a vertical direction, a front-rear direction and a lateral direction of the cab frame (24) is arranged immediately below a rear pillar (30) of the cab frame, between the vehicle body frame (21) and both right and left end portions of the higher portion of the cab frame (24). The rear limiting mechanism (35) includes a limitation member (36), limiting members (37, 38) and a limiting pin (40). Gaps (S1a, S1b) are provided between the limiting pin (40) and the limitation member (36), gaps (S2a, S2b) are provided between the limitation member (36), and the front limiting member (37) and the rear limiting member (38). Gaps (S3a, S3b) are provided between the limiting pin (40) and the limitation member (36). A movement of the cab frame (24) is limited within the ranges of the gaps. A check plate (41) is fixed to the limiting pin (40), and a bolt (42) extending through the check plate (41) is engaged with a threaded hole (38b) of the rear limiting member (38). The rear limiting mechanism (35) supports a rear portion of the cab frame, at a time when a crawler dozer rolls over or the like. The rear limiting mechanism (35) having the simple structure is provided at only two positions corresponding to the rear pillars (30).