ROPS Frame Joint Structure for Lightweight Pipe Intersections

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a demand for a ROPS frame for work vehicles that reduces weight at the points where pairs of pipes intersect, as existing frames do not effectively minimize weight while maintaining structural integrity.

Innovation Solution

The ROPS frame incorporates plate-shaped joints and collars with bolts to couple the ends of pipes orthogonally, allowing for a lightweight and strong connection between pipes, preventing buckling, and simplifying the structure at the points of intersection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional heavy coupling methods are used at pipe intersections, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight at pipe intersectionsVSAvoidstructural integrity at pipe intersections

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into separate components: a collar that fits over the pipe end and a separate joint that connects to the collar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both weight and strength, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity at pipe intersections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar is designed to fit over the pipe end, creating a nested structure where the collar contains the pipe end. This nesting approach reduces the need for additional heavy coupling materials while maintaining structural strength through the concentric arrangement of components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If complex coupling structures are used at pipe intersections, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity at pipe intersectionsVSAvoidcomplexity of pipe coupling structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the coupling system into a collar and a joint component, the structure becomes more modular and easier to manufacture and assemble. Each segment has a specific function, simplifying the overall design while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar is designed to serve multiple functions: it reinforces the pipe end, provides a mounting surface for the joint, and distributes loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12187214B2ROPS frame for work vehicle, and work vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A ROPS frame for a work vehicle includes: a first pipe having an end; a second pipe having an end facing the end of the first pipe; a plate-shaped first joint coupled to the end of the first pipe and oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal direction of the pipes; a plate-shaped second joint coupled to the end of the second pipe and oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the pipes, the second joint being placed on the first joint; and a bolt extending through the first and second joints and fastening the first and second joints to each other.