Self-Aligning Tractor Axle Tank Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tractor tank mounting systems place excessive weight on the front axle and tires, leading to potential malfunction and limit the size of tanks that can be mounted, as they are not designed to handle the weight efficiently, exceeding manufacturer recommendations.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning tractor axle mounted tank system with an integrated hub and spindle assembly, featuring a rotating spindle and bearing housing with aligned brackets, allows for vertical mounting and even load distribution, using a guide arm assembly to align and stabilize the tank frame during attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tanks are mounted near the front axle and tires of the tractor, then the mounting is simple and feasible, but the front axle and tires bear excessive weight leading to potential malfunction and limiting tank size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from front-axle mounting to rear-axle mounting, changing the spatial dimension of tank placement. This dimensional shift moves the load-bearing location from the front axle (which has limited capacity) to the rear axle (which has greater capacity), thereby resolving the contradiction between mounting feasibility and axle reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If large tanks are mounted to the side of the tractor, then storage capacity increases, but tire manufacturer and tractor manufacturer maximum weight recommendations are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates tank mounting from the front axle area to the rear axle area, utilizing the rear axle's higher load-bearing capacity. This spatial repositioning enables larger tank capacities while remaining within manufacturer weight recommendations, as the rear axle is designed to handle greater loads than the front axle.
3Productivity
If tanks are mounted with weight resting on the rear axle and tires, then larger tanks can be mounted to aid efficiency, but alignment and support during mounting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide arms as intermediary components that facilitate the mounting process. These guide arms provide alignment and support during installation, making it easier to mount large tanks on the rear axle without requiring complex manual alignment procedures, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and mounting ease.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional tank mounting apparatus are used, then mounting can be performed, but significant difficulties remain in aligning and supporting tanks during attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs guide arms as intermediary structures that actively assist in the mounting process. These guide arms provide mechanical guidance and support, eliminating the alignment difficulties associated with traditional mounting apparatus. The guide arms ensure proper positioning during attachment, making the process both capable and easy to perform.
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 reduces the difficulties in mounting rear axle tanks, extends the life of bearings through even load distribution, and allows for larger tanks to be mounted without exceeding weight recommendations, ensuring efficient tractor operation.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing housing comprises at least one bearing assembly positioned to approximately evenly distribute a load placed on the bearing housing
Implementation Method 2
a housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A self-aligning tractor axle mounted tank system for vertically mounting a tank to a tractor is provided comprising; an integrated hub and spindle, a housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the housing, and at least one housing bracket connected to the housing and adapted to mount a tank frame assembly, wherein the housing bracket is configured to align the tank frame assembly with the housing during vertical mounting. Additionally, an integrated hub and spindle assembly is provided comprising; a spindle connected to a hub, and a bearing housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the bearing housing. Furthermore, a process for mounting a self-aligning tank to the rear axle of a tractor is provided.