Universal Side Frame Tank Support for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side frames for construction machines are model-specific, leading to increased costs due to the need for customized tank support portions that vary in size depending on the machine model.
Innovation Solution
A side frame design that includes a cab support portion, a cooler support portion, and a tank support portion between them, allowing for the selective attachment of tanks of different sizes, enabling the same side frame to be used across multiple machine models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a side frame with a tank support portion is prepared for each model of construction machines, then the tank support portion can be precisely fitted to the specific tank size, but the costs of the construction machines increase due to the need to create and manage multiple side frames
Solution Approach 1:
The tank support portion is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate tanks of different sizes across multiple construction machine models. The support portion includes a support plate with multiple mounting holes arranged in different patterns, allowing it to serve various tank configurations without requiring model-specific custom designs, thereby reducing overall costs while maintaining precise fit for different tank sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a side frame is designed to be shared by multiple construction machine models, then the costs are reduced, but the tank support portion may not securely support tanks of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The tank support portion is segmented into modular components: a support plate with multiple sets of mounting holes arranged in different patterns, and separate mounting brackets or fasteners. This segmentation allows the same support structure to be configured for different tank sizes by selecting appropriate mounting patterns, ensuring reliable support for various tank configurations while maintaining universal compatibility across models
3Ease of manufacture
If customized tank support portions are created for each model, then the tank support is optimized for that specific model, but the complexity of managing multiple side frame designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal tank support portion design is created with multiple mounting hole patterns and configurable mounting brackets that can accommodate different tank sizes and configurations. This eliminates the need to create and manage multiple model-specific side frame designs, reducing administrative complexity and inventory management burden while maintaining manufacturing optimization for various applications through a standardized multi-functional component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to reduce the costs of construction machine by providing a side frame that can be shared by a plurality of construction machines of different models. A left side frame has: a cab support portion for supporting a cab; a cooler support portion provided behind the cab support portion to support a cooler; and a tank support portion provided between the cab support portion and the cooler support portion to support a tank. The tank support portion is configured to allow one of a first tank and a second tank that is different from the first tank in size in the right-and-left direction to be selectively attached to the tank support portion.