Stabilizing Leg with Segmented Liquid Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stabilizing legs for construction vehicles face corrosion issues when liquids come into direct contact with the steel structure, leading to maintenance challenges, reduced lifespan, and increased costs due to complex cleaning and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizing leg with compartments that house liquids, using tanks made of non-oxidizable materials like polymeric materials or non-corrosive metals, connected via hydraulic and electrical systems, allowing for easy sanitization and switching between liquid types without contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If liquid compartments are made directly in the stabilizing leg structure, then liquid storage capacity is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to direct contact between liquid and steel structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid storage capacityVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing leg is segmented into structural components and liquid storage compartments. The compartments are separated from the steel structure by distinct walls made of non-oxidizable materials, allowing the liquid storage function to be isolated from the structural steel, thereby preventing corrosion while maintaining storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary material (non-oxidizable material) is introduced between the liquid and the steel structure. This intermediary forms the compartment walls that prevent direct contact between corrosive liquids and the steel, acting as a protective barrier that maintains both storage functionality and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex cleaning operations are performed to decontaminate liquid compartments, then liquid type switching capability is improved, but maintenance time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid type switching capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compartments are designed as separate, modular units with defined access points. This segmentation allows for targeted cleaning and decontamination of specific compartments without requiring complete disassembly or cleaning of the entire stabilizing leg structure, reducing maintenance time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different compartments can be designed with different access and cleaning characteristics based on their specific liquid storage requirements. The compartment walls and access points are locally optimized to facilitate easy cleaning for each specific liquid type, enabling quick switching between different liquids without extensive maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple auxiliary devices are added to transport and deliver washing liquid and fuel, then liquid supply capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid supply capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing leg structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural stabilization and simultaneously houses liquid storage compartments for washing water, fuel, and other auxiliary liquids. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive liquid supply capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid storage and supply system is merged with the stabilizing leg structure. The compartments are integrated into the leg's bearing structure, and the access points are combined with the leg's operational mechanisms, creating a unified system that reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3569561B1Stabilizing leg to support and stabilize a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 CIFA
  • EP3569561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3569561B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3569561B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Stabilizing leg to support and stabilize a motor vehicle (11) suitable to transport and deliver construction material. The stabilizing leg comprises a box-like bearing structure (22) defined by at least one upper element (18), a lower element (19) distanced from the upper element (18), and by a first covering panel (23), and a second covering panel (24) both connected to the upper element (18) and to the lower element (19) in order to define with them at least one substantially closed compartment (21). In at least one of either the first panel (23) or the second panel (24) at least one access aperture (26) to the compartment (21) is made.