Steering Bracket Merging Stiffener to Reduce Part Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering brackets for construction machines require additional stiffeners to withstand side-to-side loading, increasing part numbers and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A steering bracket design featuring an elongate member with a tapering profile and a short member, coupled with a plate member, which provides robust support and uniform load distribution, eliminating the need for additional stiffeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a cast steering bracket is used to withstand steering induced loads, then the steering bracket can handle steering loads, but additional stiffeners are required to withstand side-to-side loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering bracket and stiffener into a single integrated fabricated structure. The longitudinal member serves dual purposes: it functions as the steering bracket for mounting the steering cylinder and simultaneously acts as a stiffener for the rear frame. This integration eliminates the need for separate stiffener components while providing both steering load capacity and side-to-side loading resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides steering support by mounting the steering cylinder, acts as a stiffener for the rear frame to prevent cracking under side-to-side loading, and serves as a structural component that distributes loads uniformly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If additional stiffeners are mounted proximate to the cast steering bracket to prevent cracking, then frame cracking is prevented, but part numbers and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering bracket and stiffener are merged into a single fabricated structure, eliminating the need for separate stiffener components. This integration reduces part numbers, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers assembly costs while maintaining the crack prevention function through the longitudinal member's structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a cast steering bracket design to a fabricated structure with specific dimensional parameters. The longitudinal member's length, height, and positioning are optimized to provide both steering support and stiffening functions, achieving crack prevention through parameter optimization rather than adding separate components.
3Force
If a cast steering bracket is used, then steering loads are withstood, but side-to-side loading requires additional structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal member integrates both steering bracket and stiffener functions, providing simultaneous support for steering loads and side-to-side loading. The member's structural configuration allows it to handle steering induced loads through its mounting function while its extended length and positioning provide stiffening support against side-to-side forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal member features a tapering profile with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. This geometric variation optimizes the member's structural properties, providing enhanced strength and stiffness where needed while maintaining efficient load distribution for both steering and side-to-side loading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering bracket for a construction machine includes a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body length defined along a longitudinal axis of the body. The body includes an elongate member adapted to be coupled directly with a frame of the construction machine. The elongate member has a first length defined along the longitudinal axis and a first height defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The body also includes a short member adapted to be coupled directly with the frame of the construction machine. The short member is spaced apart from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The short member has a second length defined along the longitudinal axis. The second length is less than the first length. The body further includes a plate member coupled between the elongate member and the short member.