Tractor Cabin Fuel Tank Support Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

In tractors with cabins, the existing support structures for fuel tanks often require either reducing the fuel tank dimensions or sacrificing occupant space to accommodate vertical displacement of the cabin, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and potential interference between the fuel tank and cabin.

Innovation Solution

A tractor design featuring a fuel tank supported by the cabin's front surface, a center frame enclosing the fuel tank's sides and top, and an external-force transmission mechanism that allows lateral forces to be transmitted to the center frame without vertical displacement, eliminating the need for additional space between the fuel tank and cabin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the fuel tank is attached to a support frame fixed to the body, then the fuel tank is securely supported, but space must be created around the fuel tank to allow vertical displacement of the cabin, reducing effective space utilization

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a fixed support frame to a dynamic support system where the fuel tank is attached to the cabin rather than the body. This allows the fuel tank to move vertically with the cabin during vibration isolation, eliminating the need for static clearance space and improving space utilization while maintaining support reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the cabin as an intermediary between the body and the fuel tank. The vibration-isolation coupler mediates between the body and cabin, while the fuel tank couples to the cabin, creating a hierarchical support system that resolves the conflict between stable support and space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the fuel tank is supported by the cabin, then space utilization is improved, but lateral displacement of the cabin may cause interference between the fuel tank and the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force transmission paths by introducing directional force transmission mechanisms. The support structure is divided into vertical force isolation (via vibration-isolation coupler) and lateral force transmission (via guide members), allowing independent control of different displacement directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force transmission parameters by making the support structure directionally selective. The guide members have different stiffness characteristics for lateral versus vertical forces, transmitting lateral forces to prevent interference while allowing vertical movement for vibration isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7464782B2Tractor with cabin

Publication Date: 2008.12.16

AI summary

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fuel tank is supported by the front surface of an operator's cabin. A center frame fixed to a body is coupled to the fuel tank via an external-force transmission part. The external-force transmission part permits vertical movement of the cabin relative to the center frame, while regulating lateral movement of the cabin relative to the center frame when an external force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the cabin.