Tractor-Mounted Dual Tank Frame for Compact Width and Hood Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural equipment, specifically liquid tanks mounted on tractors, face challenges in maintaining a compact design while providing adequate support and access to the engine compartment, as existing solutions often increase the tractor's width and interfere with the hood's movement.
Innovation Solution
A liquid tank assembly with two tanks supported by interconnected frames that pivotally mount to the tractor, using a support beam to extend under the engine compartment and a gusset to allow hood movement, distributing forces between tanks to reduce stress on the tractor and maintain a width within legal transportation limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tanks are mounted on the tractor to supply crop inputs, then the functionality of supplying liquid crop inputs is improved, but the width of the tractor increases beyond legal transportation limits
Solution Approach 1:
The tank assembly is positioned in the longitudinal dimension (front-to-rear) of the tractor rather than extending laterally, allowing tanks to be mounted over the front wheels without increasing the tractor's width beyond legal limits
2Quantity of substance
If tanks are mounted on the tractor, then the capacity for storing liquid crop inputs is improved, but the engine compartment becomes inaccessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is divided into separate components (first support frame for first tank, second support frame for second tank, and a support member coupling them) that can be independently positioned and configured to allow engine access
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is configured to extend under the engine compartment and is coupled with pivot connections that allow the tanks and support frames to pivot relative to the tractor, enabling the hood to be raised and lowered for maintenance access
3Stability of the object's composition
If tanks are rigidly mounted to the tractor, then the stability of the tanks is improved, but the stress on the tractor structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pivot connections are used between the mounting members and support bars, allowing the tank assembly to dynamically adjust and pivot relative to the tractor while maintaining stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second support frames are coupled together through the support member, creating a unified assembly that distributes the weight and forces from both tanks across multiple mounting points on the tractor
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a liquid tank assembly is provided and configured to be mounted to a tractor. The liquid tank assembly includes a first tank configured to contain liquid, a second tank configured to contain liquid, a first support frame coupled to and supporting the first tank, and the first support frame includes a first mounting member configured to mount the first support frame to the tractor. The liquid tank assembly also includes a second support frame coupled to and supporting the second tank. The second support frame includes a second mounting member configured to mount the second support frame to the tractor, and the first support frame is coupled to the second support frame. In one aspect, a liquid tank assembly is provided and configured to be mounted to a tractor having a maximum width. A tank assembly width is no greater than a maximum width of the tractor.