Underside Compartment for Construction Equipment Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction equipment designs often face challenges in accessing and protecting components such as fuel filler pumps, hydraulic or electric devices, and tool compartments due to limited space and exposure to environmental damages like dirt, dust, water, ice, and snow.
Innovation Solution
The integration of flaps or compartments at the underside of the upper frame, which can be easily opened and closed, providing accessible storage while protecting contents from environmental influences and allowing for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are positioned higher in the upper frame for better visibility and access, then ease of operation is improved, but protection against environmental influences and damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves components from the traditional upper surface of the upper frame to the underside, utilizing an underutilized spatial dimension. This dimensional shift allows components to be protected from environmental factors while maintaining accessibility through strategically positioned access openings in the upper frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces access openings and flap mechanisms as intermediary elements between the components on the underside and the operator. These intermediaries enable component access and maintenance while the closed flap protects components from environmental influences when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more components are added to the upper frame to increase functionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The underside of the upper frame is designed as a universal mounting platform that can accommodate multiple different types of components (fuel filler pumps, hydraulic devices, electrical components, tool compartments). This universal approach increases functional capacity without requiring separate specialized structures for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested compartment structures where tool compartments and storage spaces are integrated within the overall upper frame assembly. Smaller components can be housed within larger structural elements, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of repair
If components are exposed for easy maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but protection against damage and environmental influences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access mechanisms including hinged flaps and removable covers that can be opened for maintenance and closed for protection. This dynamic system allows the structure to transition between protected and accessible states, enabling easy repair while maintaining reliability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access openings and flap mechanisms are pre-positioned and pre-configured to provide direct access to components. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for disassembly during maintenance, allowing operators to quickly access and repair components while the closed flap maintains protection during normal operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A construction equipment comprising an undercarriage on which an upper frame (1) is mounted, especially in the form of an excavator or crane, is disclosed. At an underside (2) of the upper frame (1) at least one flap and/or at least one compartment (3) is arranged which can be open and closed and which is adapted such that a component of the construction equipment can be operated or is accessible or can be stored when the flap or compartment (3) is open, or such that a compartment is provided for a fuel filler pump, a fuel suction hose, tools, accessories and/or spare parts.