Vertical Motor-Pump Assembly for Small Excavator Battery Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric construction machines face challenges in accommodating large batteries due to space constraints, limiting the operating time of small hydraulic excavators.

Innovation Solution

The electric motor and hydraulic pump are vertically located alongside each other, allowing for a more compact configuration that expands space for the battery installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electric motor and hydraulic pump are located separately on the body frame, then each component can be properly positioned, but the space for the battery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent positioningVSAvoidbattery space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor and hydraulic pump are merged into a single integrated unit, where the hydraulic pump is positioned directly above the electric motor. This vertical integration consolidates the space these components occupy, creating a compact assembly that frees up horizontal space on the body frame for installing a larger battery with sufficient capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of components to a vertical arrangement. By positioning the hydraulic pump vertically above the electric motor rather than horizontally alongside it, the design utilizes the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint, thereby expanding available space for the battery installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of moving object

If the battery capacity is increased to extend operating time, then the operating time is extended, but the space requirements on the body frame are not met in small excavators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidbody frame space
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By reconfiguring the component layout from horizontal to vertical arrangement, the patent recovers horizontal space on the body frame. This newly available space allows installation of a larger capacity battery that can extend the operating time of small hydraulic excavators without exceeding the body frame's spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The integration of the electric motor and hydraulic pump into a compact vertical assembly reduces the overall space occupied by these components. This space optimization creates room on the body frame for accommodating a larger battery, thereby extending operating time while maintaining compatibility with small excavator dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4306724A1Electric work machine
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4306724A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306724A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4306724A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To install an energy storage device with sufficient capacity thereby to extend operating time of an electric work machine, even for a small electric work machine. [Solution] A hydraulic excavator, as an electric work machine, includes an electric motor, an energy storage device that stores electric power for driving the electric motor, and a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor. The electric motor and the hydraulic pump are vertically located alongside.