Washer Tank Inclined Surface for Top-View Liquid Level Checking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small hydraulic excavators, the limited space within the cab makes it difficult to visually check the remaining washer liquid level in the washer tank, leading to inefficient operations and potential overflows when the liquid runs out during use in dusty or muddy conditions.
Innovation Solution
The washer tank is designed as a transparent or translucent container with an inclined surface that allows the operator to easily view the liquid level from above, even when the tank is positioned in a way that prevents lateral visibility, and features a large filling port for efficient refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the washer tank is disposed in a limited space within the cab box, then the space utilization is improved, but the visual confirmation of washer liquid level becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viewing dimension from lateral (horizontal) to vertical (top-down) by designing the washer tank with an inclined bottom surface that creates a visible liquid level indicator on the side wall. This allows operators to check the liquid level from above the cab, resolving the contradiction between compact space utilization and ease of visual detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators such as colored markings or transparent sections on the tank wall that change appearance based on liquid level height. This allows the liquid level to be clearly detected from the top view without requiring the operator to look laterally at the tank, thus maintaining both compact positioning and easy monitoring.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the washer tank is positioned to be surrounded by cab box and other articles, then the space arrangement is optimized, but the remaining amount of washer liquid cannot readily be checked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables liquid level checking from the vertical/top dimension rather than requiring lateral access. The inclined bottom surface design creates a visible meniscus or level indicator on the tank wall that can be observed from above, allowing operators to monitor liquid levels even when the tank is surrounded by other components in the limited cab space.
3Productivity
If the washer liquid is not readily checked, then the operation continues without interruption, but overflow occurs during filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides continuous visual feedback about the liquid level through the inclined surface design that makes the level clearly visible from the top. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor the liquid level in real-time and stop filling before overflow occurs, ensuring both continuous operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows operators to take preliminary action by checking the liquid level before filling begins and during the filling process. The visible indicators enable proactive monitoring and timely intervention to prevent overflow, maintaining system reliability while ensuring continuous productive operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A washer tank (18) storing a washer liquid to be supplied to a front ejection device (16) and a rear ejection device (17) is composed of a transparent or translucent container and includes an inclined surface (19A) that inclines from a bottom surface (19D) to a top surface (19C) of a first container part (19). Therefore, as the height of a liquid level (L1, L2) of a washer liquid varies in the washer tank (18), a front end edge (P1, P2) of the liquid level (L1, L2) moves in the front-rear direction along the inclined surface (19A). This mechanism allows an operator to confirm a remaining amount (E1, E2) of the washer liquid only by checking the position of the front end edge (P1, P2) of the liquid level (L1, L2) shown on the inclined surface (19A) of the first container part (19) from above.