Wheel Housing Storage Layout for Forage Harvester Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines, such as forage harvesters, face a challenge in providing additional storage space without increasing their overall size, particularly due to limited space availability and the adverse effects of external storage devices on machine dimensions.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a storage compartment within the wheel housing of the machine, utilizing the space around the ground engagement means, and relocating functional assemblies like the urea pump to this area, thereby freeing up space for a larger fuel tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a storage device is placed externally on the forage harvester, then storage space is provided, but the overall size of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is nested within the wheel housing structure, utilizing the space between the fender and the ground engagement means. This allows the storage function to be embedded within an existing structural component rather than adding an external addition, thus providing storage space without increasing the overall machine dimensions
2Quantity of substance
If a storage device is placed on the underside of the forage harvester, then storage space is provided, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the storage device vertically on the underside (which would reduce ground clearance), the storage compartment is positioned in the radial dimension within the wheel housing, between the fender and the ground engagement means. This dimensional repositioning provides storage space without affecting the vertical ground clearance of the machine
3Volume of stationary object
If the urea pump is relocated to the wheel housing, then space in the machine is freed up for enlarging the fuel tank, but the functional assembly becomes more exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The urea pump is nested within the wheel housing structure, which provides both space optimization and protection. The housing encloses the functional assembly, offering mechanical protection while allowing easy access when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility
4Strength
If existing structures are used for storage, then structural integrity is maintained, but available space for storage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel housing structure is utilized with its inherent structural integrity, and the storage compartment is created by defining a specific local space within this existing structure. The mounting plate provides localized structural support for the storage compartment, maintaining overall structural integrity while creating new storage capacity within the existing framework
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural machine (12), in particular a forage harvester (1), comprising an axle body (14) with at least one ground engagement means (15) arranged on the axle body (14), further comprising a wheel housing (17) which includes a mudguard (18) radially surrounding the ground engagement means (15) on the outside in sections and a side wall (19), wherein a storage space (20) with a functional assembly (21) located therein is arranged on the side wall (19).