Work Machine Engine Positioning for Inclined Surface Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned work vehicles, such as lawn mowers, face challenges when operating on inclined surfaces, including the risk of falling due to uneven weight distribution and insufficient rigidity, which affects stability and rigidity, particularly on steep or uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design includes an engine positioned between the first and second wheels to maintain the center of gravity on the uphill side, wider wheels on the downhill side for increased ground contact and stability, and a frame structure that enhances overall rigidity with additional frame members and lateral frames to prevent falling and improve durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is positioned conventionally in the vehicle body, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle body falls toward the valley side when traveling along a contour line of an inclined surface
Solution Approach 1:
The engine is positioned asymmetrically within the vehicle body, specifically on the hillside (upper side) rather than centrally or on the valley side. This asymmetric placement creates a weight distribution that generates a stabilizing moment counteracting the tendency to fall toward the valley side when traveling along contour lines on inclined surfaces
2Strength
If the frame is rectangular in plan view with standard dimensions, then the overall width is small, but the overall rigidity of the work vehicle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure incorporates additional lateral frames that extend in the width direction, and vertical frames that increase height, transforming the originally two-dimensional rectangular plan view into a three-dimensional rigid structure. This dimensional expansion provides enhanced rigidity without significantly increasing the ground footprint
3Strength
If additional frame members and lateral frames are added to increase rigidity, then the overall rigidity and durability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral frames and vertical frames are integrated into the existing rectangular frame structure, merging multiple structural elements into a unified rigid framework. The lateral frames connect to the longitudinal frames at optimized positions, creating a combined structure that maximizes rigidity while minimizing the number of separate components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration prevents the vehicle from sliding or falling on inclined surfaces by maintaining balance and increasing rigidity, ensuring stable operation and reducing the risk of damage from falls.
Implementation Method 1
the engine is supported by the vehicle body between the right first wheel and the right second wheel or between the left first wheel and the left second wheel in plan view... maintain the center of gravity on the uphill side
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle including: right and left first wheels (21) that are provided on one side of a vehicle body in a front-rear direction thereof; right and left second wheels (22) that are provided on the other side of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction thereof; and a work apparatus (8). An engine (6) is supported between the right first wheel (21) and the right second wheel (22) or between the left first wheel (21) and the left second wheel (22) in plan view.