Work Machine Fuel Tank Placement in Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines, enlarging the fuel tank to reduce refueling frequency impairs operator visibility due to conventional placement constraints.
Innovation Solution
The fuel tank is disposed behind the engine within a hollow in the counterweight, maintaining operator visibility while increasing tank size, with the counterweight incorporating the heavier fuel tank to prevent rearward projection and maintain swing clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the fuel tank is enlarged to reduce refueling frequency, then the operation duration is improved, but the operator visibility deteriorates due to conventional placement constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is relocated from the conventional side placement to the rear placement within the counterweight, utilizing the unused hollow space in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows the tank to be enlarged without obstructing the operator's forward visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tank is nested within the hollow space of the counterweight, placing one object inside another. This nesting approach utilizes the existing counterweight structure to accommodate the enlarged fuel tank without increasing the overall machine footprint or compromising visibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fuel tank is placed on one side of the upper-part turning body, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the volume of the fuel tank is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is relocated from the conventional side placement to the rear placement within the counterweight, utilizing the unused hollow space in a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows the tank to be enlarged without obstructing the operator's forward visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight structure serves dual functions: maintaining machine balance and housing the fuel tank. By utilizing the hollow space within the counterweight for fuel storage, the design achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional separate structures.
3Volume of moving object
If the counterweight incorporates the fuel tank, then the volume of fuel tank is improved, but the weight distribution changes
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is designed to compensate for the weight of the boom and arm by extending rearward. By placing the fuel tank within the counterweight's hollow space, the design utilizes the counterweight structure to balance the forward weight distribution while accommodating the enlarged tank capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a lower-part traveling body, an upper-part turning body, an arm, a boom, a cab, an engine, a fuel tank, and a counterweight. The upper-part turning body is turnably disposed on the lower-part traveling body. The boom has a first end connected to the upper-part turning body and a second end connected to the arm. The cab is mounted on a front left of a frame of the upper-part turning body. The engine is disposed behind the cab on the frame. The fuel tank is disposed behind the engine on the frame. The counterweight is disposed behind the fuel tank on the frame. The fuel tank is disposed in a hollow formed in the counterweight.