Work Vehicle Frame Supports for Lightweight Joint Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles with T-shaped cast steel joints in their frames are heavy, costly, and require strict component management.
Innovation Solution
The work vehicle design eliminates T-shaped cast steel joints by using first and second supports, which are fixed to the upper end of vertical frame portions and coupled to side frame members, reinforcing the frame structure without increasing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If T-shaped cast steel joints are used to connect the arch-shaped frame to side frame members, then the structural strength is ensured, but the vehicle weight increases and production cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped cast steel joint is divided into separate components: the arch-shaped frame component, the side frame member component, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using lighter materials and standard processes, eliminating the need for heavy cast steel joints while maintaining structural integrity through proper connection design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction by combining different materials and connection methods - using lighter gauge steels with appropriate fasteners (bolts, welds, or rivets) instead of monolithic cast steel joints. This composite approach achieves equivalent or superior structural strength while significantly reducing component weight.
2Strength
If T-shaped cast steel joints are used to connect the arch-shaped frame to side frame members, then the structural strength is ensured, but the production cost increases and component management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the joint into separate, standardizable components, the invention enables independent manufacturing of each part using conventional processes. This eliminates the need for specialized cast steel joint production, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while allowing for easier quality control and component management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex cast steel joints with simpler, cheaper components that can be manufactured using standard processes. While individual components may be less durable than cast steel, the overall system achieves comparable performance at lower cost with easier replaceability and maintenance.
3Strength
If T-shaped cast steel joints are used to connect the arch-shaped frame to side frame members, then the connection strength is ensured, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is segmented into discrete components connected by standard fastening mechanisms, which simplifies the overall structural design. Each component can be optimized independently, and the connection methods (bolts, welds, rivets) are well-understood standard practices, reducing design and manufacturing complexity compared to monolithic cast steel joints.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes an occupant space; a frame extending over the occupant space and including a lateral frame portion extending laterally relative to a body; and left and right vertical frame portions extending downward from left and right ends of the lateral frame portion; a first support and a second support fixed to an upper end of each vertical frame portion, the first support extending forward from a front end of the upper end of each vertical frame portion, the second support extending backward from a back end of the upper end of each vertical frame portion; and left and right side frame members each extending in a front-back direction relative to the body and having an intermediate portion in the front-back direction relative to the body which is fixed to the first support and the second support of a corresponding one of the vertical frame portions.