Work Vehicle Storage Tank Assembly Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tank assemblies for work vehicles compromise operator visibility and vehicle stability due to their placement and design, which can reduce performance and increase the risk of debris expulsion during operation.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank assembly is designed with a frame that positions tanks above and inward of the wheel assemblies, contouring to match the wheel curvature, thereby enhancing visibility and stability by lowering the center of gravity and blocking debris, while also allowing for efficient washing of crops and equipment without external water sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage tanks are mounted to the work vehicle for crop washing and equipment cleaning, then water availability for washing processes is improved, but operator visibility is reduced and center of gravity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is repositioned from a conventional high-mounted location to an unconventional position over the wheel assembly, utilizing the vertical space above the wheels. This dimensional relocation maintains water storage capacity while clearing the operator's visibility path through the cab windows, thus resolving the contradiction between water availability and operator visibility
2Quantity of substance
If storage tanks are mounted to the work vehicle for crop washing and equipment cleaning, then water availability for washing processes is improved, but vehicle stability is reduced due to increased center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is relocated to a lower vertical position over the wheel assembly rather than being mounted high on the vehicle body. This dimensional change in vertical positioning lowers the center of gravity, improving vehicle stability while still providing adequate water storage for washing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank is positioned over the wheel assembly, utilizing the wheel area as a counterweight zone. By placing the tank over the wheels rather than over the vehicle's center, the weight distribution is optimized to maintain better balance and stability during operation
3Quantity of substance
If storage tanks are mounted to the work vehicle, then water availability for washing processes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank mounting structure is merged with the existing wheel assembly support structure. The tank is positioned to utilize the wheel assembly's structural elements for support, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining water storage functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank assembly for a work vehicle includes a frame assembly configured to couple to a structure of the work vehicle. The storage tank assembly also includes a storage tank configured to store a liquid. The frame assembly is configured to support the storage tank on the structure of the work vehicle. In addition, the frame assembly is configured to position a first portion of the storage tank above a wheel assembly of the work vehicle, the first portion of the storage tank is contoured to substantially match a curvature of the wheel assembly, and the frame assembly is configured to position a second portion of the storage tank laterally inward of the wheel assembly such that the second portion of the storage tank extends within a vertical extent of the wheel assembly.