Load bearing member arrangement and method
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsBrian R. Janes, Christy L. Lee, Dirk J. Schreuder, Charles F. Sieck
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In the design of load bearing members for use in work machines, it is oftentimes beneficial to minimize the weight of such structures which, in turn, may allow for increased payloads and decreased cycle times of the work machine. A load bearing arrangement for use with a work machine of the type having a platform is provided. The load bearing arrangement comprises a plurality of pieces connectable to form a member structured and arranged for pivotable attachment to the platform. A weldment connects at least two of the pieces where at least one weldment is simulated for effects of heat on at least one of the pieces subject to the weldment.
Claims46
A load bearing arrangement for use with a work machine of the type having a platform, comprising:
- at least one member structured and arranged for coupling to the platform;
- said member having an end comprising a material having a first yield strength;
- an aperture formed in said end and having an aperture wall;
- at least one support member contained within said opening adjacent to at least a portion of said aperture wall;
- and
- said support member having a second yield strength greater than said first yield strength.
A load bearing arrangement for use with a work machine of the type having a platform, comprising:
- a plurality of pieces connectable to form a member structured and arranged for pivotable attachment to the platform;
- a weldment connecting at least two of said pieces;
- and
- at least one said weldment being simulated for effects of heat on at least one of said pieces subject to said weldment.
A load bearing apparatus, comprising:
- a work machine having a platform;
- at first member, having a longitudinal axis, coupled to said platform;
- a first movement means for moving said first member relative to said platform;
- a second member, having a longitudinal axis, pivotally coupled to said first member;
- a second movement means for moving said second member relative to said first member;
- a plurality of pieces connectable to form at least one of said first and second members;
- a weldment connecting at least two of said pieces;
- and
- at least one said weldment being simulated for effects of heat on at least one of said pieces subject to said weldment.
A method of manufacturing a load bearing member, comprising a plurality of pieces, for use with a work machine, comprising the steps of:
- forming the pieces;
- connecting at least two of the pieces by a weldment;
- and
- determining the effects of heat caused by the weldment on at least one of said pieces subject to said weldment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.