Patent ID: 11884329
Assignee: CATERPILLAR INC.
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  E | IPC B  E

Claim 0:
1. A space frame assembly for a machine, the space frame assembly comprising:
a plurality of frame members; and
a connector to connect a frame member of the plurality of frame members to one or more other frame members of the plurality of frame members, the connector including:
a body defining a surface and a projection extending outwardly from the surface along a main axis to define an axial end surface away from the surface, wherein the axial end surface defines a curvature having continuity across an expanse of the axial end surface to facilitate formation of a full penetration weld joint between an end of the frame member and the axial end surface upon a contact of the end of the frame member with the axial end surface,
wherein the frame member defines an inner wall, an inner cavity, and an outer wall, wherein the end of the frame member defines a beveled surface extending inwardly and tapering from the outer wall towards the inner wall, the beveled surface defining a first included angle with respect to the inner wall and a second included angle with respect to the outer wall, and wherein the second included angle is larger than the first included angle.