Cab Frame Sensor Assembly for Multi-DOF Suspension Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing a sensor system capable of monitoring the position of a cab frame in work vehicles that allows for multiple degrees of freedom movement relative to a fixed component has proven difficult due to the need for accurate positioning in various directions.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system with a sensor assembly that includes a sensor coupled to the cab frame, a pivotally connected sensor arm, and a sensor linkage extending between the sensor arm and a support bracket, allowing the sensor linkage to move with three degrees of freedom by being coupled to the support bracket via a tapered opening or alternative joints like ball and socket, enabling accurate monitoring of the cab frame's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor assembly is rigidly coupled to monitor cab frame position, then measurement precision is improved, but the system cannot accommodate the cab frame's multiple degrees of freedom movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecab frame position monitoring accuracyVSAvoidaccommodation of multiple degrees of freedom movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is divided into separate components: a sensor mounted on the cab frame, a sensor arm pivotally connected to the sensor, and a sensor linkage connecting the sensor arm to the support bracket. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific movements independently, enabling the system to maintain measurement precision while accommodating multiple degrees of freedom through the pivotal and rotational joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor arm and sensor linkage act as intermediary elements between the sensor and the support bracket. These intermediaries transmit positional information from the moving cab frame to the fixed support bracket while compensating for relative movements through their own degrees of freedom, allowing the sensor to maintain accurate monitoring without being rigidly coupled to either component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor linkage is rigidly fixed to the support bracket, then structural stability is improved, but the sensor cannot accommodate rotation and translation of the cab frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor linkage stabilityVSAvoidaccommodation of cab frame movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the sensor linkage and support bracket is made dynamic rather than rigid. The sensor linkage is allowed to rotate relative to the support bracket about a non-parallel axis, and the sensor arm pivots relative to the sensor. These dynamic connections enable the system to maintain stability through controlled movement, accommodating the cab frame's rotation and translation while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the degrees of freedom parameters of the sensor assembly. By allowing rotation about non-parallel axes and pivotal movement, the system transforms from a rigid fixed-parameter connection to a flexible multi-parameter connection that can adapt to various cab frame positions and orientations while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple joints and linkages are added to accommodate movement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of multiple degrees of freedomVSAvoidsensor assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arm serves multiple functions: it connects the sensor to the linkage system, provides pivotal movement capability, and transmits positional information. The linkage system simultaneously accommodates rotation, translation, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly uses a nested structure where the sensor arm is pivotally connected to the sensor, and the sensor linkage connects the sensor arm to the support bracket. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple movement capabilities within a relatively simple structure, accommodating complex cab frame movements without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9889893B2Suspension system for a work vehicle and related sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A system for suspending a cab frame relative to a base component of a work vehicle may generally include a sensor assembly coupled between the cab frame and the base component. The sensor assembly may include a sensor coupled to the cab frame and a sensor arm configured to pivot relative to the sensor. The sensor assembly may also include a sensor linkage extending lengthwise between a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the sensor arm. Additionally, the second end portion of the sensor linkage may be coupled to the base component such that the second end portion is rotatable relative to the base component about at least two different axes.