Cab Mount Stabilizer Switching for Leveling and Low Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cab mounts in utility vehicles face challenges in achieving effective stabilization and comfort during both stationary and dynamic conditions, particularly with adjustable vibration dampers that consume excessive energy when stationary and provide insufficient damping during low-frequency excitations.
Innovation Solution
A cab mount system with a stabilizer having two switching steps of different spring rates, activated during stationary operation to enhance stabilization, and adjustable actuators with supporting stops to minimize energy consumption and ensure leveling with minimal energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If adjustable vibration dampers are used with hard damping force setting to stabilize the cab during stationary operation, then stabilization is improved, but energy consumption of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer's spring rate is made dynamically adjustable through a switching mechanism that selects between a first spring rate for driving operation and a second spring rate for stationary operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both stabilization performance and energy consumption based on the operational state of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of spring rate in the stabilizer based on operational conditions. By switching between different spring rates (first spring rate for driving, second spring rate for stationary), the system adapts its mechanical properties to match the required stabilization level for each operational phase, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption during stationary operation.
2Reliability
If adjustable vibration dampers are set to hard damping force to block the cab, then cab blocking function is improved, but the actuator must be permanently fed as electric consumer
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous actuator operation, the system uses periodic or conditional actuation only when switching between operational states. The stabilizer spring rate is adjusted based on whether the vehicle is in driving or stationary mode, eliminating the need for permanent actuator power supply while maintaining reliable cab blocking function when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system utilizes the vehicle's operational state (driving vs. stationary) to automatically determine the appropriate spring rate configuration. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external power input, as the system autonomously adapts to operational conditions without requiring permanent actuator engagement.
3Ease of operation
If vibration damper provides low damping force for comfort during driving, then comfort is improved, but stabilizing effect is insufficient during low-frequency excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer dynamically switches between two spring rates based on the vehicle's operational state. During driving operation, the first spring rate provides appropriate stabilization while allowing comfort-oriented damping. During stationary operation, the second spring rate enhances the stabilizing effect to counteract low-frequency excitations and external disturbances, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and stabilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves enhanced stabilization and comfort by optimizing energy use and maintaining a level cab position with reduced energy input, even under external influences like crosswind, while allowing for efficient leveling and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
air springs (17) which are adjustable in terms of their spring constant
Implementation Method 2
adjustable vibration dampers (19)
Data Source
AI summary
A cab mount (25) for a vehicle (1) has a cab (5) separate from a vehicle frame (3). The cab is mounted so as to be levelable with respect to a vehicle standing surface by means of at least three adjustable actuators (7-13), and a levelness adjusted by the actuators is blockable at least when the vehicle is stationary. The cab mount has at least one stabilizer (27) for supporting roll movements of the cab during driving operation. The stabilizer has at least two switching steps with different spring rates, and the stabilizer has the higher of the at least two spring rates in stationary operation of the vehicle when the cab is leveled.