Cab Sub-Frame Tilt Mechanism for Roll-Over Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cab supporting structures for machines like wheel loaders and excavators are not robust enough to prevent separation during roll-over and do not allow for tilting without disconnecting vibration damping mechanisms, which are difficult to properly torque in the field.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sub-frame that tilts relative to the machine supporting frame, incorporating vibration damping mechanisms to inhibit shock and vibration transmission, dead stop mechanisms to limit movement, and a rigid connection that can be selectively disconnected to permit tilting of the cab without breaking the attenuation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust rigid connection is used between the cab and supporting frame, then protection against roll-over is improved, but the ability to tilt the cab for inspection and servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct mechanisms: a rigid connection for roll-over protection and a pivot connection for tilting. The rigid connection includes robust linkages and mounting structures that remain engaged during operation to prevent cab separation in roll-over events. The pivot connection allows the sub-frame and cab to tilt relative to the supporting frame when needed for inspection and servicing, resolving the contradiction by providing both functions through separate dedicated mechanisms.
2Reliability
If vibration damping mechanisms are factory assembled with specific fastener torques, then vibration attenuation is improved, but the ease of field maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration damping mechanisms are pre-assembled at the factory with properly torqued fasteners to ensure optimal vibration attenuation performance. This preliminary action ensures that the complex torque specifications are correctly applied during manufacturing when proper tools and procedures are available, while the design allows for straightforward field maintenance through the pivot connection that can be operated without specialized equipment.
3Ease of repair
If the cab is made removable from the supporting frame, then ease of servicing is improved, but the robustness of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic system that can adapt its state. The rigid connection provides strong structural attachment during normal operation and roll-over events, while the pivot connection enables controlled tilting and potential removal when servicing is required. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain both robustness during operation and ease of servicing when needed.
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 provides enhanced protection against roll-over by maintaining a robust connection and allowing for easy inspection and servicing by enabling the cab to tilt relative to the frame without affecting the vibration damping mechanisms, while simplifying the disconnection process to prevent separation during roll-over events.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vibration damping mechanisms configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations between the sub-frame and the cab
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for connecting a cab to a machine supporting frame. A sub-frame is secured to the machine supporting frame and is configured to tilt relative to the machine supporting frame. A plurality of vibration damping mechanisms is configured to at least partially inhibit transmission of shocks and vibrations between the sub-frame and the cab. A plurality of dead stop mechanisms is configured to limit movement between the sub-frame and the cab. A rigid connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to be selectively disconnected. A pivot connection between the machine supporting frame and the sub-frame is configured to permit the sub-frame and the cab to be tilted relative to the machine supporting frame upon disconnection of the rigid connection.