Cab Suspension Layout for Compact Work Vehicle Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Specialty vehicles, such as vineyard tractors, require improved suspension systems that can accommodate their unique dimensions while maintaining high operational performance and driver comfort, as standard systems are not suitable due to their uncommon sizes.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system comprising a front and rear suspension portion with deformable elements like air springs and a damping system, including hydraulic cylinders and air bellows, that allows for adjustable cab movement relative to the chassis, effectively dampening vibrations and maintaining comfort without requiring large spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard suspension systems are used on specialty vehicles, then the system design is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate the uncommon dimensions of specialty vehicles and maintains high operational performance
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate front and rear suspension portions, each independently configured to accommodate the specific dimensional constraints of specialty vehicles. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific location and functional requirements without requiring a complete redesign of the entire suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different suspension configurations to different locations on the vehicle - the front suspension portion uses a first configuration while the rear suspension portion uses a second configuration. This local differentiation allows the system to adapt to the uncommon dimensions of specialty vehicles at each specific location rather than using a uniform design throughout.
2Length of moving object
If suspension systems are designed for small dimensions, then the system fits specialty vehicles, but the damping effect and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pneumatic or hydraulic damping elements within the suspension portions to provide effective vibration dampening within the limited space available on specialty vehicles. These fluid-based damping mechanisms deliver high damping effects without requiring large physical dimensions, thus maintaining both compact size and comfort performance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional suspension systems are used, then the system is simple to implement, but driver comfort is insufficient due to inadequate vibration dampening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension and damping functions into an integrated suspension system configuration where the front and rear suspension portions work together with damping elements. This combination provides enhanced driver comfort through effective vibration dampening while maintaining a cohesive system design that is relatively simple to implement as a complete unit.
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 proposed suspension system enhances comfort by providing a high damping effect, suitable for small tractors, while being cost-effective and adaptable to specialty vehicles, ensuring improved operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
deformable elements like air springs
Implementation Method 2
damping system, including hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
air bellows
Data Source
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AI summary
Suspension system (4) for a work vehicle (1) provided with a cab (2) and a chassis (3), and configured to damp the relative movement between cab (2) and chassis (3), the suspension system (4) comprising a front suspension portion (5) and a rear suspension portion (6) along a longitudinal axis (A) of vehicle (1), the rear suspension portion (6) comprising a connection portion (12) and a damping system (13), the connection portion (12) comprising an upper extremity (12b) and a lower extremity (12a) along a vertical direction axis (B), the upper extremity (12a) being operatively connected to the cab (2) via damping system (13) and lower extremity (12a) being fixedly connected to chassis (3) .