Cab Tilt Device Linkage Minimizes Vertical Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cab tilt devices in heavy motor vehicles, especially those sprung at four points, face challenges in minimizing vertical space occupation during tilting while maintaining good springing and reducing swaying, and are affected by shocks from the tilt cylinder, which complicates springing and limits cargo space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A cab tilt device with a forward link mechanism and connecting means that keeps the spring means compressed during initial tilting, eliminating axial play and allowing for a tighter tilt curve, similar to two-point sprung cabs, by using a linkage system that maintains the compressed state of the spring means throughout the tilting process, thus eliminating the need for hydraulic tilt cylinders and reducing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a cab tilt device with four-point springing is used, then the springing of the cab is improved and swaying is reduced, but the cab occupies more vertical space during tilting and limits superstructure placement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecab springing and swaying reductionVSAvoidvertical space occupation during tilting
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism that adapts the cab's tilting path. The linkage system with pivotable connections between the tilt cylinder, forward link means, and cab allows the cab to follow a tighter tilt curve that minimizes vertical space occupation while maintaining stability throughout the tilting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The forward link means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tilt cylinder and the cab. This linkage system transfers the tilting force while controlling the cab's movement path, enabling the cab to tilt along a compact arc that reduces vertical space requirements compared to direct cylinder-to-cab connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If axial play is introduced in the tilt cylinder to absorb shocks during travel, then the springing is protected from cylinder shocks, but the springing must adapt to the complicated action of the tilt cylinder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of cab springing from cylinder shocksVSAvoidspringing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shock absorption function from the springing system and relocates it to the linkage mechanism. The axial play is introduced in the forward link means rather than the tilt cylinder, separating the shock absorption function from the springing adaptation requirement and simplifying the overall system control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilt cylinder connection is segmented into multiple pivotable joints through the forward link means. This segmentation allows the shock absorption to occur at the linkage level while the springing system maintains its primary function without needing to adapt to complex cylinder movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cab tilts forward with center of gravity behind the tilt cylinder fastening, then the cab slopes rearwards initially, but this increases the vertical space occupation and limits superstructure options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecab tilting functionalityVSAvoidvertical space during tilting process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism dynamically adjusts the cab's tilting trajectory. By using pivotable connections and appropriate linkage geometry, the system compensates for the rearward slope tendency and guides the cab along a tighter arc that minimizes vertical space occupation throughout the entire tilting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the tilting path through the linkage design. By optimizing the lengths and pivot points of the forward link means, the system achieves a tilt curve that maintains the necessary rearward slope for stability while minimizing the maximum vertical space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for a cab tilting process that minimizes vertical space occupation, maintains good springing and reduces swaying, and enables tighter tilt curves, increasing cargo space utilization by preventing the cab from rising to a higher level than before tilting, thus allowing for more efficient placement of superstructures like cooling units.

Implementation Method 1

comprising a spring means fastened pivotably close to the forward lower portion of the cab

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a forward link means adapted to being connected pivotably to the cab, and with a connecting means connected to the cab, which connecting means is adapted to connecting said cab tilt means and said forward link means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP1957347B1Cab tilt device
Publication Date: 2010.04.21 SCANIA CV AB
  • EP1957347B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1957347B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1957347B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The invention relates to a cab tilt device fitted to a cab of a motor vehicle, e.g. a truck, comprising at least one cab tilt means adapted to applying to the cab a tilt force in order to tilt said cab in the forward direction of the cab about a chassis fastening arranged close to the cab's forward lower portion and comprising a spring means fastened pivotably close to the cab's forward lower portion, whereby a forward link means (30; 130) is adapted to being connected pivotably to the cab, and whereby a connecting means (40; 140) is connected to the cab (4), which connecting means is adapted to connecting said cab tilt means (50; 150) and said forward link means (30; 130), whereby tilt force applied from the cab tilt means (50; 150) during tilting is adapted to being transmitted via the connecting means (40; 140) to the cab (4) in such a way that the spring means (14) is kept substantially compressed at least during the initial stage of the tilting process.