Vehicle Cab Tunnel Layout for Operator Clearance and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vocational vehicles face challenges in optimizing cab size and ergonomics, with traditional designs often restricting operator clearance and accessibility due to the presence of support structures within the cab, leading to inefficiencies in space utilization and operator comfort.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a tunnel within the cab that accommodates the chassis, allowing seats to be positioned closer to the center and reducing the overall cab size while maintaining operator clearance, combined with a multi-step entry system for improved accessibility and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cab designs with support structures within the cab are used, then structural support is provided, but operator clearance and accessibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional support structures (tunnel, crossmembers, floor pan) from within the cab interior and relocates them to the chassis frame below the cab. This extraction eliminates obstacles within the cab, providing unobstructed operator clearance and accessibility to controls and components while maintaining structural support through the chassis frame rails.
2Ease of operation
If seats are positioned closer to the center to improve accessibility, then operator comfort is improved, but cab size reduction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the support structure from the horizontal plane (within cab) to the vertical dimension (chassis frame below cab). This dimensional relocation allows seats to be positioned closer to the center for improved accessibility while the cab exterior dimensions are reduced, as the support structure no longer occupies horizontal space within the cab interior.
3Ease of operation
If multi-step entry system is implemented, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cab entry system into multiple discrete steps rather than using a single large step or traditional ramp. The multi-step entry breaks down the total height difference into smaller, more manageable increments, improving accessibility for operators while keeping each individual step simple in structure.
4Length of stationary object
If tunnel height is reduced to lower cab profile, then vehicle height is reduced, but operator clearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support tunnel from the cab interior and relocates it to the chassis frame below. This removal of the tunnel from the vertical space within the cab allows the cab profile to be lowered while maintaining adequate operator clearance, as the support structure now exists in the space below the cab floor rather than within the operator compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis coupled to a wheel and having a first portion and a second portion, and a cab supported by the first portion of the chassis. The cab includes a tunnel configured to receive at least partially receive the first portion of the chassis and a seat supported within an interior of the cab and having a seat support and a backrest. An uppermost surface of the tunnel is arranged at a tunnel height that is lower than a support height of the seat support. The vehicle further includes a body supported by the second portion of the chassis. The first portion of the chassis includes a frame extension or an inward-offset frame rail configuration and the second portion of the chassis comprises a first frame rail and a second frame rail.