Cabin Tilting Mechanism with Leaf Spring Counterweight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for tilting a driver's cabin in transport vehicles are heavy, require large hydraulic cylinders, and can cause structural twists due to uneven stress distribution, making them cumbersome and inefficient for maintenance access.

Innovation Solution

A device that incorporates actuator means and elastic means, such as a leaf spring, to facilitate rotation around a horizontal axis, reducing the need for large cylinders and distributing stress more evenly, allowing dual dynamic action up to the maximum angle of elevation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If large hydraulic cylinders are used to bear the weight of the driver's cabin, then the cabin can be tilted, but the device becomes heavy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing capacityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple arms (first support arm and second support arm) that work together to distribute the cabin weight, replacing the need for a single large hydraulic cylinder. Each arm carries a portion of the load, reducing the force requirement for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element (spring) acts as a counterweight mechanism that supports a portion of the cabin weight during tilting. The spring is pre-loaded to provide upward force that counteracts gravity, reducing the force that the hydraulic cylinder must exert to lift the cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Strength

If the cabin is reinforced at cylinder fixation points to bear thrust forces, then structural integrity is maintained, but the cabin weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcabin weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure distributes fixation points across multiple locations (pivot points on the cabin and connection points on the vehicle frame), spreading the structural stress across different areas of the cabin rather than concentrating it at single reinforcement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms are designed to work together as a unified mechanism, where the first and second support arms share the load-bearing function. This combined approach distributes thrust forces more evenly across the cabin structure, reducing the need for heavy localized reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single cylinder is used for tilting, then the structure is simple, but dynamic stress causes structural twists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting mechanism uses two support arms instead of one, creating a balanced structure that distributes dynamic stresses evenly. This segmentation prevents the structural twists that occur with single-sided fixation while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second support arms are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the cabin, creating a balanced configuration that counteracts rotational forces and prevents structural twisting during the tilting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Speed

If large hydraulic cylinders are used to tilt the cabin, then the cabin can reach maximum elevation angle, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilting speedVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic element (spring) is pre-loaded to provide counterbalancing force that opposes gravity during the tilting operation. This reduces the net force that the hydraulic cylinder must generate, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve maximum elevation angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms are designed to move dynamically during the tilting operation, with the hydraulic cylinder providing force only when needed to overcome gravity and friction. The elastic element continuously provides counterbalancing force throughout the range of motion, optimizing energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables lighter, easier, and faster tilting of the cabin with reduced energy requirements, minimizing structural stress and facilitating quicker access to the engine compartment.

Implementation Method 1

elastic means applied on said axis in order to facilitate said rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2338771B1Device for the controlled tilting of driver's cabin of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2012.12.05 IVECO SPA

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AI summary

Device (D) for tilting the driver's cabin (C) of a transport vehicle which comprises actuator means (4) which act on said cabin (C) in order to allow the rotation of the cabin itself around an axis (3) and elastic means (7) applied on said axis (3) in order to facilitate said rotation in combination with said actuator means (4).