Chassis Vibration Dampers for Work Vehicle Cab Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-highway work vehicles experience significant vibration transmission to the operator's cab due to mechanical components, leading to operator discomfort and fatigue, as conventional suspension systems fail to adequately dampen these vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A vibration dampening system for work vehicles, featuring a chassis frame with sidewalls and a suspension assembly, where vibration dampers are strategically placed between the chassis and cab frames, as well as within the suspension links, to absorb and convert vibrational energy into heat, reducing the transmission of vibrations to the cab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional rubber isolators are used beneath the cab frame, then some vibration reduction is provided, but a significant amount of vibration energy is still transferred to the cab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration transmission to cabVSAvoidoperator comfort and productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration dampening system divides the vibration control function into multiple segments: (1) rubber isolators at each corner of the cab frame for basic isolation, (2) vibration dampers mounted on the chassis frame for additional dampening, and (3) suspension links with dampening capability. This segmented approach distributes the vibration reduction task across multiple components, achieving better overall vibration control than any single component could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration dampers act as intermediary elements between the chassis frame and the cab. These dampers are coupled to the chassis frame at locations spaced apart from each other and provide an additional layer of vibration isolation. The dampers absorb and dissipate vibration energy before it reaches the cab, serving as a mediator that protects the cab from direct vibration transmission through the chassis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the vehicle operates for several hours, then work is completed, but noise and vibration fatigue the operator and reduce productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework outputVSAvoidoperator fatigue from vibration and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration dampening system is installed in advance on the chassis frame, before the vehicle operates. The vibration dampers are pre-positioned and configured to provide vibration control throughout the operational period. This preliminary setup ensures that vibration protection is already in place before the operator begins work, preventing fatigue accumulation during extended operation rather than addressing it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration dampening system provides continuous vibration control throughout the entire operational period. The dampers are designed to maintain their vibration reduction capability over extended operation, ensuring consistent protection against vibration and noise. This continuous action prevents operator fatigue from building up during multi-hour work periods, maintaining productivity throughout the work shift.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 effectively reduces the amount of vibrations and noise transmitted to the cab, enhancing operator comfort and reducing fatigue by utilizing elastomeric dampers and shock absorbers to dissipate vibrational energy.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration damper coupled between the opposed first and second sides of the chassis frame. The vibration damper may extend lengthwise between a first end coupled to the first sidewall and a second end coupled to the second sidewall. The vibration damper is configured to reduce an amount of vibrations being transmitted through the chassis frame to the cab frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

vibration dampers are strategically placed between the chassis and cab frames, as well as within the suspension links, to absorb and convert vibrational energy into heat, reducing the transmission of vibrations to the cab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion to heat: Viscous Heating

Implementation Method 3

utilizing elastomeric dampers and shock absorbers to dissipate vibrational energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10710645B2Vibration dampening system for a work vehicle with chassis dampers

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A vibration dampening system for a work vehicle may include a chassis frame extending lengthwise between a front end and a rear end. The chassis frame may include a first sidewall extending lengthwise along a first side of the frame between the front and rear ends and a second sidewall extending lengthwise along a second side of the frame between the front and rear ends. The system may also include a cab frame supported relative to the chassis frame via a suspension assembly, and a vibration damper coupled between the opposed first and second sides of the chassis frame. The vibration damper may extend lengthwise between a first end coupled to the first sidewall and a second end coupled to the second sidewall. The vibration damper is configured to reduce an amount of vibrations being transmitted through the chassis frame to the cab frame via the suspension assembly.