Controllable Cab Mounts Adjusting Damping via Operator Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cab mounts in heavy equipment machines do not provide adequate feedback control to operators, leading to suboptimal vibration damping and comfort, especially in varying terrain and operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A controllable cab mount system with a housing, rheological fluid, and coils that adjusts viscosity based on operator input through a control system, including sensors and an electronic control unit to maintain optimal damping and feedback levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed-level vibration damping mounts are used, then operator comfort is improved, but operator feedback control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed-level vibration damping to variable-level damping control. The cab mount system dynamically adjusts the damping coefficient based on operating conditions and operator input, allowing the system to adapt between comfort-oriented and feedback-oriented modes. This resolves the contradiction by making the damping characteristic changeable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the cab mount's damping coefficient from a fixed value to a variable parameter controlled by the operator. Through the control system, operators can adjust the damping coefficient to achieve desired balance between vibration isolation and feedback sensation, directly resolving the contradiction between comfort and feedback control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magneto-rheological fluid mounts are used, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect cab motion and operating conditions, and a control system that processes this information to adjust the magneto-rheological fluid's viscosity. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to varying conditions, improving vibration damping effectiveness while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration damping mechanisms with magneto-rheological fluid technology controlled by electromagnetic fields. This substitution allows for rapid, adjustable damping characteristics without complex mechanical linkages, resolving the contradiction by using field-based control instead of mechanical complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operator feedback control is added to cab mounts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that handles multiple functions: sensing operating conditions, processing operator input, calculating optimal damping coefficients, and actuating the magneto-rheological fluid mounts. This multi-functional approach improves adaptability across different operating scenarios while managing complexity through integration rather than separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 provides improved vibration damping and operator feedback, extending the life of the mounts by minimizing wear and allowing for tailored performance based on operator preferences and machine tasks.
Implementation Method 1
coils positioned relative to the housing to generate a field through the rheological fluid... adjusting current applied to the coils to adjust an apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid
Implementation Method 2
cab mounts... generally try to isolate the cab from the undercarriage of the machine so as to limit the vibrational impact experienced by the operator
Data Source
AI summary
A machine employing controllable mounts and a method for controlling such mounts based on operator input are disclosed. The controllable mount may include a housing, a pin, rheological fluid within the housing and coils provided proximate to the rheological fluid. As current is applied to the coils, the apparent viscosity of the rheological fluid is increased, and in so doing so is the stiffness and damping of the controllable mount. Depending on various factors, the operator may want a particular level of feedback. For example, when fine grading, the operator may want to feel every vibration and thus the controllable mounts should be as stiff as possible. The present disclosure therefore provides the operator with the ability to select the desired level of feedback. This can be done through an operator interface that enables an operator to specifically set the current to each mount, or enter other information whereupon a processor of the control system executes the necessary algorithm to provide the operator with the optimum level of feedback.