Double Path Cab Mount for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cab suspension systems face challenges in adequately isolating the cab from the vehicle frame during tilting, particularly due to the high stiffness of suspension springs and the need for bearings to enable rotational movement, which complicates effective vibration and shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
A double path mounting system is introduced, featuring a dual-tube shock absorber, air spring assembly, and a double path top mount with a bearing assembly and elastomeric mounts, which uncouples dynamic and static loads, allowing for optimized isolation of both types of loading and enabling improved vibration and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cab hydraulic shock absorbers and air springs are mounted at the front of the vehicle to enable tilting rotation, then the cab can rotate during tilting, but the need for bearings complicates the design and reduces isolation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bearing function from the traditional mounting system by using the spherical interface between the ball joint and socket joint to provide rotational capability without requiring a separate bearing assembly. This eliminates the complexity of bearings while maintaining the tilting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint and socket joint assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the cab, enables rotational movement for tilting, and acts as the mounting interface for the shock absorbers and air springs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate bearing components.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-path mounting systems are used, then the structure is simpler, but dynamic and static loads are coupled making optimization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load paths by creating two distinct mounting paths: one for static loads (through the air spring and shock absorber assembly) and one for dynamic loads (through the ball joint and socket joint interface). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path for its specific load type, improving overall isolation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The double path top mount acts as an intermediary component that separates and directs different types of loads through appropriate pathways. It mediates between the cab mounting assembly and the vehicle frame, routing static and dynamic loads through optimized paths.
3Strength
If high stiffness suspension springs are used to support the vehicle load, then the structural support is stronger, but the ride becomes more jarring and vibration isolation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stiffness parameters of the suspension components by using compliant mounting elements in the double path system. These elements provide flexibility to absorb vibrations and shocks while maintaining adequate structural support, optimizing the balance between strength and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses composite construction with elements of varying stiffness properties. The air spring provides flexible support while the shock absorber and ball joint assembly provide structural integrity, creating a composite system that balances strength and vibration isolation.
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 double path mounting system effectively isolates both static and dynamic loads, reducing structural damage and operator fatigue, while allowing for smooth tilting and maintenance access, thereby enhancing the comfort and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
cab hydraulic shock absorbers
Implementation Method 2
cab air springs
Implementation Method 3
bearing to enable the rotational movement
Data Source
AI summary
A cab mounting assembly attaches a cab to a chassis of a vehicle at the point of rotation of the cab when the cab is tilted. The cab mounting assembly provides two paths for the forces acting between the cab and the chassis. The static forces are supported by a bearing assembly which includes a relatively hard elastomeric member. The dynamic forces are supported by an elastomeric mount which includes a relatively soft elastomeric member. The elastomeric mount is attached to the bearing assembly and to a shock absorber. The bearing assembly is attached to the elastomeric mount and to an air spring assembly.