Foldable Cabin Assembly With Torsion-Spring LVAD Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabin assemblies for armored vehicles do not efficiently facilitate low velocity aerial drops (LVAD) and transitions between folded and deployed positions, requiring high manual force and lacking efficient mechanisms for deployment.

Innovation Solution

A foldable top assembly for armored vehicles equipped with a torsional spring and four-bar linkage system that assists in transitioning from a folded to a deployed position, using a torsional spring to provide torque and a tool-engageable interface for full deployment, with support members and cuttable straps for manual assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable top assembly is used for LVAD, then the vehicle can be delivered via aerial drop, but the assembly requires high manual force for deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerial drop capabilityVSAvoidmanual deployment force

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The torsional spring is pre-loaded to automatically exert torque on the support members when the locking mechanism is released, enabling the assembly to deploy itself with minimal manual intervention. The spring stores potential energy during folding and releases it during deployment, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring continuous external force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The torsional spring is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically engage with the support members before deployment begins. The locking mechanism is designed to be quickly released, allowing the pre-loaded spring to immediately drive the deployment sequence without requiring gradual force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual deployment is used, then the structure can be simple, but the operation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment mechanism complexityVSAvoiddeployment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torsional spring automatically performs the deployment work once triggered, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate multiple components or apply sustained force. The system serves itself by converting stored elastic energy into mechanical work for deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the torsional spring for force generation, the locking mechanism for controlled release, and the support members for structural transformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the top assembly is folded for transport, then aerial delivery is enabled, but the transition to deployed position lacks sufficient torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport compactnessVSAvoiddeployment torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The torsional spring is pre-loaded during the folding operation to accumulate elastic potential energy. When deployment is initiated, this stored energy is automatically converted into torque to drive the support members from the folded to the deployed position, providing sufficient power without external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The torsional spring changes its operational parameter from a compressed/stored state during folding to an expanded/releasing state during deployment. This parameter change enables the spring to transform stored elastic energy into the torque required for deployment, bridging the power gap between compact storage and forceful deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables low force manual deployment of the foldable cabin assembly, facilitating efficient transition between folded and deployed configurations for aerial drops and ground use, with reduced manual effort and enhanced structural support.

Implementation Method 1

The foldable top assembly includes a torsional spring configured to provide a torque to assist transitioning of the foldable top assembly from the folded position to the deployed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12448057B1Folding cabin assembly for low velocity air drop

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 OSHKOSH CORPORATION

AI summary

A military vehicle includes a cabin. The cabin includes a bottom assembly and a foldable top assembly. The bottom assembly is configured to receive and removably couple with different top assemblies. The foldable top assembly is configured to transition between a folded position for a low velocity aerial drop (LVAD) and a deployed position. The foldable top assembly includes a torsional spring configured to provide a torque to assist transitioning of the foldable top assembly from the folded position to the deployed position.