Gusset With Opening For Energy Absorption In Roll-Over Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gussets in roll-over protection systems of work vehicles are too stiff and rigid, failing to absorb significant energy during roll-over events, thereby requiring other structural components to deform excessively, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A gusset design with a partially defined opening in its outer face allows the sidewalls to deform relative to the outer face during increased loading conditions, enabling energy absorption while maintaining stiffness at lower loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional gussets with high stiffness and rigidity are used, then the structural strength and stress reduction at weld joints are improved, but the energy absorption capability during roll-over events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset is segmented into multiple regions including a first region, second region, third region, and fourth region with varying thicknesses. This segmentation allows different portions of the gusset to serve different functions: thicker regions provide structural strength while thinner regions enable deformation and energy absorption during roll-over events.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset features non-uniform thickness distribution with specific regions having different thickness values. The first and second regions have a first thickness, while the third and fourth regions have a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. This local quality variation optimizes both structural integrity and energy absorption characteristics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid gussets are used, then the cab frame stiffness is improved, but the deformation and energy absorption of the gusset itself during roll-over events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gusset transitions from a purely rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can adapt its stiffness characteristics based on loading conditions. The varying thickness design allows the gusset to remain stiff under normal conditions for structural stability, but deform controllably during roll-over events to absorb energy, thus providing dynamic response characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The gusset design changes the physical parameter of thickness across different regions. By varying the thickness parameter, the structural properties of the gusset are modified to achieve both high stiffness for frame stability and controlled deformation capability for energy absorption during extreme events.
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 gusset effectively reduces the energy transferred to other structural components during a roll-over event by absorbing a significant amount of energy, minimizing excessive deformation in other parts of the vehicle's frame.
Implementation Method 1
The opening may be configured such that at least one of the first sidewall or the second side wall deforms relative to the outer face when the work vehicle experiences a roll-over event
Data Source
AI summary
A gusset for use with a roll-over protection system of work a vehicle is disclosed. The gusset may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall and an outer face extending between the first and second sidewalls. The outer face may at least partially define an opening. The opening may be configured such that at least one of the first sidewall or the second side wall deforms relative to the outer face when the work vehicle experiences a roll-over event.