Latching Device for Tiltable Cabin Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for tilting cabs in commercial vehicles, particularly in the low tonnage range, are complex and time-consuming, with a high risk of incorrect operation due to intricate lever actuation sequences, which complicates the locking and unlocking process and requires additional safety measures.

Innovation Solution

A locking device featuring a shaft and lever mechanism that simplifies the tilting and locking/unlocking process by providing a mandatory predetermined actuation sequence, with a shaft mounted in consoles and using spring means for secure engagement, preventing unwanted rotation and ensuring error-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple levers are used for locking and unlocking, then safety and prevention of incorrect operation are improved, but device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of locking operationVSAvoidcomplexity of lever actuation sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking device that incorporates both a first lever for tilting the cab and a second lever for locking/unlocking. This merging of functions into a unified device with coordinated levers maintains safety while reducing operational complexity compared to separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed so that the cab must be tilted to a predetermined angle before the locking mechanism can engage. This preliminary action of tilting automatically prerequisites the locking sequence, ensuring safety through mandatory sequence without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms or multiple independent levers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple levers with complex actuation sequence are used, then safety is improved, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of locking operationVSAvoidtime for tilting and locking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed so that the cab must be tilted to a predetermined angle before the locking mechanism can engage. This preliminary action of tilting automatically prerequisites the locking sequence, ensuring safety through mandatory sequence without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms or multiple independent levers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking and tilting mechanism employs dynamic movement where the levers are connected through a kinematic chain that automatically sequences the operations. As the first lever tilts the cab, the mechanism dynamically transitions to enable the second lever to perform locking, creating a fluid, time-efficient process that maintains safety through inherent mechanical sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single lever device is used for tilting and locking, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to prevent incorrect operation may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of locking deviceVSAvoidprevention of incorrect operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into two distinct but coordinated levers: a first lever for tilting the cab and a second lever for locking/unlocking. This segmentation allows each lever to have a dedicated function while maintaining mechanical interconnection that enforces proper operation sequence, simplifying the overall device while preventing incorrect operation through inherent mechanical sequencing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed so that the cab must be tilted to a predetermined angle before the locking mechanism can engage. This preliminary action of tilting automatically prerequisites the locking sequence, ensuring safety through mandatory sequence without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms or multiple independent levers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 solution provides a safe and efficient locking and unlocking process for tilting cabs, reducing complexity and ensuring error-free operation by using a lever device that can be easily actuated to tilt and lock the cab, preventing unintended locking or unlocking.

Implementation Method 1

The locking device (100) also includes spring means (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2703259B1Latching device for locking and unlocking the tiltable cabin of a utility vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2703259B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2703259B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2703259B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (100) for locking and unlocking a tiltable cabin (K) for a commercial vehicle having a chassis structure (F). The locking device (100) comprises a shaft (1) which preferably extends substantially transversely to the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle. The locking device (100) also comprises a lever assembly (26) which serves to actuate the shaft (1), preferably for rotating and axially displacing the shaft (1). The locking device (100) is characterized in particular in that the tiltable cabin (K) can be moved into a tilted position and a tilted-up position solely by actuating the lever assembly (26), and can also be locked and/or unlocked in the tilted position.