Self-levelling Cab Suspension Using Closed Hydraulic Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle cab suspension systems using hydraulic dampers require a dedicated pumping unit to counteract changes in inclination, leading to complexity and discomfort for the driver due to uneven terrain and inclines, and existing solutions are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A self-levelling cab suspension system powered by the vehicle's hydraulic system, utilizing a hydraulic actuator with a movable wall separating a gas-filled chamber and a working chamber, connected to a damper in a closed hydraulic circuit, eliminating the need for a dedicated pump by using the vehicle's hydraulic system for fluid flow between accumulator and damper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated pumping unit is used to counteract changes in inclination, then the cab can be leveled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling function with the existing suspension units by integrating a hydraulic actuator into each suspension unit. This allows the suspension unit to perform both its original function of supporting the cab and the additional function of leveling the cab on inclines, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated pumping unit and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a support element for the cab and a leveling mechanism. The hydraulic actuator within the suspension unit can adjust the cab's attitude independently while maintaining support functions, making the suspension unit a universal component that handles both support and leveling tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic actuator is integrated into each suspension unit, then the cab can be leveled independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator is integrated within the suspension unit structure rather than being a separate component. This merging of functions allows the actuator to utilize the existing suspension unit infrastructure (mounting points, hydraulic connections) while providing independent leveling control, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 maintains optimal cab attitude and reduces driver discomfort by leveling the cab without a dedicated pumping unit, using existing vehicle hydraulic equipment, ensuring comfort on uneven terrain and inclines while maintaining isolation from less pure oil sources.
Implementation Method 1
a gas filled chamber (128b) serving as a spring
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic actuator powered by the vehicle hydraulic system is provided for causing hydraulic fluid to flow in the closed hydraulic circuit between the working chambers of the accumulator and the damper
Implementation Method 3
a damper (126), a hydro-gas accumulator (128)
Implementation Method 4
each having a spring (124), a damper (126) and an accumulator (128)
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural vehicle having a hydraulic system, a cab for the vehicle operator includes a self-levelling cab suspension system having a plurality of suspension units each having a spring, a damper and an accumulator. The accumulator comprises a hydraulic working chamber which is separated by a movable wall from a gas filled chamber serving as a spring. The working chamber is also connected to a working chamber of the damper in a closed hydraulic circuit. In the invention, there is no need for a dedicated oil pump since a hydraulic actuator powered by the vehicle hydraulic system is provided for causing hydraulic fluid to flow in the closed hydraulic circuit between the working chamber of the accumulator and the damper, to vary the height of the cab without fluid from the vehicle hydraulic system entering or leaving the closed hydraulic circuit of the damper and accumulator.