Switchable Cab Stabilizer for Stationary Ride Height Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabin mounting systems in commercial vehicles face challenges in maintaining a horizontal position during stationary conditions, especially under external disturbances, and require continuous energy input for stabilization, while offering limited damping force under low-frequency excitations.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer with at least two switching stages of different spring rates is used, activated when stationary to provide sufficient stabilization without continuous energy input, combined with adjustable actuators and support stops to maintain a horizontal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If adjustable vibration dampers are used to support the cabin, then the actuator energy consumption is reduced, but the stabilizing effect is insufficient under low-frequency excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer incorporates a switching mechanism that dynamically changes the spring rate between a first value (lower) and a second value (higher) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide sufficient stabilization force when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and stabilizing performance.
2Reliability
If a firm damping force setting is used to immobilize the cabin, then the cabin stabilization is improved, but the actuator must be continuously powered increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic or intermittent activation of the stabilizer rather than continuous operation. The switching mechanism engages the higher spring rate only when stabilization is required, allowing the actuator to be deactivated periodically, thus reducing continuous energy consumption while maintaining cabin stabilization when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer system is designed to automatically switch between different spring rate values based on detected operating conditions without requiring continuous external control input. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and adjusting accordingly, reducing the need for continuous actuator power while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
3Stability of the object's composition
If air springs are used for leveling, then the cabin horizontal position is achieved, but the system requires continuous air pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the stabilization function from the air spring system and assigns it to a separate mechanical stabilizer with switchable spring rates. This separation allows the air springs to focus solely on leveling while the mechanical stabilizer handles stabilization, reducing the need for continuous air pressure maintenance and associated energy consumption.
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 stabilizer achieves effective cabin stabilization with minimal energy consumption, enhancing driving comfort and maintaining a horizontal position even under external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
The stabilizer (27) has at least two switching stages with different spring rates
Data Source
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AI summary
Cab mounting system (25) for a vehicle (1) having a cab (5) separate from a vehicle frame (3), wherein the cab is mounted adjustably by means of at least three adjustable actuators (7-13) with respect to a vehicle support surface, and a ride height that is set via the actuators is able to be blocked at least when the vehicle is stationary, wherein the cab mounting system has at least one stabilizer (27) for supporting rolling movements of the cab during the driving operation, wherein the stabilizer has at least two switching stages with different spring rates, and the stabilizer, in the stationary operation of the vehicle, has the higher of the at least two spring rates when the cab is horizontal.