Telescopic Cylinder Control for Lorry Cabin Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting systems for lorry driver's cabins require unwieldy long cylinders and are unsafe due to uncontrolled movement during the return to the normal driving position, as telescopic cylinders with double elements are not controllable beyond the vertical hinging plane.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit with a mechanical or electric pump, a distributor valve, and specific block and discharge valves control the telescopic cylinder's elements, preventing uncontrolled descent and allowing controlled re-entry by isolating the pulling chamber and using a shuttle valve for regenerative operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a telescopic cylinder with double elements is used to reduce the size of the tilting system, then the dimensions of the cylinder are optimized, but control is lost when the centre of gravity passes beyond the vertical hinging plane during return
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit is segmented into separate controlled zones for each cylinder element. The first element has its own dedicated control valve (34) and the second element has its own control valve (35), allowing independent control of each element's hydraulic circuit. This segmentation enables reliable control of both elements during all phases of operation, including when the centre of gravity passes beyond the vertical hinging plane.
Solution Approach 2:
Control valves (34, 35) are introduced as intermediary devices between the hydraulic pump and each cylinder element. These valves act as mediators that regulate hydraulic fluid flow to each element independently, preventing uncontrolled descent while maintaining the size benefits of the telescopic cylinder configuration.
2Device complexity
If a single-acting internal element is used in the telescopic cylinder, then the structure is simplified, but uncontrolled descent occurs when the cabin weight bears down on the pushing chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve (35) for the second element is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes in the pushing chamber. When the cabin weight bears down and pressurizes the pushing chamber, the valve automatically closes to prevent uncontrolled descent, utilizing the system's own pressure dynamics rather than requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms where pressure changes in one chamber are sensed and automatically respond by adjusting valve positions. The control valves monitor pressure conditions and adjust fluid flow accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents uncontrolled movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 optimizes the dimensions of the tilting system, ensuring safety and control, allowing for reliable and efficient tilting of the cabin without risking uncontrolled falls, using a combination of valves to manage the weight-induced pressure and maintain stability during all stages of movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first block valve (34) on the pushing branch (11) for the pushing chamber (30) and a block valve (35) on the pulling branch (12) for the pulling chamber (31)
Implementation Method 2
which can prevent the more external element (34) from being pushed up by the pressure which is generated in the pushing chamber (30) due to the weight of the cabin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for activating a tilting of a driver's cabin of a lorry, comprising a hydraulic cylinder (33) hinged to the cabin and to a frame of the lorry and destined to activate the tilting of the cabin from a driving position to a tilted position and vice versa, the device further comprising a hydraulic activating circuit of the cylinder, having a pushing branch and a pulling branch, the hydraulic circuit being connectable to a pump (1) and comprising means for commanding a pushing movement or a pulling movement of the telescopic cylinder and being provided with at least a block valve (13) associated to a pushing chamber (30) of the cylinder, characterised in that the hydraulic cylinder (33) is a telescopic cylinder having at least two elements (34, 35) and in that it comprises means for controlling a position of at least one of the elements (34, 35) belonging to the telescopic cylinder (33).