Reversible Tractor Cab Rotation via Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and weight of driver's operating stations in vehicles, due to additional components and connections, result in higher forces required to rotate the station between forward and reverse driving positions, making manual rotation cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A reversible driving arrangement using a fluid pressure operated rotary actuator with radially extending vanes, controlled by an electronic unit and sensing mechanisms, which pivots the operating station upward before rotation to reduce overhang and facilitates easy switching between driving positions, utilizing an annular bearing and fluid flow control valve to manage pressurization for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual rotation of the operating station is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the force required to rotate the station increases due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic actuator with a diaphragm and pressurizable chamber to automatically rotate the operating station between forward and reverse positions. Pressurized fluid acts on the diaphragm to overcome the weight and inertia of the operating station, eliminating the need for manual rotation while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an automated pneumatic system. The electronic control unit triggers pneumatic actuators that convert pneumatic energy into mechanical rotation, substituting human physical effort with an automated mechanical-pneumatic system.
2Device complexity
If the operating station is rotated without pivoting upward, then the rotation mechanism is simpler, but the overhang of the station increases making rotation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a two-stage motion sequence: first, the operating station is pivoted upward to a raised position to reduce its horizontal overhang and moment of inertia; then, the station is rotated to the desired position. This preliminary upward pivoting action facilitates the subsequent rotation by reducing the mechanical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic motion control where the operating station transitions through different positions (upward pivot followed by rotation) rather than a single static motion. The pneumatic actuator dynamically adjusts the station's orientation in two stages, optimizing the rotation process by first changing the vertical position.
3Force
If automated fluid pressure control is implemented, then the force required to rotate the station is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to electronic controls and sensing means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensing means that detect the position of the operating station and provide feedback to the electronic control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically adjusts the pneumatic pressure application accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system monitors the operating station's position through sensing means and autonomously controls the pneumatic actuators without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically determining when to apply pressure to rotate the station based on sensor input.
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
Significantly reduces the force needed to rotate the operating station by utilizing fluid pressure and electronic control, allowing for efficient and controlled transitions between forward and reverse driving positions, while maintaining compactness and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pressure operated rotary actuator which includes a radially extending vane which can be pressurised on one side or the other to assist in rotating the operating station
Implementation Method 2
an electronic control unit controls application of a pressurized fluid upon the vane in response to signals received from first sensing means which detect whether the station is currently in the forward or reverse driving position
Implementation Method 3
an annular bearing, which may be of any suitable type, is provided between the first and second components to support the rotation of the operator's station
Data Source
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AI summary
A reversible driving arrangement for a tractor or any other vehicle in which a driver's operating station (10) including a seat (11), control panel (13) and steering wheel (12) can be rotated between a forward driving position and a reverse driving position. The operating station (10) is rotatably mounted on a floor of the vehicle via a fluid pressure operated rotary actuator (14) which includes a radially extending vane (28) which can be pressurised on one side or the other to assist in rotating the operating station between the forward and reverse driving positions. The rotary actuator is preferably pneumatically operated and part (22b,22c) of the operator's station (10) pivots upwardly to a retracted position prior to rotation between the forward and reverse driving positions to reduce the overhang of the station.