Adjustable Connecting Device for Combined Transport Tie Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing railway wagons with pivoting structures for combined rail/road transport face challenges in achieving an isostatic connection between end platforms and tie rods, leading to deformations and difficulties in securing the tie rod, especially when subjected to torque and loading/unloading forces.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a traction ring with adjustable distance settings between tie rod arms and end platforms, utilizing a threaded rod and nut system with lock mechanisms to ensure secure and flat geometry, and additional safety features like redundant linking devices and safety strips to prevent separation and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the tie rod is made with a thin profile to avoid compromising loading dimensions, then the usable loading dimensions are improved, but the tie rod becomes difficult to assemble and secure to end platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusable loading dimensionsVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the tie rod and end platforms is segmented into multiple adjustable components (fork arms, connecting devices, nuts, locknuts) rather than a single rigid connection, enabling precise positioning and secure assembly of the thin-profile tie rod

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting devices incorporate adjustable nuts and locknuts that allow dynamic adjustment of the tie rod's position and geometry during assembly, transforming a static assembly problem into a dynamic adjustment process that ensures proper fit and security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the tie rod is subjected to torque from the pivoting structure, then the structural connection is strengthened, but deformations occur within the tie rod affecting chassis geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidchassis geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting devices allow adjustment of geometric parameters (distance between fork arms and end platforms) to compensate for deformations caused by torque, maintaining correct chassis geometry while withstanding structural loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable nuts and locknuts provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the tie rod connection to be fine-tuned after assembly to correct any geometry deviations caused by torque-induced deformations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If strong forces are applied to deform the tie rod arms to achieve flat chassis geometry, then the chassis geometry is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechassis geometryVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deforming the tie rod arms to achieve proper geometry, the invention inverts the approach by using adjustable connecting devices that allow the geometry to be achieved through component positioning rather than forceful deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into adjustable components that can be independently positioned, replacing the need for complex force application and empirical deformation adjustments with a systematic adjustment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If the tie rod is simply fixed or hinged to end platforms, then the assembly is simplified, but the connection lacks security and adjustability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection transitions from a static fixed or hinged arrangement to a dynamic adjustable system with nuts and locknuts, allowing both secure attachment and post-assembly adjustment for optimal positioning and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3677484B1Connection device between the brace and the end platforms of a combined road/rail transport carriage

Publication Date: 2021.06.09 LOHR IND

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

The connecting device (15) is designed to connect each of the arms (13) of a tie rod (3) to an end platform (2) of a combined rail/road transport wagon (1). It comprises a traction ring (16) rotatably mounted on the free end of each tie rod arm between two horizontal and parallel plates (18a, 18b). This traction ring is extended by a rod (21) which is inserted into the through hole (26) of a receiving piece (25) of the end platform (2). The pull ring (16) is secured by a nut (27) screwed onto the threaded end (22) of the rod (21) and by a locknut (28) screwed onto the rod (21), the nut (27) and the locknut (28) clamping the receiving piece (25) on each side of it in order to immobilize the rod (21) of the pull ring (16) in the receiving piece (25).