Adjustable Gap Cover for Articulated Vehicle Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gap covers in transition devices between articulated vehicles tend to sag over time, leading to uneven vertical distances between the apron and the transition device, causing wear and requiring frequent replacement, especially in long buses where the gap cover grinds on the transition device during assembly and use.
Innovation Solution
The apron is designed to be height-adjustable and detachable, attached to the gap cover using fabric strips and U-shaped frame pieces that can be connected via binding tape, sewing, screws, or rivets, allowing for on-site adjustment and easy replacement, and can be retrofitted to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the gap cover is made with fixed frames and fabric strips, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the vertical distance to the transition device becomes uneven over time due to sagging, causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover is transformed from a rigid fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. Frames are made telescopic with adjustable length, and fabric strips are made extensible, allowing the gap cover to adapt to bellows sagging over time. This enables maintenance of optimal clearance distance without frequent replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the gap cover are made changeable. Frame lengths can be adjusted, and fabric strip tensions can be modified to compensate for bellows settlement. This allows the system to maintain proper function despite changes in the bellows position over time.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bellows apron is permanently fixed to cover the gap, then protection against weather and debris is ensured, but the structure cannot adapt to sagging, leading to contact and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The previously static bellows apron is converted to a dynamic system where frames can extend and fabric strips can be tensioned. This allows the apron to maintain protective coverage while adapting to changes in bellows position, preventing harmful contact with the transition device.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows apron is divided into modular segments (frames and fabric strips) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows localized adjustment to compensate for sagging while maintaining overall protective function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If excess fabric is added to the gap cover to ensure coverage, then protection is improved, but the excess material causes grinding contact with the transition device when bellows sag
Solution Approach 1:
The excess fabric is transformed from a harmful static element to a useful dynamic component. Extensible fabric strips with adjustable tension allow the cover to maintain adequate coverage while adapting to bellows position changes, eliminating grinding contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric strip parameters (length, tension) are made variable rather than fixed. This allows optimization of coverage while preventing excessive material from contacting the transition device, eliminating wear caused by grinding.
4Ease of manufacture
If the gap cover structure is made rigid and fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but replacement is required when wear occurs, increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The gap cover incorporates adjustable and replaceable components that can be modified in place. When wear occurs, individual frames or fabric strips can be adjusted or replaced without replacing the entire structure, significantly reducing maintenance downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap cover is segmented into independent adjustable components. This allows selective replacement or adjustment of worn parts rather than complete replacement, reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transition (5) between two vehicles (2, 3) articulated together, wherein the transition (5) comprises a transition device, e.g. a bridge or platform (7), which is surrounded in a tunnel-like manner by at least one bellows, wherein a bellows-like gap cover (30) is provided in the area of the side wall (12) of the at least one bellows, wherein the gap cover (30) has several gap cover frames (32) arranged one behind the other, wherein the gap cover frames (32) are connected by strips of fabric (35) to form the bellows-like gap cover (30), wherein a skirt (50) projecting towards the transition device and bridging the distance X between the gap cover (30) and the transition device can be attached to the gap cover (30).