Articulated Interior Gaiter Wall Lining for Articulated Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior wall paneling systems for articulated vehicle transitions are expensive due to high material requirements for elastic deformation and are prone to gap formation between overlapping wall elements during rolling movements, posing a risk to safety.

Innovation Solution

The interior wall paneling system features wall elements connected via a guide device with two linkages arranged one above the other, and an additional articulated connection that can rotate about a horizontal axis, allowing the paneling to yield during rolling movements without gap formation, while also being stabilized by a carrier and equipped with elastic gap covers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If interior wall paneling uses material designed for high elastic deformation to accommodate rolling movements, then the paneling can yield during movements, but the material cost becomes relatively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to yield during rolling movementsVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The interior wall paneling is divided into multiple wall elements (at least two) that can move independently relative to each other. Each wall element is connected to the vehicle structure and to adjacent wall elements, allowing localized movement during rolling without requiring the entire paneling to be made of expensive elastic material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall elements are designed with dynamic connection capabilities through the guide device and articulated connections, enabling them to move and rotate during vehicle rolling movements. This dynamic structure replaces the need for expensive inherently elastic materials with a mechanically flexible assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If interior wall paneling uses overlapping wall elements to accommodate movements, then the paneling can adapt to driving movements, but gap formation occurs between wall elements during rolling movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate driving movementsVSAvoidgap-free coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated connection with horizontal axis rotation enables the wall elements to dynamically adjust their relative positions during rolling movements. This rotation mechanism ensures that the overlapping wall elements remain in continuous contact, preventing gap formation while still accommodating the vehicle's rolling motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wall elements and the vehicle structure. It coordinates the movement of wall elements during rolling, ensuring they move in sync and maintain proper alignment, thereby preventing gaps from forming between overlapping elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If interior wall paneling uses multiple wall elements with vertical displacement capability to accommodate pitching movements, then the paneling can simulate height offsets, but the device complexity increases due to vertical rods and resilient mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate height offsetsVSAvoidcomplexity of guide mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is designed as a multi-functional mechanism that simultaneously handles rolling movements (through horizontal rotation of articulated connections) and pitching movements (through vertical displacement of wall elements). This universal design consolidates multiple movement accommodations into a single integrated system rather than separate mechanisms for each movement type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 prevents gap formation between wall elements during vehicle movements, enhancing safety and reducing material costs by utilizing a more efficient and stable design that accommodates various driving movements without compromising protection or aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

a single articulated connection which can be rotated about a horizontal axis in the installed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the articulated connection is connected to the wall element by a carrier that extends over part of the height of the wall element. The wall element, and in particular also the entire interior wall cladding, is stabilized by the carrier.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Implementation Method 3

The wall element is connected to the corresponding vehicle or vehicle part by two linkages arranged one above the other, and the other wall element is connected to the other vehicle or vehicle part by a single articulated connection which can be rotated about a horizontal axis in the installed state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentEP2308736B1Interior gaiter wall lining for the intersection of two vehicles with a jointed connection or vehicle parts

Publication Date: 2012.01.18 HUBNER GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

The junction has bellows and an inner wall lining (1) having multiple wall elements (2,3), which are arranged by a control device (20). One wall element is arranged to vehicle or vehicle unit by a joint connection (80) in installation condition around a horizontal axle and is connected to another vehicle or vehicle unit.