Articulated Apparatus Gearbox Coupling System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulated apparatuses face issues with damage to the gearbox and safety concerns when the wing portion is lifted too high while the active members are still working, as this can cause the gearbox to jam or break, and pose a risk to people nearby.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical coupling system is introduced that decouples the gearbox from the active member when the wing portion is raised to a second position, preventing damage and ensuring safety by preventing the active member from being driven when the wing is elevated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the wing portion is lifted to avoid or traverse obstacles, then the apparatus can navigate over ground obstacles, but the gearbox may jam or break and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to traverse obstaclesVSAvoidgearbox damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is configured to automatically decouple the gearbox from the active member before the wing portion reaches the elevated position, and to automatically recouple when the wing portion returns to the lower position. This preliminary action prevents the gearbox from being damaged by the elevated position while maintaining automatic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical coupling system acts as an intermediary between the gearbox and the active member. This coupling system includes a coupling member that can be positioned in a coupled position (transmitting drive) or a decoupled position (preventing drive transmission), thereby protecting the gearbox when the wing is elevated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wing portion is lifted high, then the apparatus can clear obstacles, but dangerous conditions are created for people near the articulated apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle clearance capabilityVSAvoidsafety risk to people

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system automatically decouples the drive before the wing portion reaches the dangerous elevated position, ensuring the active member stops working before it could pose a safety risk to people nearby

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system responds to the position of the wing portion through mechanical feedback. When the wing portion is elevated, the coupling member automatically moves to the decoupled position, creating a safety mechanism that reacts to the wing's position without requiring external control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4383995B1Articulated apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 WESSEX INT MACHINERY

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AI summary

There is described an articulated apparatus (100), the articulated apparatus comprising; a body portion (105), and a wing portion (110), the wing portion comprising an active member, the wing portion mounted on the body portion, the wing portion moveable between a first position and a second position, the articulated apparatus further comprising a gearbox (115) configured to transmit drive from a drive source to the active member, wherein the articulated apparatus comprises a coupling system (120), the coupling system configured to couple the gearbox with the active member when the wing portion is in the first position, and to decouple the gearbox from the active member when the wing portion is in said second position.