Articulation System 90-Degree Turn Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulation systems for road vehicles limit interior space and maneuverability, particularly in vehicles with two axles per unit, as they typically provide only three degrees of freedom and a maximum turn angle of 55 degrees, which is insufficient for advanced multi-articulated concepts that require additional space and improved maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
An articulation system with four degrees of freedom, including rolling, pitching, yawing, and vertical translation, utilizing a vertical cylinder with arcuate walls and interconnecting structures featuring pitch, yaw, and roll joint mechanisms, along with hydraulic cylinders for control, allowing a maximum turn angle of 90 degrees and increased interior space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional articulation systems with three degrees of freedom are used, then the structure is simpler, but the maneuverability is limited to a maximum turn angle of 55 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is divided into four independent degrees of freedom: rolling, pitching, yawing, and vertical translation. Each degree of freedom is controlled by separate hydraulic cylinders, allowing independent adjustment of each motion parameter to achieve complex maneuvering capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system transitions from a static three-degree-of-freedom structure to a dynamic four-degree-of-freedom system with active hydraulic control. The system can dynamically adjust its configuration to achieve a maximum turn angle of 90 degrees, adapting to various driving conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional articulation systems are used, then the design is simpler, but the interior space is limited with room for few standees
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system adds vertical translation as a fourth degree of freedom, utilizing the vertical dimension to create additional interior space. This allows the bus floor to move up and down, creating room for standees and improving passenger capacity without increasing the overall vehicle length.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation system's intermediate compartment serves multiple functions: it acts as the articulation joint itself, provides additional standing space for passengers, and can accommodate curved rows of seats. This multi-functional design maximizes the utility of the articulation space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles with two axles per unit are used, then the vehicle concept is more advanced, but the existing articulation system lacks the fourth degree of freedom for up and down translation
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system changes its degrees of freedom parameter from three to four, adding vertical translation capability. This parameter change enables the system to accommodate vehicles with two axles per unit, where at least one is a drive axle, providing the necessary up and down translation motion between units.
4Volume of moving object
If the articulation system is extended to provide more interior space, then passenger capacity increases, but the turn angle capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system uses dynamic hydraulic control to achieve both extended interior space and full turn angle capability. The intermediate compartment can be configured to provide passenger space while the hydraulic systems maintain the ability to achieve a 90-degree turn angle when needed.
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 system enhances maneuverability and interior space by enabling a 90-degree turn angle and accommodating curved rows of seats, while distributing mechanical stress and providing a more efficient use of space within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a pitch hinge mechanism at a floor level to interconnect with the corresponding one of the first and second vehicle units
Implementation Method 2
said yaw joint member comprising a frame perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding one of the first and second vehicle units and left and right arcuate walls juxtaposed to said left and right arcuate walls of the vertical cylinder and rotatable around said vertical cylinder
Implementation Method 3
said planar roll joint mechanism having two frames juxtaposed, said two frames having interlocking thread patterns on respective interfacing faces thereof
Implementation Method 4
the interlocking thread patterns including arcs of concentric circles
Implementation Method 5
utilizing a vertical cylinder with arcuate walls and interconnecting structures featuring pitch, yaw, and roll joint mechanisms, along with hydraulic cylinders for control
Data Source
AI summary
An articulation system (1) for interconnecting first and second vehicle units of an articulated road vehicle comprises a central element (2) including a vertical cylinder with left and right arcuate walls (4) extending between two facing openings. First and second interconnecting structures (5) are joined to the central element (2) and are adapted to be respectively attached to the first and second vehicle units on opposed sides of the central element (2). Each interconnecting structure has a pitch joint member (5a) and a yaw joint member (5b). The pitch joint member (5a) has a frame (7) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding one of the first and second vehicle units and a pitch hinge mechanism (6) at a floor level to interconnect with the corresponding one of the first and second vehicle units. The yaw joint member (5b) has a frame (8) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding one of the first and second vehicle units and left and right arcuate walls juxtaposed to the left and right arcuate walls (4) of the vertical cylinder and rotatable therearound. The frame (7) of the pitch joint member (5a) and the frame (8) of the yaw joint member (5b) are juxtaposed and mechanically linked to jointly form a planar roll joint mechanism.