Ball Joint Coupling for Road Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for road vehicles lack effective means to absorb and stabilize the various movements (pitching, rolling, and swiveling) during uneven road conditions, leading to discomfort, potential vehicle instability, and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device incorporating a ball joint mechanism that integrates roll-up, lace-up, and pitching travel devices, along with a hydraulic damping system to absorb movements and maintain stability, while also featuring a refocusing system for the drawbar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate deflection devices are used for each movement type (pitch, roll, yaw), then each movement can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deflection devices into a single integrated ball joint mechanism. The ball joint allows pitch, roll, and yaw movements to occur simultaneously through a single articulation point, eliminating the need for separate deflection devices for each movement type while maintaining independent control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables pitch movement (articulation on horizontal axis), roll movement (articulation on longitudinal axis), and yaw movement (swiveling around vertical axis). This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components while providing comprehensive movement control
2Device complexity
If multiple types of movements are combined at the same articulation, then space is saved, but there is insufficient space to equip damping or stiffening means for the different movements
Solution Approach 1:
The ball joint mechanism introduces a three-dimensional movement capability at a single articulation point. By allowing movements in multiple dimensions (pitch, roll, yaw) simultaneously, the design achieves space efficiency while maintaining the ability to incorporate damping and stiffening elements within the ball joint structure itself
3Manufacturing precision
If friction parts such as pads are integrated to reduce mechanical play, then positioning precision improves, but maintenance frequency increases due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional friction-based pads with a hydraulic damping system. The hydraulic damper uses fluid resistance instead of mechanical friction to control movements and reduce play, eliminating the need for frequent pad replacement while maintaining positioning precision
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 provides enhanced stability and comfort by effectively absorbing and stabilizing the movements of the vehicles, reducing maintenance needs, and allowing for smoother operation over varied road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic damping system to absorb movements and maintain stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) provided between a first and a second road vehicle (1a, 1b) for coupling these two vehicles, these two vehicles (1a, 1b) each having at least two axles (1c), said coupling device (1) comprising a roll travel device (10) of one vehicle relative to the other, a yaw travel device (11) of one vehicle relative to the other, a first pitch travel device (7) of the first road vehicle (1a) relative to its coupling clevis (2) and a second pitch travel device (12) of the second road vehicle (1b) relative to the distal end of the coupling drawbar (3), said second pitch travel device (12) being distinct from and offset from the first pitch travel device (7) characterized in that the roll travel device (10),The yaw control device (11) and the second pitch control device (12) are integrated into a single ball joint mechanism (8).