Articulated Vehicle Bellows Coupling With Self-Centering Tapered Seat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective systems for articulated vehicles, particularly buses, are complex and costly due to numerous components and are sensitive to construction tolerances, making them difficult to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A simplified protective system comprising a frame with a tapered receiving seat and coupling element for automatic centering, a tubular member, a laminar member forming a bellows, and a locking device with a covering element, base element, and fixing element to securely hold the components in place without the need for guides or additional holding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous pieces and components are used in the protective system, then the protection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective components into an integrated frame structure with built-in receiving seats and coupling elements. The frame (2) integrates the structural support function while the receiving seat (3) and coupling element (4) work as unified components, reducing the total number of separate pieces while maintaining comprehensive protection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the receiving seat, accommodates the coupling element, and works with the locking device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each protective function.
2Reliability
If numerous pieces and components are used in the protective system, then the protection coverage is improved, but the installation and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the frame, receiving seat, and coupling element into an integrated assembly, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. Fewer separate components mean lower production costs and simpler installation procedures while maintaining adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into modular components (frame, coupling element, tubular member, laminar member, locking device) that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly. This modularity allows for efficient production and easy installation without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.
3Reliability
If construction tolerances are strictly controlled, then the protective system reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element features a tapered portion (P1) that creates a conical or frustoconical geometry. This curved/tapered shape provides self-aligning properties during assembly, automatically centering the coupling element in the receiving seat without requiring precise alignment or strict tolerance control, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If guides and additional holding components are added, then the coupling precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion of the coupling element creates a self-guiding geometric feature that automatically centers the component during assembly. This inherent geometric guidance eliminates the need for separate guide structures or holding components, achieving precise coupling without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the coupling element provides self-centering and self-alignment capabilities during assembly. The component guides itself into the correct position through its own geometric features, eliminating the need for external guides or additional holding mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a protective system (1) for an articulated vehicle provided with a plurality of carriages connected by an articulated joint, comprising: - a frame (2) provided with a first receiving seat (3) extending along a longitudinal direction; - a coupling element (4) comprising a first portion (P1) shaped for coupling to the receiving seat (3) and a second portion (P2) in which a housing seat (5) is made; - a tubular member (6) configured to be inserted into the housing cavity (5) in such a way as to be coupled to the coupling member (4); - a laminar member (7) defining a bellows (8) and stably connected in use, directly or indirectly, to the tubular member (6); - a locking device (9, 10, 11) which can be coupled to said frame (2) and configured to hold in position said coupling element (4) above the frame (2); wherein at least one between the first portion (P1) of the coupling element (4) and said first receiving seat (3) is at least partly tapered so that said first portion (P1) is configured to be automatically centred during the coupling with the first receiving seat (3).