Multi-Car Connecting Device Pivot Axis Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for multi-car vehicles lack effective mechanisms to prevent rotational movement between cars, which can lead to issues like anti-climbing and jack-knifing, especially under heavy forces during normal operation and crash conditions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an assembly of parts for a connecting device that includes an elongated body with a pivot axis, where blocking surfaces or locking members are arranged on either side of the pivot axis to prevent rotational movement by creating a moment that stabilizes the elongated body in a predetermined position, using inclined surfaces and counter-surfaces to limit movement and absorb energy during extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the elongated body is allowed to pivot freely about the pivot axis, then the connecting device can accommodate movements between cars, but rotational movement cannot be prevented leading to anti-climbing and jack-knifing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking surfaces are pre-positioned on the elongated body at locations that will engage with corresponding blocking surfaces on the connecting parts when excessive rotation occurs. This preliminary arrangement creates an automatic preventive mechanism that activates before dangerous rotational movements (anti-climbing or jack-knifing) can fully develop, thereby counteracting harmful rotational tendencies in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of uncontrolled rotation into a beneficial self-limiting mechanism. By strategically positioning blocking surfaces that engage under rotational load, the design allows the elongated body to pivot freely during normal operation but automatically prevents excessive rotation when blocking surfaces engage, thus transforming what could be a dangerous instability into a reliable safety feature.
2Reliability
If blocking surfaces are positioned to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but the elongated body cannot move along its longitudinal axis freely
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The blocking surfaces are positioned such that they only engage with corresponding blocking surfaces on the connecting parts when the elongated body attempts to rotate excessively. During normal longitudinal movement and within acceptable rotational ranges, the blocking surfaces remain disengaged, allowing free movement. This dynamic engagement ensures longitudinal mobility while providing rotational stability only 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
This solution effectively prevents rotational movement between cars, enhancing safety and stability during normal operation and crash conditions by ensuring the cars remain connected and aligned, thereby reducing the risk of anti-climbing and jack-knifing.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated body is elastically connected to the connecting parts thereby allowing the elongated body to move relative to the connecting parts in the direction of the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
blocking surfaces or locking members are arranged on either side of the pivot axis to prevent rotational movement by creating a moment that stabilizes the elongated body in a predetermined position
Data Source
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AI summary
A gangway floor for a gangway between a first car of a multi-car vehicle and a second car of said vehicle comprises a first floor panel and a second floor panel, wherein the first floor panel is arranged to rotate about a first axis that does not lie in the plane that the first floor panel lies in, and the second floor panel is arranged to rotate about a second axis that does not lie in the plane that the second floor panel lies in, wherein the first axis is different from the second axis.