Conveyor Train Cross-Link Joint Coupling Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tugger train designs face challenges in reducing the distance between adjacent trailers, which increases the length of the train and creates safety hazards, while also requiring more complex mechanical constructions and higher maintenance costs due to steerable axles and scissor kinematics that can bend under acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor train utilizing a cruciate ligament joint coupling kinematics, where two conveyors are connected by crossing bands or cables that act as hinge ligaments, allowing for a compact and robust connection that minimizes length and allows for greater rotational freedom, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If rigid drawbar-coupling combination is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the distance between adjacent trailers increases creating safety hazards and increasing train length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid fixed coupling with a dynamic coupling system featuring a movable connecting element that allows relative rotation between the drawbar and coupling. This dynamic connection enables the trailers to maintain optimal spacing while cornering, reducing the distance between adjacent trailers and eliminating safety hazards associated with excessive spacing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steerable roll axis is provided, then cornering capability is improved, but mechanical construction complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional approach: instead of making the roll axis steerable to achieve cornering capability, the invention provides a fixed non-steerable roll axis and achieves cornering through the movable connecting element that allows the entire trailer to rotate relative to the towing vehicle. This simplifies the mechanical construction while maintaining adaptability.
3Device complexity
If fixed non-steerable roll axis is used, then mechanical construction is simplified, but directional stability deteriorates due to rocking about vertical axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a movable connecting element with damping capability that actively stabilizes the trailer during cornering. This dynamic element compensates for the lack of steerability in the fixed roll axis, preventing rocking about the vertical axis and maintaining directional stability while keeping the mechanical construction simple.
4Length of moving object
If scissor kinematics are used, then distance between trailers is reduced, but structural strength deteriorates due to bending under acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coupling system into distinct functional elements: a rigid drawbar, a movable connecting element with damping, and a coupling with rotation capability. This segmented approach allows each element to perform its specific function optimally, maintaining structural strength under acceleration while achieving reduced trailer spacing through the coordinated action of these segments.
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 cruciate ligament joint enables a shorter overall length of the conveyor train, improved directional stability, and reduced maintenance costs, while allowing for smooth cornering and heavy load handling without the limitations of traditional coupling systems.
Implementation Method 1
two conveyors (1a, 1b) which can preferably have a rolling axis (3) with a pair of wheels (2) as fixed rollers, which are connected to one another by means of coupling kinematics so as to be rotatable about a coupling point (10), the coupling point (10) lying between the two conveyors (1a, 1b) and corresponding to the instantaneous center when cornering
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a conveyor train (1), in particular a tugger train (1a, 1b), comprising a first conveyor (1a) and a second conveyor (1b), which can be rotatably connected to one another about a coupling point (10) by means of a coupling kinematic (4-12c). The conveyor train (1a, 1b) is characterized in that the coupling kinematic (4-12c) is designed as a cross-link joint (4-12c).