Compact Coupler With Integrated Guiding Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupler designs for multicar vehicles are limited in versatility and cannot be easily arranged closer to the underframe due to the presence of an external guide horn and electrical coupler, restricting their application and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

A coupler interface with a guiding element integrated into the same piece as the coupler interface, allowing for reduced height and the placement of an electrical connector below the coupler interface, and lateral guiding elements to facilitate alignment and coupling without the need for a separate guide horn, enabling more flexible and compact arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate guide horn is used to guide couplers, then alignment during coupling is facilitated, but the height of the coupler assembly increases and versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment during couplingVSAvoidheight of coupler assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide horn is merged with the coupler interface by providing it as an integral part of the same piece, eliminating the need for a separate guide horn component. This integration maintains the alignment function while reducing the overall height of the coupler assembly and enabling more flexible arrangement options relative to the underframe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coupler interface is positioned closer to the underframe, then space utilization is improved and versatility is enhanced, but the presence of external guide horn and electrical coupler prevents this arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrangement flexibilityVSAvoidstructural configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide horn is integrated into the coupler interface as a single piece, removing the structural constraint that previously prevented the coupler interface from being positioned closer to the underframe. This integration simplifies the overall structure and enables greater arrangement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connector is relocated from a vertical arrangement (above the coupler interface) to a horizontal arrangement (laterally beside the coupler interface). This dimensional change in placement allows the coupler interface to be positioned closer to the underframe while still accommodating the electrical connector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for coupler interface and guide horn, then manufacturing is easier, but manufacturing robustness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent fabricationVSAvoidmanufacturing robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide horn and coupler interface are provided as an integral part of the same piece, which enhances manufacturing robustness by eliminating the need for separate fabrication and assembly of these components. While this may slightly increase the complexity of the single component, it ensures better structural integrity and reduces assembly variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4122792B1Coupler, coupler system having a first coupler and a second coupler, and method for coupling

Publication Date: 2024.08.07 DELLNER COUPLERS AB

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AI summary

The invention relates to a Coupler (7) having a coupler interface (5) comprising a protruding cone (3) a matching cup (4) and at least one guiding element (8a, 8b), wherein the height of the coupler from a center line (M) of the coupler interface (5) to top of the coupler interface is smaller than 200 mm.