Vehicle Coupler Load Path Layout to Protect Pin Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The protection pin flange in couplers is prone to premature fracture due to its weak structural strength, leading to reduced service life and premature scrapping of the coupler.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design where the first interval between the tail portion and the coupler body is smaller than the second interval between the impact protection pin flanges, allowing the tail portion to bear the load first and reducing the stress on the pin flanges, with additional load-bearing structures such as impact platforms and pin shafts participating in load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the protection pin flange is used to bear impact load, then the coupler can transmit longitudinal impact load, but the protection pin flange is prone to premature fracture due to weak structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple load-bearing components: impact platforms, pin flanges, and tail portions. Each component has a specific function in the load transmission chain, distributing the impact load across multiple elements rather than concentrating it on the protection pin flange alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact platforms are designed to contact first during impact conditions, initiating the load bearing sequence. This preliminary action allows the stronger impact platforms to absorb initial impact forces before the load transfers to the protection pin flange, preventing premature fracture.
2Force
If the impact platform gap increases to equal the protection pin flange gap, then the protection pin flange participates in bearing load, but this causes stress concentration on the weak protection pin flange
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the coupler are designed with different mechanical properties and gap dimensions. The impact platforms have larger gaps suitable for their size, while the protection pin flange has a smaller gap that prevents it from bearing full load. This local differentiation ensures each component operates within its optimal stress range.
3Reliability
If the tail portion is positioned closer to the coupler body, then the tail portion can bear load earlier, but this requires precise control of interval dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the intervals: the first interval (between tail portion and coupler body) is controlled to be smaller than the second interval (between protection pin flanges). These quantified parameters provide clear manufacturing targets and inspection criteria, making precision control achievable through standard manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in the present disclosure are a coupler and a vehicle with the coupler. The coupler includes: a coupler body, having an accommodating cavity, a first impact protection pin flange being disposed on the coupler body; and a coupler tongue, pivotally connected to the coupler body. The coupler tongue includes a head portion and a tail portion. The tail portion is positioned inside the accommodating cavity, and a first interval d is formed between an end surface of the tail portion and the coupler body. The coupler tongue further includes a second impact protection pin flange, and a second interval b is formed between the first impact protection pin flange and the second impact protection pin flange, wherein the first interval d and the second interval b satisfy: d<b.