Vehicle Coupler Shear Ring and Bolt Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle couplers suffer from asymmetric loading and non-uniform release characteristics during excess buff forces, leading to impaired functionality after a collision, where the release mechanism can no longer facilitate towing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle coupler design featuring a dampening device with a shear ring as the first release mechanism and shear bolts or pins as the second release mechanism, along with a preload mechanism for uniform load distribution, allowing controlled relative motion and enabling towing post-collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a release mechanism with bolts or pins is provided for permitting additional travel during excess buff forces, then the ability to absorb collision forces is improved, but asymmetric loading leads to non-uniform release characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into multiple identical shear elements (bolts or pins) arranged symmetrically between the coupler components. Each element carries an equal share of the load, ensuring uniform and simultaneous release characteristics when the excess buff force threshold is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses asymmetric loading by introducing a preload mechanism that applies equalizing forces to counteract asymmetric load distribution. This ensures that all shear elements experience uniform loading conditions, leading to contemporaneous release.
2Reliability
If the release mechanism is activated during a collision, then additional travel is permitted to absorb impact forces, but the ability to tow the vehicle via the coupler is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The shear elements are designed as sacrificial components that are discarded (sheared off) during collision to permit additional travel and absorb impact forces. After the collision event, the coupler can be recovered and restored by replacing the sheared elements, thereby recovering the towing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler system transitions from a rigid connected state to a dynamically adaptable state during collision, permitting additional travel when needed. After the collision, the system can be restored to its original rigid connected state for normal towing operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple shear elements are used to provide releasable connections, then the release characteristics become more uniform, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple identical shear elements (bolts or pins) are used throughout the release mechanism, ensuring homogeneous properties and uniform load distribution. This homogeneity simplifies the design and analysis while achieving uniform release characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The preload mechanism is combined with the shear elements to integrate the load equalizing function directly into the release mechanism structure. This merging reduces the need for separate complex systems while achieving uniform load distribution across all shear elements.
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 design ensures symmetrical release characteristics and maintains functionality post-collision, allowing for effective absorption of buff forces and enabling towing operations by providing controlled displacement and load distribution across the release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A first or lower force release element or mechanism is enclosed within the housing and configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing. A second or higher force release element or mechanism provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing.
Implementation Method 2
These couplers often include a dampening device, such as a draft gear, for absorbing normal tension (draft) and compression (buff) forces, resulting in a degree of travel, between connected vehicles.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle coupler including a coupling head and a dampening device attached thereto. A beam is provided and configured to attach to the vehicle. A housing assembly is connected to the beam and configured to receive a portion of the dampening device. A first release mechanism in the form of a shear ring is arranged within the housing assembly and is configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing assembly. A second release device in the form of a plurality of shear elements provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing assembly. A preload mechanism may also be provided for applying an initial shearing force on the plurality of shear elements.