Coupling Device Height Adjustment for Versatile Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic towing systems require specific matching of the unmanned towing vehicle's lower surface with the vehicle to be towed, limiting versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a coupling portion that can change height states to couple with vehicles of varying undersurface configurations, using a driving mechanism to adjust between states for secure coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling unit uses an integral roller portion and coupling portion design, then the coupling operation becomes simple, but the towing vehicle requires specific matching with the vehicle to be towed, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate functional components: a roller portion for guiding and a coupling portion for actual coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier adaptation to different vehicle types by adjusting or replacing specific segments without redesigning the entire coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion is designed to be movable relative to the base portion, transitioning between a lowered state (for entry under the vehicle) and a raised state (for coupling). This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same coupling unit to adapt to different vehicle heights and configurations while maintaining simple operation through automated state transitions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling portion is designed to match specific vehicle undersurface shapes, then coupling precision is improved, but the towing vehicle can only couple with specific vehicle types, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different vehicle types. The roller portion provides a standardized guiding interface that works with various vehicle configurations, while the coupling portion's movable design allows it to adapt to different undersurface shapes without requiring vehicle-specific customization of the entire coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portion can change its position parameters (height and angle) relative to the base portion, transitioning between lowered and raised states. This parameter adjustment capability allows the same coupling unit to achieve proper alignment and coupling precision across different vehicle types by dynamically adapting its configuration rather than requiring fixed vehicle-specific designs.
3Device complexity
If the coupling portion operates in a fixed position, then the mechanism structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to vehicles with different undersurface heights, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portion is designed with dynamic movement capability, allowing it to transition between a lowered state (positioned below the vehicle undersurface for easy entry) and a raised state (positioned at coupling height). This dynamic adjustment is achieved through a simple mechanical linkage connected to the base portion, maintaining relative structural simplicity while enabling adaptation to different vehicle heights through automated state transitions during the coupling process.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device that couples with a cart includes a coupling portion that couples with the cart, a base portion that guides the coupling portion, and a driving motor that drives the coupling portion. The driving motor drives and controls the coupling portion so as to be changeable among a first state in which the coupling portion is housed, a second state in which the coupling portion is capable of coupling with the cart, and a third state in which the coupling portion couples with the cart. With the coupling portion and a side frame of the cart facing each other, the coupling portion changes from the second state to the third state, thereby causing the coupling portion and the side frame to be coupled to each other.