Coupling Mechanism for Automated Vehicles with Elastic Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for automatic controlled vehicles and caster-mounted carriages face issues with coupling strength, dust generation, and energy consumption, particularly in clean environments where metal particle friction is problematic, and excessive load on clamping mechanisms during vehicle rotation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism comprising first, second, and third shaft members with roller portions made of rubber elasticity, and a guide rail section with expanding portions and a lock member that allows secure coupling while minimizing dust generation and maintaining strength during vehicle rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a coupling pin is inserted to a pin receiving portion, then the carriage is coupled to the automatic controlled vehicle, but if the relative positions are shifted even slightly, the coupling pin cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses a clamping mechanism with movable clamping members that can dynamically adjust to position shifts. The clamping members move horizontally to clamp the coupling rod, allowing the coupling to accommodate relative position shifts between the carriage and automatic controlled vehicle during the coupling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism changes the state from rigid positioning to flexible clamping. The clamping members can move horizontally to accommodate position shifts, and the elastic element provides flexible force application, allowing the system to adapt to varying positional conditions during coupling.
2Ease of operation
If a clamping mechanism is used to allow loose positioning accuracy, then the coupling operation becomes easier, but excessive load is applied to the clamping mechanism during vehicle rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions dynamically guide the coupling rod during insertion, and the clamping members dynamically adjust their clamping force. This dynamic operation allows easy coupling while distributing loads more effectively during vehicle rotation, preventing excessive stress on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rod acts as an intermediary element between the carriage and automatic controlled vehicle. It transmits forces and movements while being guided by the guide portions, reducing direct stress on the clamping mechanism during rotation operations.
3Device complexity
If metal-made coupling pin and pin receiving hole are used, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but contact noise and vibration occur, generating fine particles in clean rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the clamping members from metal to elastic material. This material change eliminates metal-to-metal contact and particle generation, while the elastic properties provide necessary flexibility for the clamping function without generating harmful dust in clean room environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism combines rigid components (coupling rod, guide portions) with elastic materials (clamping members). This composite structure maintains mechanical strength while eliminating dust-generating metal contact surfaces, suitable for clean room applications.
4Strength
If the coupling member is pressed against the coupling shaft with large force, then the coupling strength is high, but energy consumption increases and heavy load is applied to the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are movable and can dynamically adjust their position and clamping force. This dynamic capability allows the mechanism to achieve sufficient coupling strength only when needed, rather than maintaining constant high force, thereby reducing energy consumption and load on the battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism applies clamping force periodically - engaging when coupling is needed and releasing when not needed. This periodic action rather than continuous force application significantly reduces energy consumption and battery load while maintaining coupling strength when required.
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 solution achieves a high coupling strength between the automatic controlled vehicle and the carriage while suppressing dust generation and reducing energy consumption, ensuring reliable operation even during vehicle swiveling and movement.
Implementation Method 1
roller portions (51, 52, 53) that are made of rubber elasticity
Implementation Method 2
suppressing dust generation... contact noise between the coupling pin and the pin receiving hole and vibration thereof are problematic
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier device includes a coupling mechanism for coupling an automatic controlled vehicle to a carriage. The coupling mechanism includes a first shaft member, a second shaft member and a third shaft member. The coupling mechanism includes a guide rail section, a lock member, and an actuator that moves the lock member. The guide rail section is provided on the automatic controlled vehicle. When the lock member moves from the first position to the second position, the lock member enters between the first shaft member and the second shaft member. The third shaft member fits with the fitting portion of the lock member.