Vehicle Coupling Plug with Retractable Contacts for Legacy Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect coupling systems for towing vehicles and trailers face compatibility issues and mechanical damage due to geometric incompatibilities between connector halves of different generations, leading to functional limitations and potential damage during connection.
Innovation Solution
The connector device incorporates a movably mounted contact element or segment within the connector halves that can retract upon contact with geometrically incompatible halves, preventing mechanical damage and ensuring a functional connection by aligning into a retracted position, while maintaining contact with compatible halves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling system is designed to connect different vehicle types (trucks, buses, passenger cars), then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for universal compatibility mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs a universal connector design that can accommodate different vehicle types (trucks, buses, passenger cars) through a standardized interface. The connector body and coupling mechanism are designed to work across multiple vehicle categories, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific coupling systems and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If coupling and uncoupling operations are automated or simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to reduced manual control and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system incorporates automatic coupling and uncoupling mechanisms that operate without extensive manual intervention. The connector automatically engages and locks when brought into contact, and can be easily released through a simple release mechanism. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining reliability through automatic safety checks and secure locking mechanisms that ensure proper connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If the connector design is simplified for ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may worsen affecting connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates self-aligning features that compensate for minor manufacturing tolerances. The coupling mechanism includes guide surfaces and positioning elements that automatically align the connector components during assembly, ensuring reliable connection even when manufacturing precision varies within standard tolerances. This approach allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug device for a plug-type coupling system between a first vehicle and a second vehicle. The plug device has a first plug half, which is paired with a first vehicle and which comprises a first housing and a plurality of contact elements arranged in the housing, and a second plug half, which is paired with the second vehicle and which comprises a second housing and a plurality of contact elements arranged in the second housing, wherein the contact elements of the first plug half are plug sockets and the contact elements of the second plug half are contact pins which contact the plug sockets when the first and second plug halves are brought together in a plug-in axis. According to the invention, at least one contact element is fitted in a plug element which is movably mounted in the plug axis with respect to the corresponding first or second housing.