Vehicle Coupling Rod Hinge Joint for Collision Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle coupling rod devices with elastic joints are limited in horizontal pivoting angles, restricting the flexibility and stability, especially during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a hinge joint with a tension bracket connected to the vehicle body via a tension spring arrangement, allowing larger horizontal swivel angles and defining a pivot axis for the coupling rod, combined with a central compression spring arrangement for eccentric restoring forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic joints are used for coupling rod connection, then the vehicle can be stabilized during collisions, but the horizontal pivoting angles are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod connection is divided into two independent functional parts: a central compression spring arrangement for longitudinal stabilization and a hinge joint with tension spring arrangement for horizontal pivoting. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling both collision stability and large horizontal swivel angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the coupling rod and the vehicle body. It provides a defined pivot axis that enables large horizontal angular movements while the compression spring arrangement independently handles the longitudinal stabilizing forces during collisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge joint with tension bracket is added to enable larger swivel angles, then horizontal pivoting freedom increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint and the tension spring arrangement are merged into a single integrated connection device. The tension bracket serves dual purposes: it provides the pivot axis for horizontal swiveling and simultaneously serves as the mounting point for the tension spring arrangement, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, defines the pivot axis for horizontal movement, and serves as the attachment point for the tension spring arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
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
Enables greater horizontal movement freedom and effective cushioning against compressive forces, enhancing the vehicle's stability and flexibility, particularly during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a central compression spring arrangement supported on the stop plate, which interacts with the coupling rod in such a way that an eccentrically acting restoring force occurs when the coupling rod is angularly deflected relative to its starting position
Implementation Method 2
The coupling rod is cushioned against compressive forces acting in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via the central compression spring arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle with a device for the articulated connection of a coupling rod (1) to the vehicle, wherein the device comprises: a vertically arranged stop plate (2) which is attached to a body shell of the vehicle in an underframe area of the vehicle or formed by a body shell section, wherein the coupling rod (1) is mounted such that horizontal angular deflections of the coupling rod (1) relative to its central initial position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle are permitted, and a central compression spring arrangement (12) supported on the stop plate (2), which interacts with the coupling rod (1) such that an eccentrically acting restoring force can be exerted on the coupling rod (1) when the coupling rod (1) is deflected angularly relative to its initial position, wherein a tension spring arrangement (4) is provided.which is supported on the vehicle's body shell and connected via a hinge joint (13) to the end of the coupling rod (1) associated with the stop plate (2).