Vehicle Coupling Unit Rotation Limiting Semi-Rigid Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling units in compound vehicles limit freight volume due to space requirements and complicate rearward driving, as they necessitate multiple pivot points that restrict vehicle length and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit with rotation limiting means that converts a conventional coupling system into a semi-rigid configuration, reducing the space between towing and trailing units by eliminating one pivot point, allowing for adjustable length to comply with regulatory dimensions and enhancing vehicle aerodynamics and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional coupling unit with multiple pivot points is used, then the coupling is flexible and easy to maneuver, but the space between towing and trailing units increases, reducing freight volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate coupling unit with its pivot points from the system. Instead, it directly couples the towing unit to the trailing unit, extracting the unnecessary intermediate structure that consumed space and reduced freight volume while maintaining coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the towing unit and trailing unit into a more integrated configuration by eliminating the separate intermediate coupling unit. This merging reduces the overall space requirement between units and increases the available freight volume within the maximum vehicle length constraints.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional coupling unit with multiple pivot points is used, then the coupling is flexible, but rearward driving becomes difficult and vehicle maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the intermediate coupling unit with its multiple pivot points that complicated rearward driving. By taking out this intermediate structure, the system achieves simpler geometry that improves maneuverability and ease of operation, particularly for rearward driving.
3Volume of moving object
If the coupling unit is made shorter to increase freight volume, then more freight space is available, but the coupling may not comply with regulatory dimensions and safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling system by eliminating the intermediate coupling unit. This parameter change reduces the overall length occupation by the coupling mechanism, increasing freight space while the design maintains compliance with regulatory dimensions through optimized geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2
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AI summary
Coupling unit for cooperation with a blocking assembly mountable on a towing unit of a compound vehicle, the coupling unit comprising - a first coupling element arranged to couple said coupling unit to said towing unit providing a first pivotal axis between said coupling unit and said towing unit, - a second coupling element arranged to couple said coupling unit to a trailing unit of said compound vehicle providing a second pivotal axis between said coupling unit and said trailing unit, - at least one pair of wheels.