Coupling Unit Wedge Sword Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for freely mobile devices to energy chain systems lack an efficient and automatic method for flexible, high-tensile connection and decoupling, especially when the devices' travel paths deviate, and do not allow for self-propelled positioning of the coupling trolley along the travel path.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit with a vertically displaceable wedge-shaped sword that lifts and encloses a first plug part with a guide device, enabling horizontal and vertical alignment with a second plug part on the coupling carriage, allowing for automatic coupling and decoupling at any position, and a flexible, tensile connection that allows the device to pull the coupling carriage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a coupling system uses a rigid connection between the device and coupling carriage, then the connection strength is high, but the system cannot compensate for deviations in travel paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable connection instead of a rigid mechanical linkage between the device and coupling carriage. This flexible cable maintains high tensile strength for secure connection while allowing the system to accommodate deviations in travel paths, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling process is manual, then the positioning can be precise, but the coupling time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to perform self-positioning and self-coupling operations. The coupling carriage autonomously positions itself relative to the device using its drive mechanism, and the coupling process occurs automatically without manual intervention, thereby maintaining precision while significantly improving coupling speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated drive mechanism on the coupling carriage. This mechanical system automatically moves the coupling carriage into the correct position and executes the coupling operation, eliminating the need for manual positioning while maintaining accuracy and increasing speed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling carriage is stationary, then the connection point is fixed, but the system cannot allow decoupling at any position along the travel path
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling carriage is designed with a drive mechanism that enables it to move along the travel path, transforming it from a stationary to a dynamic component. This allows the coupling carriage to position itself at any location along the travel path for coupling or decoupling operations, while maintaining a stable connection point when engaged with the device.
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 automatic, flexible, and secure connection and decoupling of the device to the coupling carriage, allowing it to move self-propelled along the travel path, compensating for path deviations and maintaining connection during movement.
Implementation Method 1
a vertically displaceable wedge-shaped sword on which the first connector part is arranged, and the sword is designed in such a way that it can be lifted with the first connector part, when the coupling carriage hits the sword with a guide device
Implementation Method 2
when the coupling carriage stops in a predetermined position relative to the device, the sword falls into a receptacle of the coupling carriage and encloses it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Coupling unit (2) for coupling a freely movable device (1) into an energy chain system (3) which is connected to a coupling carriage (5) that is movable parallel to the displacement path of the device (1), wherein the coupling unit (2) has a first plug part (10) which is able to be connected to the device (1) in a flexible and tension-resistant manner and which is able to be connected to a second plug part (9) arranged on the coupling carriage (5), wherein the coupling unit (2) is able to be extended in the direction of the coupling carriage (5), wherein the coupling carriage (2) has a guide unit (12) by way of which a vertically displaceable strut (13) arranged on the device (1) is able to be raised with the first plug part (10), and wherein, when the coupling carriage (5) stops in a predetermined position relative to the device (1) the strut (13) drops into a receptacle of the coupling carriage (5) and surrounds the latter, wherein the two plug parts (9, 10) are positioned horizontally and vertically with respect to one another.