Detachable Plug Connection for Articulated Vehicle Transition Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition bellows systems for articulated vehicles require tools to detach and reattach air-conditioning ducts, risking damage to components and complicating maintenance, as the crimped connections can harm transfer profiles and duct bellows during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A detachable plug connection using holders with clamping grooves and recesses allows for tool-free assembly and disassembly of channel bellows from transition bellows, minimizing wear and ensuring a secure, permanent connection between duct and transition bellows, with holders arranged centrally to reduce deformation and risk of collapse during cornering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crimped connections are used to attach duct bellows to transition bellows, then a secure connection is achieved, but tools are required for disassembly and component damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: a holder attached to the transition bellows frame and a detachable plug connection that interfaces with the duct bellows frame. This segmentation allows the connection to be made in two independent steps, enabling tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder serves as an intermediary component between the transition bellows frame and the duct bellows frame. It provides a stable mounting point on the transition bellows side while accommodating a detachable plug connection on the duct bellows side, thus mediating the connection between the two components and enabling easy detachment without tool assistance.
2Strength
If crimped connections are used to attach duct bellows, then assembly is secure, but component damage occurs during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable plug connection is designed as a consumable or replaceable component that can be easily detached and replaced if damaged. This allows the main structural components (holder and bellows frames) to be preserved while the plug connection can be replaced without tool assistance, maintaining component integrity throughout the system's lifecycle.
3Ease of manufacture
If transfer profiles are used to elevate channel bellows, then connection is achieved, but force distribution becomes problematic during cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with localized reinforcement and optimized geometry at critical stress points to handle the forces generated during vehicle cornering. The bellows frame groove and detachable plug connection are positioned and dimensioned to distribute forces locally where needed, rather than relying on the Z-shaped transfer profile geometry.
4Ease of operation
If detachable plug connection is used, then tool-free disassembly is enabled, but connection permanence may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable plug connection incorporates dynamic elements such as elastic deformation zones or spring-loaded locking mechanisms that provide a snap-fit effect during assembly. This creates a perception of permanent connection while maintaining the ability to detach without tools by overcoming the elastic retention force.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a transition bellows (12) of a transition (10) between two vehicles or vehicle parts (2, 3) articulatedly connected to each other, wherein the transition bellows (12) has a transition bellows frame (13), wherein the transition bellows (12) has a separate channel bellows (20) provided with a channel bellows frame (22), wherein at least one fastening means is provided for connecting the channel bellows (20) to the transition bellows (12), wherein the fastening means between the transition bellows (12) and the channel bellows (20) is designed as a holder, which is connected at least at one end to a channel bellows frame (22) of the channel bellows (20) and at the other end to a transition bellows frame (13) of the transition bellows (12), wherein the connection between the transition bellows frame (13) and/or the channel bellows frame (22) is designed as a detachable plug connection.