Elastic Centering Pin for Trailer Plug Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in systems for trailer vehicles face challenges in precise centering and tolerance compensation during coupling, leading to wear and safety risks due to the need for precise alignment of plug halves.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a plug-in system with guide elements featuring a main guide pin and at least one elastic centering pin, which compensates for tolerances through deformation, allowing for precise alignment and reduced wear by distributing play evenly on both sides of the main guide pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guide arms with precise alignment are used to guide plug halves during coupling, then alignment precision is improved, but wear increases and safety risk arises due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin is designed with elastic properties, changing its mechanical parameter from rigid to flexible. This allows the guide pin to deform elastically during coupling, absorbing tolerance variations without requiring precise alignment, thereby reducing wear and eliminating safety risks associated with tolerance accumulation in rigid guide arms
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic element that can adapt its shape during the coupling process. The elastic guide pin deforms to accommodate misalignments and then returns to its original position, providing continuous guidance while compensating for manufacturing tolerances and reducing wear on contacting surfaces
2Device complexity
If rigid guide elements are used for coupling, then structural simplicity is maintained, but tolerance compensation capability is reduced leading to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pin material or structure is modified to introduce elastic properties, changing the mechanical parameter from rigid to flexible. This simple modification enables the guide pin to deform and compensate for manufacturing tolerances during coupling, improving alignment precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The guide pin is designed as a flexible elastic element rather than a rigid structure. This flexible guide pin can deform to accommodate tolerance variations in the coupling components, providing effective tolerance compensation while maintaining a simple overall device structure
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
This solution ensures precise sliding of plug halves, reduces wear, and enhances safety by actively engaging compressive forces away from line contacts, maintaining alignment and stability during frequent coupling processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least the centering pin and/or the associated guide element is elastic in radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in system for trailer vehicles provided with an automatic coupling system of the supply lines, including a plug (1) supporting the line contacts (1a) and a socket (2). The plug (1) has guide elements (4) that actively engage when approaching the guide elements (5) of the socket (2). The centering of a plug system for an automatic coupling system of supply lines on an articulated train is achieved by the guide elements (4) include a main guide pin (6) and at least one centering pin (7a, 7b) arranged at a distance therefrom. At least the centering pin (7a, 7b) and/or the associated guide element (5, 9) is elastic in the radial direction.