Gangway Bellows Securing Element for Quick Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connections between gangway bellows floors and bodies in vehicles are complex and time-consuming to assemble and difficult to release, especially due to issues with dirt accumulation in screwed connections and the difficulty in releasing riveted connections.
Innovation Solution
A securing element with transversely oriented securing faces is used, which is rigidly connected to one bolt and pivots to enclose the other bolt between them, allowing for secure attachment and easy release with a single manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screwed connections are used to secure bolts, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming, and the connections become stuck by dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securing function from the bolt itself and transfers it to a separate securing element. The bolt is simplified to only perform its fastening function, while the securing element (with securing faces) handles the anti-loosening function. This separation eliminates the complexity of threaded connections and their vulnerability to dirt accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element acts as an intermediary between the bolts and the drill holes. It provides the securing function through its securing faces that bear against the bolt end faces, preventing unintentional release without requiring the bolts to have threading or complex securing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If riveted connections are used to secure bolts, then the connection is secure, but the release process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The securing element is designed to be movable relative to the bolts, allowing it to be pivoted into position to secure the bolts and then pivoted back to release them. This dynamic design enables easy release while maintaining secure connection during operation, unlike static riveted connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: bolts for fastening, securing element for anti-loosening, and drill holes for positioning. This segmentation allows the securing element to be independently operated for release while the bolts remain in place, facilitating easy disassembly.
3Reliability
If individual securing of each bolt is performed, then each connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function for multiple bolts is merged into a single securing element with multiple securing faces. This allows one securing element to simultaneously secure multiple bolts (first bolt and second bolt) in a single operation, dramatically improving assembly speed while maintaining individual connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs securing for both the first bolt and the second bolt. Its multiple securing faces allow it to engage with multiple bolts at once, making it a universal securing solution for the entire connection assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A gangway bellows for lining an intercommunicating gangway between a front car and a rear car which is connected in an articulated fashion to the front car, has a gangway bellows floor that is releasably attached to a gangway bellows body. Two drill holes extend through a first strip which is connected to the gangway bellows floor and through a second strip which is connected to the gangway bellows body. A first bolt and a second bolt are introduced into the drill holes. A securing element which is rigidly connected to the first bolt is provided for the second bolt and has two securing faces which are configured to bear against the end faces of the second bolt in order to hold the first bolt and the second bolt in the drill holes.