Vehicle Joint Adjustment Mechanism With Self-Locking Gap Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the joint dimensions of components in vehicles and similar transport systems require significant effort and are prone to changes due to vibrations and loads during operation, leading to a deterioration in the perceived quality.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base body, an adjustment element, and an adjusting body that interact to allow precise movement and fixing of components, using a screw with a self-locking thread or other locking elements to maintain the set joint dimension despite operational vibrations and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an eccentric disk is used to adjust the joint dimension, then the component can be moved towards or away from the adjacent component, but a comparatively large amount of force is required and the effectiveness is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lever arm as an intermediary mechanical element between the adjustment mechanism and the component to be positioned. The lever arm amplifies the applied force through mechanical advantage, allowing small input forces to generate large output forces needed for precise joint dimension adjustment without requiring direct application of large forces to the component itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct linear force application to a rotational moment application through the lever arm. By applying force perpendicular to the lever arm at a distance from the pivot point, the system exploits the second dimension (rotational space) to achieve force multiplication, converting a small linear force into a large rotational moment that effectively positions the component.
2Productivity
If an eccentric disk is used to adjust the joint dimension, then the component position can be changed, but the adjustment process takes a considerable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm serves as a mechanical intermediary that provides force multiplication, enabling rapid adjustment of the joint dimension with minimal input effort. This mechanical advantage allows the adjustment to be completed quickly without the time-consuming process of applying and maintaining large forces over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the lever arm can be quickly positioned and locked into place. The system transitions from static positioning to dynamic adjustment, allowing the joint dimension to be changed rapidly during assembly or maintenance operations, thereby reducing the time loss associated with repeated adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If an eccentric disk is used for adjustment, then the joint dimension can be set, but the eccentric disk tends to move due to vibrations during operation, changing the set gap dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from the eccentric disk mechanism and implements it through a lever arm system with a distinct locking component. By separating the positioning function (lever arm) from the locking function (locking component), the system eliminates the vibration-induced movement problem inherent in eccentric disks while maintaining precise joint dimension control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structural approach combining the lever arm, locking component, and adjustment element into an integrated system. This composite mechanism provides both the precision needed for accurate joint dimension setting and the stability required to maintain that setting under vibrational loads, overcoming the limitations of single-mechanism solutions like eccentric disks.
4Manufacturing precision
If the joint dimension is adjusted separately for each vehicle, then a uniform joint dimension can be obtained, but the process requires significant effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The lever arm acts as a mechanical intermediary that standardizes the adjustment process across different vehicles. By providing a consistent mechanical advantage ratio, the same adjustment procedure can be applied uniformly to all vehicles, ensuring consistent joint dimensions while reducing the effort and time required compared to previous methods.
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 quick and precise adjustment of joint dimensions with minimal effort, ensuring the set dimension is maintained during operation, thereby enhancing the quality impression of the transport system.
Implementation Method 1
using a screw with a self-locking thread or other locking elements to maintain the set joint dimension despite operational vibrations and loads
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment element (32) mounted in the base body (26) so that it can move about a first axis (A1), an adjusting body (30) mounted in the base body (26) so that it can move along a second axis (A2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for adjusting a first component (12) and a second component (14) of a passenger and/or goods transport means (10) relative to each other, wherein the two components (12, 14) are arranged adjacent to each other forming a joint (18), comprising a base body (26), an adjusting element (32) mounted in the base body (26) so as to be movable along a first axis (A1) and/or about the first axis, and an actuating element (30) mounted in the base body (26) so as to be movable along a second axis (A2), the actuating element (30) interacting with the adjusting element (32) in such a way that the movement of the adjusting element (32) along the first axis (A1) or about the first axis (A1) is converted into a movement of the actuating element (30) and/or the adjusting element (32) along the second axis (A2).wherein the movement of the actuating body (30) and/or the adjusting element (32) along the second axis (A2) is transferable to the first component (12) or the second component (14), and a fixing device (40) for fixing the adjusting element (32) and the actuating body (30) in a selectable position. The invention further relates to a passenger and/or goods transport vehicle (10) with such a device (22).