Kingpin Arrangement with Radial Support for Compact Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kingpin arrangements for automatic coupling systems have a high installation space requirement, which limits their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A kingpin arrangement featuring a rotatably mounted turntable on plain bearings, a support structure with fastening means for a plug connector, and a compact design that minimizes the distance between the kingpin and the support structure, allowing for a small installation space footprint while ensuring secure fastening and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a plug is rotatably mounted about the kingpin in an automatic coupling system, then the coupling system achieves automatic connection capability, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is nested within the turntable structure, with the turntable forming a cup-shaped recess that receives the plug. This nesting arrangement allows the plug to be mounted rotatably about the kingpin while occupying minimal installation space, as the plug is contained within the turntable's internal volume rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends in a radial direction perpendicular to the kingpin direction, utilizing the radial dimension to position the plug connector away from the kingpin axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the plug to be rotatably mounted while the support structure provides stable positioning in the radial plane, effectively using three-dimensional space optimization.
2Area of stationary object
If the support structure is positioned close to the kingpin to reduce installation space, then the space requirement decreases, but the accessibility for fastening and vibration damping effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a first end for fastening to the turntable and a second end for supporting the plug connector. This segmentation allows the support structure to extend radially outward, providing accessible fastening surfaces at the first end while maintaining close proximity to the kingpin, thus resolving the conflict between compactness and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the turntable and the plug connector. It provides a stable mounting surface for the plug while extending radially to facilitate easy access for fastening operations, and simultaneously maintains a compact overall arrangement by being positioned close to the kingpin.
3Ease of operation
If the support structure extends radially perpendicular to the kingpin direction, then the plug connector accessibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides fastening means for the plug connector, supports the plug connector in a radially extended position for accessibility, and maintains a compact arrangement near the kingpin. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving radial extension for accessibility.
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
The compact design achieves a space-saving and secure kingpin arrangement with improved accessibility and vibration damping properties, enhancing operational safety and ease of mounting.
Implementation Method 1
the turntable is mounted rotatably about the kingpin direction relative to the kingpin, in particular is mounted on a plain-bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A kingpin arrangement for an automatic coupling system including a kingpin extending in a kingpin direction, a turntable mounted rotatably about the kingpin direction relative to the kingpin and mounted on a plain-bearing, the turntable having an opening, through which the kingpin extends, and a support structure extending in a radial direction, the support structure including a fastener for indirectly and/or directly fastening and/or for mounting a plug connector, the support structure being fixed indirectly and/or directly to an end of the turntable.