Modular Mechanical Braking Linkage for Rigid Vehicle Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular vehicle braking systems, particularly those involving pneumatic and inertial systems, are not suitable for rigidly connected vehicles and do not allow for easy coupling of multiple trailers, leading to complexity, high costs, and delays in braking command transmission.
Innovation Solution
A modular, mechanical braking device with a 'plug and play' design that uses a transmission bar system with magnetic couplings to connect vehicles rigidly, allowing for immediate and reliable braking command transmission without operator intervention, ensuring safety even in servo-assisted braking failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic and inertial braking systems are used in vehicles pulling trailers, then braking capability is provided, but the system becomes very complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex pneumatic and inertial systems from the braking mechanism. Instead, it employs a purely mechanical linkage system where a transmission bar directly connects the braking pedal to the brakes of multiple vehicles, removing unnecessary complexity while maintaining braking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic and inertial systems with a simpler mechanical system. The transmission bar and linkage mechanism provide direct mechanical force transmission from the braking pedal to the brakes, substituting complex fluid and inertial dynamics with straightforward mechanical advantage.
2Reliability
If pneumatic systems are used for braking in coupled vehicles, then braking is provided, but the system is not suitable for vehicles with independent braking systems and does not allow coupling multiple trailers
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission bar design provides universal applicability across different vehicle configurations. The same mechanical linkage system can accommodate vehicles with independent braking systems and allow coupling of multiple trailers in succession, as each vehicle connects through the same standardized mechanical interface without requiring pneumatic system integration.
3Loss of time
If mechanical connection systems are used for rigid coupling of vehicles, then immediate braking command transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into simple, modular components: a transmission bar that connects to the braking pedal and linkage arms that connect to individual brakes. This segmentation allows each component to perform a single function simply, reducing overall complexity while maintaining rigid mechanical coupling for immediate force transmission.
4Reliability
If pneumatic braking systems are used in modular vehicle systems, then braking is provided, but operator intervention is required for coupling and the system is not plug-and-play
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical linkage system is designed to be self-activating upon coupling. When vehicles are connected through the rigid mechanical interface, the transmission bar automatically establishes the braking command pathway without requiring operator intervention to activate or configure the braking system, enabling true plug-and-play operation.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and safe braking system that eliminates delays in command transmission and allows for multiple vehicle connections, meeting regulatory standards by ensuring continuous braking in case of failures and reducing construction and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the distal end of the transmission bar (42) of the first vehicle (21) is connected to the distal end of the transmission bar (42) of the second vehicle (22) when said vehicles (21, 22) are connected to form said system (2) of modular vehicles
Data Source
AI summary
A modular braking device, suitable for being installed on a system of modular vehicles, the system including at least two vehicles detachably connectable to each other, wherein the vehicles when connected to form the system form a rigid train without relative rotations between the vehicles, wherein each of the vehicles includes a braking system which can be activated by control means accessible by a user, and including on each of the vehicles, connectors of the controls to a transmission bar of the braking control, the transmission bar extending for the length of the vehicles, and wherein the bars of the vehicles are connected when the vehicles are connected to form the system of modular vehicles.