Modular Trailer Coupling for Stable High-Speed Off-Road Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular vehicle systems face challenges in maintaining alignment and stability between master and slave vehicles, particularly during high-speed off-road driving, due to limitations in articulation mechanisms and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A structural frame for modular slave vehicles featuring a master coupling system with a mechanical stress absorbing mechanism, allowing partial unconstrained rotational movement, and tandem coupling devices for articulation with other slave vehicles, ensuring stability and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to maintain alignment between master and slave vehicles, then alignment precision is improved, but stability during high-speed off-road driving deteriorates due to inability to absorb mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts its constraints based on operating conditions. The master coupling system allows rotational DOFs to remain unconstrained, enabling the articulation angle to change dynamically during off-road driving, thereby absorbing mechanical stresses while maintaining translational alignment between vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the constraint parameters of the coupling mechanism selectively. Translational DOFs are constrained to maintain alignment precision, while rotational DOFs are left unconstrained to allow adaptive movement. This parameter differentiation enables the system to achieve both precise alignment and stress absorption capability during high-speed off-road operation.
2Measurement precision
If all degrees of freedom are constrained between master and slave vehicles, then alignment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted natural movement and increased stress transmission
Solution Approach 1:
Different DOFs are treated with different constraint qualities. Translational DOFs are fully constrained to maintain alignment, while rotational DOFs are left unconstrained to allow natural articulation movement. This localized differentiation of constraint quality enables the system to maintain alignment precision while preserving ease of operation by allowing the articulation joint to move naturally during off-road driving.
3Device complexity
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to maintain alignment and absorb stresses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the master coupling system for articulation with the master vehicle, and slave coupling devices for articulation with other slave vehicles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The master coupling system handles stress absorption and alignment, while the slave coupling devices provide standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave vehicle structural frame is designed with universal coupling capability, allowing it to articulate with both master vehicles (via the master coupling system) and other slave vehicles (via the slave coupling devices). This multi-functionality enables a single standardized interface design to serve multiple articulation scenarios, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to maintain alignment and absorb stresses across different operating configurations.
4Reliability
If offset distance between master and slave vehicles is increased, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional coupling components
Solution Approach 1:
The offset distance is integrated into the nested structure of the coupling mechanism. The master coupling system includes a shaft that permanently protrudes axially from the front end of the structural frame, with its length defining the offset distance. This nested integration of the offset feature within the existing coupling components achieves the desired stability without requiring additional separate coupling components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A modular slave vehicle articulatable at one end thereof to another slave vehicle and at another end thereof to an independently driven master vehicle, simultaneously. The slave vehicle comprising a body including a driving system; a structural frame supporting said body; a master coupling system in the form of a mechanical stress absorbing coupling mechanism; at least one first slave coupling device; at least one second slave coupling device; said first and second coupling devices, when mounted to two adjacent slave vehicles intended to be articulated to each other, are detachably connectable to each other to form a tandem coupling configured to constrain all DOF therebetween.