Modular Vehicle Spar Coupling for Rigid In-Motion Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle connection systems require operator intervention and allow relative rotations between vehicles, are complex, and expensive, failing to connect multiple modular vehicles in motion or with misalignment without electronic alignment systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle connection device with a structural spar system that uses an actuator and extension mechanism to rigidly connect vehicles without relative rotations, allowing connection in motion and misalignment, using purely mechanical means without electronic aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical, electronic or digital alignment systems are used to connect modular vehicles, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical, electronic, or digital alignment systems with a purely mechanical alignment solution. The mechanical coupling device incorporates guide elements and alignment features that automatically align vehicles through physical contact and geometric constraints, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronic positioning systems while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device enables self-alignment through its mechanical design. The guide rollers, rails, and coupling geometry automatically adjust and align the vehicles during the connection process without requiring external electronic control systems or complex positioning equipment.
2Ease of operation
If articulated coupling systems are used to connect vehicles, then ease of operation is improved, but relative rotation between vehicles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: guide elements for alignment, coupling mechanisms for connection, and locking features for stabilization. This segmentation allows the system to provide both ease of operation through modular components and stability through dedicated alignment and locking features that prevent relative rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupling device have specialized local properties: guide elements provide alignment guidance, coupling mechanisms provide connection strength, and locking features provide rotational stability. This local differentiation of functions allows the system to achieve both operational ease and train stability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If manual operator intervention is required for vehicle connection, then connection reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to perform the connection operation autonomously through its mechanical design. The guide elements automatically align the vehicles, the coupling mechanisms engage through controlled movement, and the locking features secure the connection without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates preliminary alignment features and pre-positioned coupling elements that prepare the connection before actual engagement. The guide rollers and rails pre-align the vehicles, and the coupling mechanisms are pre-configured to engage automatically, enabling fast and reliable connection without manual operation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connection without relative rotation is implemented, then vehicle train stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device uses localized geometric features and mechanical constraints at specific points to achieve rigid connection. Rather than requiring a complex overall system, localized guide elements, coupling points, and locking mechanisms provide the necessary stability while keeping the overall device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid connection system is segmented into simple, discrete mechanical components that work together to prevent relative rotation. Each segment performs a specific function (alignment, connection, locking), and their combination achieves rigid stability without requiring a complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular vehicle connection device for rigidly connecting in motion at least one leading vehicle and one trailing vehicle, wherein the device includes, for each vehicle, at least one spar, extending for the entire length of the vehicles, the spar including a front cavity and a rear cavity, both cavities open outwards, the rear cavity housing an actuator and an extension of the spar, the actuator connected to one end of the extension, adapted to move the extension to position an extension of the leading vehicle partly in a front cavity of the tail vehicle and partly in a rear cavity of the lead vehicle to rigidly connect the two vehicles. The front and rear cavities are equipped with locking device in position of the extension.