Extender-Connector Coupling Assembly for Nonstop Moving Cars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation systems face challenges in efficiently connecting and disconnecting moving cars without the need for stops, particularly in non-stop transportation systems, which affects commuting time and line capacity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly is used in a first car that includes an extender and a connector, allowing connection and disconnection with a second car while both are in motion, utilizing sensors, communication devices, and processors to control speed, acceleration, and distance for safe coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cars connect and disconnect while moving to reduce commuting time and increase line capacity, then productivity and loss of time are improved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism and reliability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate functional components: an extender mechanism that deploys to bridge the gap between cars, and a connector that performs the actual mechanical coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender deploys in advance before the connector engages with the mating connector. This preliminary action reduces the relative speed and distance between the coupling points, making the actual connection process safer and more reliable while enabling coupling at higher speeds.
2Loss of time
If cars connect and disconnect while moving to reduce commuting time, then loss of time is improved, but the safety risks and control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position, speed, and alignment of the coupling components. This feedback is fed to the control system, which adjusts the extender deployment and connector engagement in real-time to maintain safe operating parameters and ensure reliable coupling despite motion and environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and reduces the relative kinetic energy between the two cars before the connector engages. This preliminary cushioning action mitigates impact forces and reduces safety risks during the coupling process, enabling safer operation at higher speeds.
3Ease of operation
If an extender mechanism is used to enable coupling at a distance between moving cars, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extender is designed as a dynamic, deployable structure that can extend and retract as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying distances and speeds between cars during operation, improving ease of use while the modular design helps manage manufacturing complexity through standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly (100) in a first car (12) configured to move relative to a second car (18), the coupling assembly (100) includes an extender (88) and a connector (99). While the first and second cars (12, 18) are both in motion, the extender (88) is configured to extend away from the first car (12) for connecting with the second car (18). The connector (99) is coupled to the extender (88) and is configured to perform the following while the first and second cars (12, 18) are both in motion: (i) connect with a mating connector (98) of the second car (18) when connecting between the first and second cars (12, 18), and (ii) disconnect from the mating connector (98) when disconnecting the first car (12) from the second car (18).