Pivot Mechanism With Angle-Dependent Restoring Force for Smooth Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot mechanisms in carrying vehicles can cause carried vehicles to be undesirably oriented orthogonal to the moving direction, hindering smooth travel.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism with a base portion, pivot portion, and restoration mechanism, where the restoration mechanism generates a restoring force based on the pivot angle to return the pivot portion to a neutral state, preventing undesirable orientation of the carried vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot mechanism is designed to allow the pivot portion to pivot freely, then the carrying vehicle can be turned when carrying the carried vehicle, but the carried vehicle may be undesirably oriented in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration mechanism changes the restoring force parameter based on the pivot angle. When the pivot angle is within the first angular range, the restoration mechanism generates a restoring force that increases with the pivot angle, guiding the pivot portion back to the neutral state and preventing orthogonal orientation of the carried vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism transitions from a static connection to a dynamic system with controlled movement. The restoration mechanism dynamically adjusts the restoring force based on the pivot angle, allowing free pivoting within acceptable ranges while automatically correcting excessive pivot angles to maintain traveling smoothness.
2Reliability
If the restoration mechanism generates a strong restoring force to return the pivot portion to neutral state, then smooth traveling is achieved, but turning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The restoration mechanism modifies the restoring force parameter according to the pivot angle range. In the first angular range, a strong restoring force is generated to ensure smooth traveling. In the second angular range, the restoring force is reduced or eliminated, facilitating easier turning operations when the pivot portion is already in a turned position.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration mechanism applies partial action by generating restoring force only when necessary (within the first angular range). When the pivot angle exceeds this range, the restoration force is reduced, allowing the operator to turn the vehicle without excessive resistance, thus balancing smooth traveling with turning ease.
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 pivot mechanism ensures smooth travel of the carried vehicle by inhibiting undesirable orientation, allowing the carrying vehicle to push or tow the carried vehicle without hindrance.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the cam follower along an imaginary straight line connecting a pivot axis of the pivot portion and the cam follower
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot mechanism for use in connection with a carried (e.g., towed or pushed) vehicle includes a base portion, a pivot portion, and a restoration mechanism. The pivot portion is attached to the base portion in a pivotable manner. The restoration mechanism is configured to generate a restoring force in accordance with a pivot angle of the pivot portion to restore the pivot portion to a neutral state when the pivot angle of the pivot portion falls within a first angular range.