Plug-in Coupling System Using Contactless Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in coupling systems for towing and towed vehicles face issues with interference in communication between vehicles, contamination leading to faulty data transmission, and mechanical stress, especially in automatic systems, which can result in unreliable energy and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in coupling system equipped with a contactless communication system having a short range, featuring a plug and plug socket with transmitters and receivers, allowing for both automatic and manual connection, and incorporating a pneumatic and electrical means of connection to transmit energy and data, while being less susceptible to contamination and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plug-in coupling system with electrical contacts is used for automatic connection, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination and mechanical stress on the contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with a contactless communication system using electromagnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and contamination issues inherent in plug-socket electrical contacts while maintaining automatic coupling functionality, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data and energy transmission between the towing and towed vehicles. This intermediary allows communication without direct physical contact between electrical components, resolving the contradiction between automatic connection speed and transmission reliability
2Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are exposed for connection, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to contamination and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs shielding structures and protective enclosures that act as flexible barriers, preventing contamination from reaching the electrical contacts while allowing the connection process to proceed automatically without manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while reducing contamination susceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected environment around the electrical contacts using shielding and enclosure structures that isolate the contacts from harmful external factors such as dust, moisture, and electromagnetic interference, thereby reducing contamination without complicating the connection process
3Strength
If mechanical coupling devices are used with high force, then strength is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to interference in communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the mechanical coupling process by implementing a separate contactless communication system. This allows the mechanical coupling devices to operate with high force for strong connections without generating interference that would affect communication, as the two functions are decoupled and operate independently
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 system ensures reliable communication and energy transfer between towing and towed vehicles with minimal interference, reduced susceptibility to contamination, and lower mechanical stress, enabling efficient data exchange and energy transmission even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the plug and the plug socket have at least one transmitter and at least one receiver of a contactless communication system having a short range
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in coupling system for connecting a motorized vehicle and a transport unit, including a plug-in device which can be mounted on the transport unit side and has a plug, and a plug socket which can be mounted on the vehicle side and into which the plug can be inserted in an operating state. The plug and the plug socket (9) have at least one transmitter and at least one receiver of a contactless communication system having a short range.