Resilient Vehicle Coupling Assembly for Paving Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hitch couplings used for coupling rear towed or pushing vehicles to front towing or pushed vehicles are often rigid and non-resilient, leading to potential damage during sudden slowing or stopping, especially in road paving applications where a paver and a paving material supply truck interact.
Innovation Solution
A resilient vehicle coupling assembly with a length-variable coupling assembly arm and a rotatable wheel engagement member that can securely engage with the vehicle wheel, absorbing longitudinal extension forces to maintain a stable connection between the vehicles, thereby preventing damage to the coupling and mounting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid hitch coupling is used to couple the paver to the supply truck, then the coupling strength is improved, but the damage risk during sudden stopping is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly arm is designed to be length-variable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its length in response to longitudinal extension forces. This dynamic capability enables the coupling to accommodate sudden stopping or slowing of the paver by extending outward, preventing rigid force transmission that would cause damage to the coupling or mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly arm changes its physical parameter (length) in response to applied forces. When longitudinal extension force is applied during sudden stopping, the arm extends to a greater length, absorbing the shock and preventing damage while maintaining coupling strength during normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling assembly is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to sudden movements is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the arm length can change. This allows the structure to maintain stability during normal operation while adapting to sudden movements by extending or retracting the arm length in response to applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The length-variable coupling assembly arm provides beforehand cushioning by being able to extend outward before damage can occur during sudden stopping. This pre-configured adaptability allows the system to absorb shock loads that would otherwise compromise structural stability.
3Reliability
If a length-variable coupling arm is used to accommodate sudden movements, then the damage resistance is improved, but the coupling complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling arm incorporates length variability through mechanical means such as telescoping sections or extendable components. This dynamic feature enables the arm to extend during sudden stopping to absorb shock forces, improving damage resistance while adding only moderate complexity to the coupling mechanism.
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 solution provides a secure and resilient coupling that minimizes damage to the coupling assembly and mounting structures by accommodating sudden movements and changes in distance between the vehicles during paving operations, ensuring continuous operation without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling assembly arm may be resiliently length-variable responsive to application of a longitudinal extension force on the coupling assembly arm
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle coupling assemblies suitable for facilitating a resilient coupling between a rear vehicle and a vehicle wheel on a front vehicle may include a coupling assembly arm. The coupling assembly arm may be resiliently length-variable responsive to application of a longitudinal extension force on the coupling assembly arm. A wheel engagement member may include an engagement member body rotatably carried by the coupling assembly arm. The engagement member body may be suitably sized and configured for engagement with the vehicle wheel on the front vehicle in substantially concentric relationship with respect to the vehicle wheel.