Rotationally Fixed Linkage for Coupling Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing articulations for connecting a coupling rod to a car body in multi-part, track-guided vehicles are complex and costly, requiring significant installation space while being high-maintenance and prone to wear, due to the need for efficient force distribution and anti-rotation mechanisms under extreme forces.

Innovation Solution

A linkage with a base plate and bearing element featuring a support component and a reversibly deformable restoring component, where the support component partially contacts the coupling rod and the restoring component is designed to absorb forces through elastic deformation, combined with a form-fitting anti-rotation device using wrench flats and a convex contour, minimizing stress on the restoring component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex articulation design with multiple components is used to achieve efficient force distribution and anti-rotation mechanisms, then the reliability and strength are improved, but the device complexity, installation space requirement, and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-rotation mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidarticulation structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anti-rotation function into the spherical bearing design itself by providing an asymmetric equatorial section with a non-circular cross-section. This integration eliminates the need for separate anti-rotation mechanisms while maintaining reliability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The asymmetric equatorial section creates local geometric features that provide anti-rotation capability without affecting the overall spherical bearing structure. The non-circular cross-section at the equator provides the necessary rotational constraint while the rest of the bearing maintains its spherical geometry for proper articulation movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional bearing arrangements are used to accommodate horizontal and vertical pivoting movements, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivoting movement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical bearing with an asymmetric equatorial section that enables both horizontal and vertical pivoting movements through its spherical geometry. The curved surface allows articulation in multiple directions while maintaining a compact form factor, reducing installation space requirements compared to traditional multi-component bearing arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Strength

If the return component rests completely on the coupling rod to transmit forces directly, then the strength and force transmission are improved, but the stress on the restoring component increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce transmission capabilityVSAvoidstress on restoring component

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric equatorial section creates specific contact zones that distribute forces more favorably. By providing localized geometric features at the equator, the bearing can transmit forces directly through the coupling rod while the asymmetric geometry helps distribute stress more evenly, preventing excessive stress concentration on the restoring component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and efficient articulation with minimal installation space, allowing for cardanic freedom of movement while preventing twisting and distributing forces effectively, thus reducing wear and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a reversibly deformable restoring component (32), in particular an elastomeric spring element, which is arranged on the support component (31)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Spring components enable cardan-like movement of the coupling and dampen minor shocks caused by compressive and/or tensile forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3371029B1Rotationally fixed linkage for articulated connection of a coupling rod to a carriage body

Publication Date: 2022.02.23 VOITH PATENT GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a linkage for articulated connection of a coupling rod to a carriage body, comprising a base plate (20) having at least one through opening (21), a bearing element (30) having at least one through opening (22) and arranged in the through opening (21) of the base plate (20), and a coupling rod (10) protruding through the through opening (33) of the bearing element (30). The bearing element (30) has in particular at least one supporting component (31) and one resetting component (32). The supporting component (31) lies partially on the coupling rod (10).