Self-Locking Coupling Means for Tilting Cargo Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting and removable loading boxes require manual intervention for coupling and uncoupling, which is tedious and poses a bodily hazard, and are mechanically robustness issues due to the weight distribution, making them unsuitable for large volume cargo boxes and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A loading assembly with self-locking coupling means that automatically lock and unlock, allowing for remote coupling and uncoupling of the loading box to the rolling frame, using a combination of first and second coupling means with jaws that pivot automatically under pressure, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and enhancing mechanical robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling and uncoupling mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tedious manual intervention and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism automatically locks when the loading box is positioned on the rolling frame, and automatically unlocks when the loading box is removed. The system serves itself by using the positioning and removal actions to trigger the locking and unlocking sequences without requiring separate manual operations for each state change.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling jaws are pre-positioned and the locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the loading box is placed on the rolling frame. The preliminary arrangement of the coupling components ensures that the locking action occurs as a natural consequence of the loading box positioning, rather than requiring a separate manual locking step.
2Reliability
If additional heavy lifting cylinders are added to improve mechanical robustness, then the reliability improves, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional heavy lifting cylinders by extracting the coupling and locking functions into a separate, lightweight mechanism. The coupling jaws and locking components are designed to handle the loading box without requiring the rolling frame to support additional heavy lifting equipment, thus maintaining mechanical robustness while minimizing weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling jaws act as an intermediary mechanism between the loading box and the rolling frame. Instead of using heavy lifting cylinders to secure the loading box, the coupling jaws provide a mechanical interface that transfers and distributes the loads, achieving reliable coupling without the need for additional heavy lifting equipment on the rolling frame.
3Extent of automation
If automated self-locking coupling means are implemented, then the extent of automation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The coupling jaws simultaneously perform the functions of mechanical coupling and self-locking through their geometric design and interaction with the locking surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate coupling and locking components, achieving automation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling jaws are designed with asymmetric geometry that enables automatic locking in the engaged state while allowing easy release when the loading box is removed. The asymmetric shape creates a mechanical advantage that locks the coupling in place during operation but permits automatic unlocking during removal, providing automated functionality through clever geometric design rather than complex control systems.
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 simplifies and automates the coupling and uncoupling process, reduces operator risk, and improves mechanical robustness, enabling efficient handling of large volume cargo boxes without the need for additional heavy lifting cylinders, thus reducing costs and maintaining payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
capable of assuming a locked closed position, under the effect of pressure exerted in a direction of coupling (C)
Implementation Method 2
a peg, which is slidable and elastically returned to the engagement position by an elastic return means, of the compression spring type
Implementation Method 3
an elastic return means, of the compression spring type
Data Source
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AI summary
The loading assembly comprises a rolling chassis (2) and a removable loading box (1). The rolling chassis (2) is equipped with at least one jack (22) that allows the loading box (1) to be rotated relative to the chassis around a horizontal axis of rotation. The assembly comprises at least one of the following technical features (a) or (b): (a) the assembly includes self-locking first coupling means (4) that are fixed to the loading box (1) or to the rod of the jack (22), such that the rod of the jack is capable of being extended to exert pressure on the first coupling means (4) in a coupling direction that automatically brings them into their locked closed position, in which they rotationally couple the rod of the jack (22) to the loading box (1), the first coupling means (4) further being unlockable.or (b) said assembly comprises self-locking second coupling means (4') which are fixed to the loading body or the rolling chassis (2), such that the rolling chassis (2) is capable of being moved so as to exert pressure on the second coupling means (4') in the coupling direction, automatically bringing them into their locked closed position, in which they couple the loading body (1) to the rolling chassis (2) in rotation about said horizontal axis of rotation (23), the second coupling means (4') being further unlockable.