Semi-Rigid Vehicle Joint Platform Absorbs Torsional Stress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transition platforms over vehicle articulations experience torsional stress during vehicle operations, leading to twisting and potential hazards for passengers due to existing designs that fail to effectively absorb these stresses without creating tripping hazards.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid transition platform with a torsion-resistant joint connection, utilizing a semi-rigid material for the rotating plate and buckling movements at joints, which absorbs torsional forces while preventing edge twisting and ensuring a flat surface for passengers, incorporating a spring plate and reinforcing elements to manage movements and loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid transition platform is used, then structural integrity is improved, but torsional stress causes twisting and creates tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a fully rigid platform to a semi-rigid platform where specific parameters (rigidity) are modified in controlled areas. The rotating plate is made semi-rigid to allow elastic twisting under torsional stress, while the joint connection maintains rigidity to prevent relative movement between platform sections. This selective parameter change resolves the contradiction by absorbing harmful torsion through controlled elastic deformation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a semi-rigid rotating plate that can dynamically adjust its rigidity based on loading conditions. Under normal conditions, the plate maintains sufficient rigidity to support passengers. Under torsional stress during vehicle cornering or rolling, the plate dynamically twists elastically to absorb the stress, then returns to its original position when the stress is removed. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for a completely rigid structure while preventing harmful twisting.
2Reliability
If a semi-rigid rotating plate is used, then torsional stress absorption is improved, but joint connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transition platform into distinct functional segments: a semi-rigid rotating plate for torsional absorption and a rigid joint connection for structural stability. The joint connection is further segmented into a torsionally rigid component (preventing relative twisting between edges) and a buckling allowance component (permitting longitudinal buckling movements). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable torsional stress absorption without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different rigidity characteristics to different parts of the joint connection. The joint connection is designed to be torsionally rigid at the edges (to prevent twisting and ledges) while allowing buckling movements in the longitudinal direction. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties enables the joint to simultaneously provide structural integrity and accommodate vehicle movements without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the joint connection is made torsionally rigid, then edge twisting is prevented, but buckling movement freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the joint connection's mechanical properties in different directions and locations. The joint is designed to be torsionally rigid at the edges where stability is critical, preventing relative twisting between adjacent platform edges that would create tripping hazards. Simultaneously, the joint allows buckling movements in the longitudinal direction where adaptability is needed to accommodate vehicle articulation. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing edge stability without restricting necessary buckling freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by separating the joint connection's functions into distinct mechanical behaviors: torsional rigidity for edge stability and buckling flexibility for adaptability. The joint connection structure is segmented to provide torsional resistance through rigid connections at the edges while permitting longitudinal buckling through appropriate geometric design or flexible elements. This functional segmentation enables the joint to simultaneously satisfy both requirements without compromise.
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 effectively absorbs torsional stresses during vehicle operations, maintaining a safe and flat surface for passengers by distributing torsional forces through semi-rigid materials and controlled buckling movements, preventing tripping hazards and ensuring structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the material is so flexible that a panel formed from this material will twist under the forces encountered during pivotal movement between the carriages. Twisting is elastic, meaning the plate returns to its original state when the twisting motion is reversed.
Implementation Method 2
The spring plate deforms elastically under the buckling movements of the joint and otherwise does not allow any displacement or twisting between the edges adjacent to the joint.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The junction platform has a rotating plate (21) and a connection plate (20), where the rotating plate and the connection plate are connected with each other in a transverse direction by a hinge (23). The connection plate has a joint (25) extending from a lateral edge towards a center axis (26). The rotating plate is made from semi-rigid material. An independent claim is also included for a vehicle joint system with two coaches.