Semitrailer Plug Coupling Layout for Misalignment-Tolerant Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting systems for towing vehicles and semitrailers are prone to damage during faulty coupling processes and are complex, taking up excessive space, especially when the semitrailer is inclined, due to high forces acting between the vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A connecting system with two plug units, one fixed to the semitrailer's rotor and the other to the towing vehicle's coupling plate, featuring a coupling axis parallel to the rotor's axis of rotation, allowing for displacement along this axis to engage or disengage, utilizing damped mounting to compensate for vibrations and misalignments, and a compact design that separates the connection process from the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connecting system is arranged in the area of the coupling plate to establish connection during coupling process, then the electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic lines can be connected, but the system becomes very complex and takes up too much space
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting system is divided into separate plug units: a first plug unit fixed to the rotor and a second plug unit fixed to the coupling plate. This segmentation allows each plug unit to be independently designed and positioned, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting system is extracted from the traditional coupling plate area and repositioned to utilize the rotor structure. The first plug unit is mounted on the rotor while the second remains on the coupling plate, separating the connection function from the main coupling mechanism and reducing space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting system is arranged in the area of the coupling plate, then connection can be established, but individual components can be damaged in the event of faulty coupling process or inclined position
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is designed to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, allowing the first plug unit to dynamically adjust its position relative to the second plug unit. This dynamic capability enables the system to accommodate inclined positions and faulty coupling attempts without damaging the connecting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor acts as an intermediary element between the coupling plate and the first plug unit. It absorbs and compensates for misalignments and forces during faulty coupling processes, protecting the delicate electrical and pneumatic/hydraulic connection components from damage.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling axis is spaced from the axis of rotation, then the plug units can be connected along a parallel axis, but the system requires damped mounting to compensate for vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portions are designed with damped mounting elements that pre-compensate for vibrations and misalignments. This beforehand cushioning protects the connecting components from vibration damage while allowing the coupling portions to displace along the coupling axis for easy connection.
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 prevents damage during incorrect couplings and inclined positions by ensuring only one-dimensional movement of coupling portions, enhancing robustness and reducing installation space, while maintaining a secure and vibration-damped connection.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor is arranged so as to be pivotable or rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the semitrailer... the rotor serves to compensate for a pivoted position of the towing vehicle relative to the semitrailer by rotating about the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a damped mounting, in particular by means of rubber elements or corresponding elastically deformable components of the coupling portions, can be provided which, on the one hand, can compensate for and damp vibrations
Implementation Method 3
the first coupling portion is displaceable relative to the rotor and/or the second coupling portion is displaceable relative to the mounting portion along the coupling axis to engage or disengage the respective opposite coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system and a method for connecting a towing vehicle to a semitrailer includes a first plug unit configured to be fixed to a rotor of a semitrailer unit rotatably mounted on the semitrailer unit about an axis of rotation and having a first coupling portion, and a second plug unit having at least one mounting portion configured to be attached to a coupling plate of a commercial vehicle and a second coupling portion, wherein the first and second coupling portions are configured to be coupled together along a coupling axis such that the coupling axis is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and spaced from the axis of rotation, and such that the first coupling portion is displaceable relative to the rotor and/or the second coupling portion is displaceable relative to the mounting portion along the coupling axis to engage or disengage the respective opposite coupling portion.