Articulated Vehicle Side Wall Panel Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side wall coverings for transitions between articulated vehicle parts suffer from high wear and increased weight due to constant compression of elastic elements, requiring frequent maintenance and complex assembly processes, and necessitate complete removal of side wall paneling for middle section replacement.
Innovation Solution
A side wall covering design featuring a flexible, archable central part connected to mounting brackets via rotatable brackets and connecting elements, allowing for low-wear deformation and simplified assembly, with rotatable connections between the flexible central part and holders to accommodate pivoting movements without constant compression of elastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are used to connect the flexible central part to the holder, then the side wall covering can accommodate pivoting movements, but the elastic elements experience constant compression and stretching leading to increased wear and frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic elements from the system entirely. Instead of using elastic elements that connect the flexible central part to the holder, the invention uses a rod-like element that can pivot relative to the holder without requiring elastic deformation. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the wear and maintenance issues associated with constant compression and stretching of elastic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rod-like element as an intermediary component between the flexible central part and the holder. This rod-like element serves as a mediator that transmits forces and accommodates movements without relying on elastic deformation. The rod can pivot relative to the holder through a defined pivot axis, providing the necessary adaptability while avoiding the wear problems of elastic elements.
2Strength
If solid elastic elements are used to ensure structural integrity, then the connection is strong, but the overall weight of the side wall covering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system based on elastic deformation with a pivot-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on the elastic properties of solid elements to provide both strength and flexibility, the invention uses a rod-like element that pivots on a defined axis. This substitution maintains structural integrity through the pivot connection while using lighter materials that do not require the same level of solid construction as elastic elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible central part is firmly connected to the holder, then the connection is stable, but the entire side wall paneling must be removed to replace the middle section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into distinct modular components: the holder, the rod-like element, and the flexible central part. The rod-like element is designed as a separate replaceable component that connects the flexible central part to the holder. This segmentation allows the middle section to be replaced independently without removing the entire side wall paneling, while the pivot connection maintains stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the connection system through the pivot axis. The rod-like element can pivot relative to the holder, providing dynamic adaptability during operation. This dynamic connection maintains stability under operational loads while allowing for easier maintenance, as the modular components can be accessed and replaced more conveniently than in a firmly fixed system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex connecting mechanisms are used to accommodate movements, then the adaptability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by instead of using complex mechanisms to accommodate movement, it uses a simple pivot connection that naturally allows movement. Rather than designing complex connecting mechanisms with multiple components and adjustment features, the invention uses a rod-like element that pivots on a simple axis, achieving adaptability through simplicity rather than complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of the connection from elastic deformation to rigid pivoting motion. By defining a specific pivot axis and allowing rotation around this axis, the system achieves adaptability through a change in the motion parameter rather than through complex mechanism design. This parameter change simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the ability to accommodate relative movements between vehicle parts.
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 reduces wear and weight, enabling easier assembly and disassembly, faster operation, and eliminates the need to remove entire side wall paneling for maintenance, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible middle part is elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
only the flexible middle part is elastically deformed. The relative movement required for the stretching or shortening of the flexible middle part is thus achieved on the one hand by the pivoting of the respective holder about the corresponding pivot axis and on the other hand by the rotation of the flexible middle part taking place relative to the pivoting
Data Source
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AI summary
Side wall panel (1) for the inside of a transition between two articulated vehicle parts (33, 34), the side wall panel (1) comprising: - a flexible, curved central section (8), - a first support (2) which is pivotably connected about a first pivot axis (6) to at least a first mounting bracket (4), - a second support (3) which is pivotably connected about a second pivot axis (7) to at least a second mounting bracket (4), wherein the flexible central section (8) is arranged between the first (2) and the second support (3) and is connected to the first (2) and second support (3) with its end regions assigning to the first (2) and second support (3).In order to achieve a low-wear connection of the flexible central part (8) to at least one of the supports (2,3), the invention provides that the connection of the flexible central part (8) to the first (2) and/or the second support (3) is rotatably designed.