Modular Slave Vehicle Coupling for Stable Tandem Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular vehicle systems face instability and stress transmission issues when articulating multiple slave vehicles with a master vehicle, particularly during high-speed off-road driving, due to inadequate constraint of degrees of freedom and stress absorption.
Innovation Solution
A modular slave vehicle design featuring a mechanical stress absorbing coupling mechanism at the front end for articulation with a master vehicle and detachable coupling devices at both ends for articulation with other slave vehicles, allowing partial unconstrained rotational freedom and constrained translational movements, along with a control system to adjust driving parameters based on input signals from the master vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular slave vehicle is articulated to a master vehicle and another slave vehicle simultaneously, then the load-carrying capability and versatility are improved, but the stability and stress transmission control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a master coupling system for stress absorption and a slave coupling system for DOF constraint. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, resolving the contradiction by enabling dual-use capability through modular design while maintaining stability through specialized coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupling system have different functional properties. The master coupling system provides stress absorption and rotational freedom, while the slave coupling system provides rigid DOF constraint. This local differentiation of coupling characteristics enables the system to achieve both versatility and stability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to constrain all DOF between vehicles, then the stability is improved, but the stress absorption and maneuverability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The master coupling system incorporates dynamic characteristics by allowing controlled rotational movement while constraining translational DOF. This dynamic coupling behavior enables the system to absorb stresses through rotational compliance while maintaining stability through translational constraint, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and stress absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The master coupling system is designed to absorb stresses before they propagate through the articulated vehicle assembly. By providing stress absorption at the coupling point, the system prevents stress transmission to other components while maintaining articulation stability.
3Force
If the master coupling system maintains a large offset distance, then the maneuverability and stress absorption are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The master coupling system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it constrains translational DOF, allows rotational movement for stress absorption, and maintains offset distance for maneuverability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired stress absorption and maneuverability.
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 configuration enhances stability and maneuverability by allowing free pitch movement, constraining roll and yaw, and maintaining vehicles aligned, while enabling independent driving of slave vehicles post-deployment, thus improving the overall articulation and load-carrying capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a master coupling system in the form of a mechanical stress absorbing coupling mechanism mounted to said front end
Data Source
AI summary
A modular slave vehicle articulatable at one end thereof to another slave vehicle and at another end thereof to an independently driven master vehicle, simultaneously. The slave vehicle comprising a body including a driving system; a structural frame supporting said body; a master coupling system in the form of a mechanical stress absorbing coupling mechanism; at least one first slave coupling device; at least one second slave coupling device; said first and second coupling devices, when mounted to two adjacent slave vehicles intended to be articulated to each other, are detachably connectable to each other to form a tandem coupling configured to constrain all DOF therebetween.