Spring Cramp Connection for Hinged Vehicle Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bellows connections between vehicles are complicated and prone to failure due to issues with rivet and screw connections, which are difficult to assemble and disassemble, and spring steel sheet connections that can be easily dislodged during use, especially during cornering.
Innovation Solution
A spring cramp with shoulders is used to connect frames and ledges, providing a resilient shape-mating connection that maintains the connection without the need for rivets or screws, utilizing a U-shaped profile with wings or arcuate shoulders that engage through holes to ensure a durable and easily releasable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rivets or screws are used to connect frames and ledges, then the connection is strong and stable, but the assembly and disassembly processes become complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: frames with ledges, and separate spring cramps with shoulders. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing the cramp to be simply pushed over the ledge and onto the frame without complex fastening procedures, yet still provide strong connection through the shoulder engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring cramp introduces dynamic elasticity to the connection system. The resilient spring material allows the cramp to flex during assembly and disassembly, making the process easier while maintaining strong connection during operation. The elastic property enables the cramp to accommodate minor misalignments and provides a simple push-to-connect mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If spring steel sheet connections are used to connect frames and ledges, then the connection is easily assembled and disassembled, but the connection is prone to dislodgment during use, especially during cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The spring cramp incorporates arcuate shoulders with curved surfaces that mate with corresponding holes in the frame and ledge. This curved geometry provides superior engagement compared to flat spring steel sheets, preventing dislodgment during dynamic operations like cornering while maintaining ease of assembly through simple push-on installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring cramp acts as an intermediary component between the frame and ledge, providing a positive mechanical engagement through its shoulders. This intermediate element transfers and distributes forces more effectively than direct spring steel sheet contact, preventing dislodgment while maintaining simple assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If a simple spring cramp without shoulders is used to connect frames and ledges, then the assembly process is simplified, but the connection lacks durability and may dislodge during use
Solution Approach 1:
The spring cramp features asymmetric shoulders positioned at specific locations to provide directional engagement with the frame and ledge holes. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation and secure connection during assembly while maintaining simplicity, preventing the cramp from rotating or dislodging during use unlike a symmetric simple design.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate shoulders with curved surfaces provide enhanced engagement strength compared to simple flat cramp designs. The curved geometry creates positive mechanical interference fit with the holes, ensuring durable connection during dynamic operations while maintaining the simple push-on assembly process.
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 spring cramp solution allows for a cost-effective, durable, and easily releasable connection between frames and ledges, preventing dislodgment during use and simplifying assembly and disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
said spring cramp having at least one shoulder for matingly connecting frame and ledge
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a bellows (1) of a connection between two hinge-linked vehicles (5, 6), said bellows (1), which comprises a bellows bottom (4), a bellows roof (2) and bellows side walls (3), forming a tunnel-like tube, said bellows bottom (4) being a removable constituent part of said bellows (1), said bellows (1) having a plurality of frames (10) disposed one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of said bellows (1), said bellows bottom (4) having a plurality of ledges (20) disposed one behind the other, there being provided, to connect a respective one of a frame (10) with a ledge (20), a spring cramp (30) taking hold of the frame and the ledge, said spring cramp (30) having at least one shoulder (33) for matingly connecting frame (10) and ledge (20).