Swap Body Coupling With Integrated Lifting and Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction vehicles face inefficiencies and safety concerns due to complex and prone-to-failure manual locking mechanisms for interchangeable bodies, which are time-consuming and lack secure fixation, especially under varying loads and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A construction vehicle with a dual-function linear drive unit that serves as both the lifting mechanism and locking/clamping system, providing active unlocking/locking and bracing, ensuring a secure, play-free fixation and reducing system complexity and effort, allowing for flexible use with different bodies and quick replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual locking mechanisms are used to secure the body to the base vehicle, then the body can be locked at multiple points, but the locking process becomes very time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure locking of bodyVSAvoidtime for locking process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single automated locking mechanism that simultaneously secures the body at multiple points (front, rear, and sides) through one actuation, eliminating the need for manual operation at each locking point separately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical locking operations with an automated mechanical system that uses a single locking element to engage multiple locking points, reducing the locking process from multiple manual steps to one automated action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If complex locking systems with actuators, pull cables, and return springs are used, then semi-manual operation is enabled, but the system becomes structurally complex and prone to failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemi-manual operationVSAvoidstructure of locking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes unnecessary components such as pull cables, return springs, and multiple actuators from the locking system, retaining only the essential single locking element that performs all locking functions through direct mechanical engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - locking the body at the front, rear, and sides - making one component universal for all locking points rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If passive securing systems with friction surfaces are used, then the body can be positioned without active locking, but the fixation is not secure under varying loads and conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning of bodyVSAvoidfixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to engage the body at multiple points simultaneously in a single action, creating secure fixation before any load variations occur, rather than relying on friction that may be insufficient under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly enhances operational safety and reduces complexity and effort by enabling secure, backlash-free locking and easy body exchange, maintaining structural integrity and operational reliability even under heavy loads and wear.

Implementation Method 1

a rear vehicle-side coupling element (17) has a guide surface (18) running downwards from rear to front and a front vehicle-side coupling element (10) has an unlocking/locking and/or tensioning surface (13) running downwards from front to rear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric constraint: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP4227155B1Construction vehicle with a base vehicle and a body
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 WACKER NEUSON LINZ
  • EP4227155B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4227155B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c
  • EP4227155B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a construction vehicle comprising a base vehicle (1) and a superstructure, in particular a tipper body with a tipping unit, wherein the base vehicle has a driver unit, in particular with a driver's cab (2), and an articulated steering system (5) with a joint (8). The construction vehicle is characterized in that the base vehicle (1) has a vehicle-side coupling unit for coupling and uncoupling a swap body (30) and a swap body is provided which includes one or more body-side coupling elements for coupling the swap body to the base vehicle (1).