Switchable Coupling Units for Wagons in Horizontal Turn Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance devices with coupled wagons are limited to simple loop-shaped layouts and lack flexibility in travel path design due to fixed wagon-to-wagon coupling configurations, restricting their ability to navigate horizontal turn paths efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance device with coupled wagons featuring switchable coupling units that allow relative horizontal turns about vertical shafts, enabling the device to adapt to both counterclockwise and clockwise horizontal turn paths by switching coupling states at specific sections of the travel path, and utilizing guide roller rows and guide rails for smooth navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the wagon-to-wagon coupling means are provided in a normally coupled state to only one of left and right both side portions of the conveying traveling body, then the structure is simplified, but the travel path is limited to a simple loop-shaped layout with no degree of freedom in layout
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are divided into a pair of left and right coupling units that can be independently controlled. Each coupling unit can be switched between coupled and uncoupled states separately, allowing selective engagement of left or right side couplings based on the required turning direction, thus enabling flexible travel path layouts while maintaining structural simplicity through modular independent control
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling units are made dynamically switchable between coupled and uncoupled states through coupling control means. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its configuration in real-time according to the travel path requirements, enabling the conveying traveling body to navigate both clockwise and counterclockwise horizontal turn path sections as needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling units are made switchable between coupled and uncoupled states, then the travel path layout flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different coupling units (left and right) are provided with different functional states - one is in the coupled state while the other is in the uncoupled state depending on the required turning direction. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve complex travel path flexibility without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire coupling system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling control means is designed to universally control either the left or right coupling unit based on the travel path requirements. This multi-functional control capability allows a single control system to handle both clockwise and counterclockwise turning scenarios, reducing the need for separate specialized control mechanisms and thus limiting complexity increase
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
Enables the conveyance device to travel freely along both counterclockwise and clockwise horizontal turn paths while maintaining stability and efficiency, allowing for various drive mechanisms and reducing the complexity of the travel path layout.
Implementation Method 1
the respective coupling units (13a to 14b) are configured to be switchable between a coupled state in which the left and right both side portions of the front and rear adjacent wagons (2, 3/3, 4) are respectively allowed for relative horizontal turns about vertical shafts (15, 18)
Implementation Method 2
utilizing guide roller rows and guide rails for smooth navigation
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance device utilizing coupled wagons includes front and rear adjacent wagons and a pair of left and right coupling units coupling left and right side portions of the adjacent wagons. The coupling units are switchable between a coupled state in which the left and right side portions of the adjacent wagons are respectively allowed for relative horizontal rotations about vertical shafts and an uncoupled state. A first coupling control mechanism operating at least one of the coupling units is provided at a horizontal turn path section in a travel path. By the operation of the first coupling control mechanism, the conveying traveling body can enter the horizontal turn path section while the coupling unit on the inner side of the horizontal turn path section is in the coupled state and the coupling unit on the outer side of the horizontal turn path section is in the uncoupled state.