Telescopic Tow Bar Coupling for Multi-Vehicle Product Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems in manufacturing environments face challenges in efficiently supporting and propelling products of varying lengths, particularly when multiple vehicles are required to handle large or cumbersome items, and there is a need for efficient energy and information transfer between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle coupling system comprising a first vehicle with a drive motor, lifting implement, and a tow bar that propels a second vehicle without its own drive motor, while maintaining a fixed distance, and includes a conduit for energy and information transfer, with a telescopic tow bar to accommodate varying product lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are used to support and propel products of varying lengths, then the system can handle larger and more cumbersome items, but the complexity of coordinating multiple vehicles and maintaining proper spacing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vehicles into a coordinated system where a lead vehicle and follower vehicle work together as a unified transport unit. The vehicles are coupled through a tow bar that physically links them, allowing them to function as a single integrated system for handling products of varying lengths while reducing coordination complexity through mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow bar incorporates telescopic sections that allow dynamic adjustment of the distance between vehicles. This dynamic structure enables the vehicle system to adapt to different product lengths and spacing requirements, maintaining versatility while simplifying coordination through automatic distance adjustment rather than manual intervention.
2Strength
If a rigid tow bar is used to couple vehicles, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the system cannot accommodate changes in distance between vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The tow bar is segmented into multiple sections, including rigid portions for structural strength and telescopic portions for adjustable length. This segmentation allows the tow bar to maintain sufficient strength through its rigid components while accommodating distance changes through the telescopic sections that can extend or retract as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow bar transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure by incorporating telescopic sections. These sections can change length in response to varying distance requirements between vehicles, maintaining both structural integrity and adaptability to different operational configurations.
3Ease of operation
If vehicles operate independently without coupling, then each vehicle can operate autonomously, but efficient energy and information transfer between vehicles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tow bar serves as a physical intermediary that enables energy and information transfer between vehicles. By providing a direct mechanical connection, it allows efficient transmission of forces and signals between the lead and follower vehicles, improving energy utilization while maintaining operational coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle coupling system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, and a tow bar. The first vehicle includes a drive motor configured to propel the first vehicle and a lifting implement configured to support a product for movement. The second vehicle includes a lifting implement configured to support the product for movement. The tow bar is coupled to the first vehicle at a first end of the tow bar and coupled to the second vehicle at a second end of the tow bar opposite the first end. Responsive to the drive motor propelling the first vehicle, the tow bar exerts a force on the second vehicle to maintain a space between the second vehicle and the first vehicle.