Thread-Reinforced Joint Device for Vehicle Drive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for low-floor vehicles are complex to assemble and require high maintenance due to the need for radial prestressing of rubber blocks, leading to increased assembly forces and potential relaxation issues.
Innovation Solution
A thread-reinforced joint device with a bundle of threads that couples adjacent coupling elements, embedded in an elastic body, simplifying assembly and reducing the need for radial prestressing, while providing increased power density and tensile strength, allowing for adaptation to various attachment interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rubber blocks are radially prestressed to achieve compressive prestressing in the circumferential direction, then the coupling device can transmit forces, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires high assembly forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the stress application method from radial prestressing to axial prestressing through inclined threads. The threads are inclined at an angle α between 10° and 45° relative to the axial direction, which transforms the tensile force applied along the thread axis into a compressive force on the rubber block in the circumferential direction. This parameter change simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the required compressive prestressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex radial prestressing mechanism with a simpler threaded fastening system. Instead of requiring radial compression of rubber blocks, the new design uses axially directed threaded connections that automatically generate the necessary circumferential compression through the inclined thread geometry, eliminating the need for complex radial prestressing equipment and procedures.
2Strength
If rubber blocks are radially prestressed, then compressive prestressing is achieved, but assembly forces increase due to relaxation of not fully cured rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes from radial to axial force application through inclined threads. The inclination angle α converts the assembly force direction, allowing the fastening operation to be performed axially when the rubber has sufficient cure strength, rather than radially when the rubber is still soft and prone to relaxation.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection is designed to be installed after the rubber blocks have achieved sufficient cure strength. The collar elements are positioned to engage the threaded connections at this stage, ensuring that the rubber has already undergone preliminary curing and is no longer subject to relaxation effects that would compromise the prestressing.
3Reliability
If traditional elastic coupling is used, then acoustic decoupling is achieved, but power density is reduced due to larger installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite structure combining rigid threaded connections with elastic rubber blocks. The threaded connections provide precise force transmission paths, while the rubber blocks provide acoustic decoupling. This composite approach allows for more efficient space utilization compared to traditional purely elastic couplings, thereby increasing power density while maintaining acoustic decoupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different material properties to different parts of the coupling device: rigid threaded connections and collar elements for force transmission, and elastic rubber blocks for acoustic decoupling and force distribution. This local differentiation of material qualities optimizes both power density and acoustic decoupling performance.
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 thread-reinforced joint device simplifies assembly, reduces assembly forces, and increases power density, resulting in a more efficient and compact coupling system with reduced relaxation phenomena in the elastic body, enabling easier integration with different attachment interfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one bundle of threads couples adjacent coupling elements in a force-transmitting manner
Implementation Method 2
The at least one bundle of threads, the coupling elements and the support device are at least partially embedded in at least one elastic body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a thread-reinforced joint device (46, 52) for a coupling device of a vehicle drive, particularly a low-platform vehicle, comprising: - a plurality of coupling elements (64, 74), - at least one thread packet (56, 58) which couples two adjacent coupling elements (64, 74) such that force may be transmitted, - a support device (68) arranged on at least one of said coupling elements (64, 74) for the purpose of axially guiding said at least one thread packet (56, 58); and - at least one elastic body (60) into which said at least one thread packet (56, 58) and the coupling elements (64, 74) are at least partially embedded. According to the invention, the coupling elements (64, 74) are designed and/or can be positioned such that said thread-reinforced joint device (46, 52) is adaptable to different mounting interfaces of a coupling device (18, 200, 300).