Trolley Coupling Device Dual Pivot Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trolley coupling devices require a substantial distance between trolleys for sharp turns, leading to increased length and walking distance, and are costly due to high manufacturing precision needs, with complex mechanisms prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A trolley coupling device with two pivot axes located in the same horizontal plane, eliminating the need for complicated arm systems and precise manufacturing, allowing for minimized trolley spacing and reduced walking distance with symmetrical and robust construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional traction bars are used to connect trolleys, then the connection is simple and reliable, but a substantial distance between trolleys is required for sharp turns
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs dynamic pivot mechanisms that allow the movable part to rotate alternately around first and second vertical pivot axes depending on the turning direction. This dynamic adaptation enables sharp turns with minimized trolley spacing while maintaining connection reliability through robust pivot mechanisms designed to handle operational forces.
2Length of moving object
If a coupling device with two pivot axes is used to minimize trolley spacing, then the turning capability is improved, but the mechanism becomes complicated requiring high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device utilizes asymmetrical positioning of the two vertical pivot axes at different locations on the stationary part. This asymmetrical arrangement allows each pivot mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall design and reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to a symmetrical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a stationary part with two pivot axes, a movable part with connection means, and complementary connection means on the second trolley. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the cumulative precision requirements.
3Length of moving object
If a complicated mechanism with high precision requirements is used, then the turning capability is improved, but the production cost increases and the risk of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs simple, robust pivot mechanisms that can be manufactured cost-effectively with standard tolerances. Rather than using complex high-precision mechanisms, the design accepts that the pivot components are simple mechanical elements that can be replaced if needed, reducing both initial cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary part acts as an intermediary between the two trolleys, providing two fixed vertical pivot axes that simplify the movement requirements. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for complex arm systems to transfer pivot movements, reducing overall mechanism complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the pivot mechanisms are positioned at different vertical levels, then the turning motion is achieved, but inclined forces appear causing operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
Both vertical pivot axes are positioned at the same horizontal plane, creating an equipotential arrangement that eliminates inclined forces during pivoting operations. This ensures that forces are applied vertically through the pivot axes, improving operational reliability by preventing binding or uneven wear.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a trolley coupling device (5, 6) arranged to be mounted on one end of a first trolley (1). The coupling device (5, 6) includes connection means (12) for connection to a complementary connection means (13) of a second trolley (2). The coupling device (5, 6) includes a stationary part (5) arranged to be attached to the first trolley (1) and a movable part (6) provided with the connection means (12). The movable part (6) is pivotable by a first pivot mechanism (58) around a first pivot axis (P1) in a first operation mode and pivotable by a second pivot mechanism (68) around a second pivot axis (P2) in a second operation mode. The pivot axes (P1, P2) extend vertically through the stationary part (5) and are located at a distance from each other. According to the invention, the first (58) and second (68) pivot mechanisms and the movable part (6) are located in the same horizontal plane. The invention also relates to a coupling system, a trolley and a use.