Tugger Cage Cart Locking Device Prevents Inadvertent Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheeled cart systems that form trains towed by a tugger can inadvertently disconnect when the drawbar pivots counterclockwise, especially over bumps or when stopped abruptly, leading to instability and inefficiency in material transport.
Innovation Solution
A spring-biased blocking plate is positioned above the drawbar's boss when engaged with a hitch plate, limiting vertical movement and preventing accidental disconnection by maintaining the drawbar's engagement with the hitch plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawbar is configured to pivot freely about a horizontal axis for easy connection, then the connection speed and ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the carts can inadvertently disconnect when the drawbar pivots counterclockwise
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-biased blocking plate is positioned above the boss of the drawbar to preemptively prevent counterclockwise rotation that would cause disconnection. The blocking plate engages with the hitch plate to create a mechanical stop before inadvertent rotation can occur, thus preventing the harmful effect before it happens while preserving the free-pivot connection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate acts as an intermediary element between the drawbar boss and the hitch plate aperture. It allows the drawbar to pivot freely for connection while simultaneously providing a mechanical barrier that prevents excessive counterclockwise rotation, thus mediating between the need for ease of operation and connection stability
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent disconnection, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking plate is spring-biased to automatically engage with the hitch plate when the drawbar is connected, requiring no manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-activates upon connection, and the blocking plate self-adjusts to prevent disconnection, thus improving reliability without requiring complex external locking systems or additional moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking plate and spring mechanism are integrated into the existing hitch assembly structure, combining the locking function with the existing connection components. This merging approach provides the necessary reliability improvement while minimizing the addition of separate moving parts and overall device complexity
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 ensures a secure and stable connection between carts and the tugger, preventing unintended disconnection and maintaining efficient transport while preserving the simplicity and few moving parts of the existing system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biased blocking plate above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securing the connection between carts that are configured to connect to each other to form a train of carts, as well as for securing the connection between a cart and a tugger that tows the carts. The system and method involves providing a spring biased blocking plate that is positioned above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate. The blocking plate limits vertical movement of the drawbar thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of the drawbar from the hitch plate.