Vehicle Coupling Part with Automated Positioning and Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle coupling systems require frequent changes of trailers and attachments, which are time-consuming, risky, and often necessitate a large fleet of vehicles, as different trailers and attachments have varying requirements for coupling, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A coupling part with a positioning device that aligns and fixes the counter-coupling part automatically, allowing for quick and safe coupling, enabling the operator to remain in the driver's cab during the process, and accommodating conventional trailers and tools through an adapter or direct attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coupling methods are used with conventional coupling systems, then the coupling process can be performed with simple equipment, but the coupling process is time-consuming and requires operators to work in dangerous zones
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs coupling operations automatically without human intervention in the danger zone. The positioning device self-aligns the coupling parts, the fixing device self-secures the connection, and the contacting device self-establishes electrical and hydraulic connections, eliminating the need for operators to manually position and secure trailers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated system comprising a positioning device with sensors and actuators, a fixing device with automated locking mechanisms, and a contacting device with automated connection establishment. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems increases both speed and safety
2Adaptability or versatility
If different coupling systems are provided for different trailers and attachments, then each specific coupling requirement can be met, but a large fleet of vehicles is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different trailer and attachment types. The positioning device can locate and align with various coupling part configurations, the fixing device can secure different coupling geometries, and the contacting device can establish connections for different electrical and hydraulic configurations, allowing a single vehicle type to serve multiple coupling requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If trailers are changed frequently during operation, then different tasks can be performed, but significant time and effort are required for each change
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device performs preliminary alignment and centering of the coupling parts before the fixing and contacting operations. This preliminary positioning action ensures that subsequent coupling steps can proceed quickly and automatically, reducing the overall time required for trailer changes while maintaining task flexibility
4Ease of operation
If manual handling of coupling systems is required, then conventional simple equipment can be used, but the process requires experienced operators and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system performs all coupling operations automatically without requiring operators to manually handle coupling components. The system self-positiones, self-fixes, and self-connections, eliminating the need for operator skill in manual coupling operations and removing operators from dangerous zones entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The automated coupling system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and trailer, performing all hazardous coupling operations that would otherwise require direct human intervention. This intermediary automated system absorbs the safety risks while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
In a coupling part (1) of a vehicle coupling system (2), it is proposed that the coupling part (1) has a positioning device (3) for guiding a counter-coupling part (4) into a fixing position during a coupling operation, and that a fixing device (5) is arranged moveably between a release position and a fixing setting, wherein, in the fixing setting, the fixing device (5) can fix a counter-coupling part (4) in the fixing position in a positionally secure manner.