Vehicle Docking Assembly With Self-Centering Hydraulic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for vehicles and trailers require significant time and effort, often necessitating two people to operate, and pose safety hazards due to the need for workers to be in a dangerous zone during coupling and uncoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A docking assembly with a U-shaped pilot centring device and hydraulically actuated capture hooks allows for secure and reliable connection between a vehicle and an implement, enabling single-person operation by using centring devices to align and lock the docking receptacle and insert, reducing the need for manual alignment and minimizing exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coupling systems are used, then the connection between vehicle and implement is secure, but the coupling process requires significant time and effort, often necessitating two people to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is designed to perform alignment and connection functions automatically without requiring manual intervention for each step. The centring devices automatically align the coupling components, and the hydraulic actuation system automatically secures the connection, allowing a single operator to complete the coupling process by simply activating the hydraulic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring devices (both passive and active) are designed to automatically perform the alignment function before the actual coupling occurs. This preliminary centring action eliminates the need for manual positioning and ensures that the coupling components are properly aligned before engagement, significantly reducing the time and skill required for operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional coupling systems are used, then the connection is secure, but workers must be in a dangerous zone during coupling and uncoupling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical coupling process is replaced with a hydraulically actuated system. The hydraulic cylinders provide the force required for coupling and uncoupling operations, eliminating the need for workers to physically manipulate heavy coupling components in the dangerous zone between vehicle and implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs the connection and disconnection functions automatically through hydraulic actuation, allowing the operator to remain in the vehicle cab and control the process remotely, eliminating exposure to the dangerous coupling zone.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is required during coupling, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The centring devices automatically perform the alignment function without requiring manual intervention. The passive centring devices use geometric constraints to guide alignment, while active centring devices use hydraulic actuators to automatically position the coupling components, eliminating the need for skilled manual alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring devices are designed to automatically perform alignment before the actual coupling engagement. This preliminary centring action ensures precise positioning is achieved automatically through the geometric design of the centring elements and their interaction, without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
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 simplifies the coupling process, reduces the time required, and enhances safety by allowing a single person to operate the system while remaining in the driver's cab, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and enabling easier connection of various types of implements to vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an approximately U-shaped pilot centring device with a conically tapering insertion trough for pre-centring a docking insert (32) designed to mate the docking receptacle (31)
Implementation Method 2
at least one first and one second centring device (36, 37), with the first and the second centring devices (36, 37) each comprising two coupling elements (61) and/or coupling counter-elements (47) for connecting to corresponding coupling elements and coupling counter-elements of a docking insert (32)
Implementation Method 3
a drawing-in device with two hydraulically actuated capture hooks (44) for drawing the docking insert (32) into the docking receptacle (31) in an insertion direction (34)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a coupling device. This is known below as a docking receptacle. The docking receptacle comprises an approximately U-shaped pilot centring device with an insertion trough tapering approximately conically in an insertion direction for pre-centring a docking insert designed to mate with the docking receptacle, at least a first and a second centring device, with the first and the second centring devices each comprising two coupling elements which are designed for centring a docking insert with respect to the docking receptacle along four centring axes in an insertion direction, and wherein a drawing-in device with two hydraulically actuated drawing-in or capture hooks are provided. The disclosure further relates to a docking insert. This comprises a pilot centring body having an insertion tray tapering approximately conically in an insertion direction and extending in the horizontal direction, at least a first and a second centring device, wherein the first and the second centring devices each comprise at least two coupling elements and/or coupling counter-elements which are designed for centring the docking insert with respect to a docking receptacle along four centring axes extending in an insertion direction and two capture pins extending transversely to the insertion direction in the horizontal. According to the disclosure, a coupling assembly or a docking assembly is, furthermore, provided comprising the docking receptacle and the correspondingly mating docking insert.