Wedge drive and method for the wedge drive

Abstract

A wedge driver and methods for the wedge driver are presented. The wedge driver can be operably coupled to different ends of a link coupler to drive a wedge between the different ends to form a single link coupler. The wedge driver can also drive the wedge out of the link coupler. The present disclosure provides the benefit of allowing safe and efficient removal of a link coupler by preventing violent or forceful uncoupling of the link coupler. The wedge driver can include a stem portion, a first prong portion, a second prong portion, a bolt, and a driver. The driver can be spring enabled such that the driver can retract into the stem portion when the bolt is removed from the stem portion. The bolt of the wedge driver can push the driver out of the stem portion to axially drive the wedge into (or out of) the link coupler without rotating the wedge.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on February 28, 2022, with application number 202280038060.5 and entitled "Wedge Actuator and Method Thereof". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to drive wedges used in link couplings. More specifically, in some embodiments, this disclosure relates to the installation or removal of link couplings in locomotive handbrake chains. Background Technology

[0003] Linkers or couplings are widely used in various industries. Hammer links, such as hammer lock links, are commonly used to join chain segments together, repair broken chains, or attach chains to other components. Generally, a hammer link is operable to open and receive, for example, a chain link and another component (such as another chain link), and then securely closes to join the components together. Some hammer links utilize wedges that can be driven into the link to facilitate a secure connection between the link and a given component. These types of hammer links, sometimes called "link joiners," are commonly used in the railway industry, such as in locomotive handbrake systems.

[0004] Locomotives are typically equipped with components that function as parking brakes, and these brakes can be referred to as handbrakes. As the name suggests, locomotive handbrakes are operated by hand and are engaged when the locomotive is "parked" to prevent unwanted movement of the locomotive on the tracks. A locomotive handbrake system typically includes several components such as a handle, brake control lever, brake shoes / pains, and brake cylinders. The handle is located on the locomotive's walkway for easy access by the train operator and is operably connected to one or more brake control levers located beneath the train. When engaged, the brake control lever brings the brake shoes and / or pads into contact with the locomotive's wheels, thus aiding in braking. The brake cylinders, operably connected to the brake control levers and brake shoes, hydraulically supplement the force applied to the wheels by the brake shoes. To allow the handle on the walkway to engage with the brake shoes, a chain is typically used to connect the handle to the brake control lever; the chain is tensioned between the handle and the control lever. When the handle is engaged, the chain can be further tightened, which engages the brake control lever and ultimately brings the brake shoes into contact with the train's wheels.

[0005] Like all other sophisticated mechanical devices, locomotives and their handbrake systems may require maintenance. For example, components may rust or break and require repair, and the chain connecting the brake lever to the handbrake system is no exception. In cases where these chains break, need to be extended, or simply need to be replaced / removed to allow maintenance to be performed on other handbrake system components, it may be necessary to install and / or remove a linker incorporated into the chain. For example, a linker can function as a chain connector when splicing a new chain length; in another example, a linker can facilitate the connection of the chain to the lever or control lever. In any case, performing handbrake system maintenance typically requires either installing a linker onto the brake chain or removing the linker from the brake chain. Even with a slack brake chain, such tasks can be arduous and dangerous—the wedge-shaped part of the linker requires considerable force to insert and remove, and using a hammer or other equipment on the wedge can be hazardous to personnel performing these tasks. These issues can become very complicated when tensioning the brake chain by hand, because removing the link coupling releases tension in the chain, sometimes violently, which can injure people or damage property.

[0006] Because of these issues, it typically requires two people to remove the coupling from the tensioned brake chain—one person manually tensions the chain to release the tension in the coupling, while the other opens the coupling. However, even with two people working together, this task can be dangerous, as human error is unavoidable; furthermore, attempting to hammer the wedge out of the coupling, for example, when it is suspended in a section of the chain, can be strenuous. Therefore, railway personnel frequently need to disengage the chain from the handbrake system to allow for the attachment or removal of couplings, increasing the time and cost of locomotive maintenance operations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure teaches the technical advantages of wedge actuators and methods of using such wedge actuators. This disclosure provides for mounting or removing link couplings or hammer couplings from chains or other components. In one embodiment, the wedge actuator can be operatively coupled to different ends of the link coupling to drive a wedge between the different ends to form a single coupling. The wedge actuator can also drive the wedge out of the link coupling. The benefit provided by this disclosure is that it allows for the safe and efficient removal of the link coupling by preventing violent or forceful disengagement of the link coupling, so that the link coupling is not under strain. In another embodiment, this disclosure can facilitate driving a wedge in a link coupling that is not under strain, such as a link coupling in a non-tensioned brake chain incorporated into a locomotive. In another embodiment, this disclosure enables a single person to safely remove unstretched link couplings, such as safely removing an unstretched link coupling from a non-tensioned chain, and safely removing an unstretched link coupling by preventing forceful disengagement of the link coupling. In another example, this disclosure can provide an actuation element that can be mechanically moved up and down along a longitudinal axis, which can increase the safety of the link coupling wedge drive. For example, a spring-enabled actuation element can extend out of the wedge drive main stem opening via a rotatable insertion main stem opening of a bolt, thereby reducing the need for people to put their hands or fingers into the opening of the wedge drive to adjust the actuation element.

[0008] In another embodiment, this disclosure enables axial and stable drive of the wedge without the need for, for example, a hammer. For instance, this disclosure can provide a conversion of torque to axial pressure, which can be concentrated on and directed onto the wedge. This torque can be applied to a bolt with a standard wrench head, such as by means of an impact actuator, wrench, or other mechanism. In one embodiment, applying torque to the bolt can drive the bolt longitudinally by means of its thread; however, in another embodiment, such rotation of the bolt during drive, if not mitigated, can cause unstable drive of the wedge, as the bolt rotation may interfere with, for example, the axial drive of the wedge at the contact point between the bolt and the wedge. In another embodiment, engaging the bolt with the drive member according to the principles of this disclosure allows the drive member to be similarly driven longitudinally while mitigating rotational movement of the drive member about its longitudinal axis, thereby providing stable axial drive of the wedge member by the drive member.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a wedge driver for inserting or removing a wedge into a link connector. Another purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method for operating a link connector wedge. A further purpose of this disclosure is to provide a safe method for installing or removing a link connector from a tensioned chain.

[0010] In another embodiment, this disclosure may include a wedge actuator. The wedge actuator may include a main body, a first fork, a second fork, a drive member, a resilient member, a bolt, and a main body cap; the main body has a first main body end, a second main body end, and a main body opening disposed through the main body from the first main body end to the second main body end; the first fork extends from a first side of the second main body end; the second fork extends from a second side of the second main body end; the drive member has a first drive member end, a second drive member end, a channel, a drive member cap, and an adapter, the channel being disposed along at least a portion of the drive member, the drive member cap being coupled to the first drive member end, and the adapter being coupled to the second drive member end; the resilient member is disposed around at least a portion of the drive member; the bolt has a first bolt end and a second bolt end; the main body cap is removably coupled to the first end of the main body, the main body cap having a threaded bolt opening aligned with and configured to receive the bolt. In one embodiment, the drive member may be disposed within the main body opening. In another embodiment, the first and second forks may include retaining members disposed on the first and second forks to retain the link connector. In another embodiment, a drive cap may prevent the drive member from exiting the main stem opening through a threaded bolt opening. In another embodiment, the bolt may push at least a portion of the drive member through the main stem opening to the second main stem end. In another embodiment, the main stem opening may include a lug near the second main stem end. In another embodiment, an elastic member may compress between the drive cap and the lug as the bolt pushes at least a portion of the drive member through the main stem opening to the second main stem end. In another embodiment, after compression of the elastic member, the elastic member may push the drive cap toward the first main stem end through the main stem opening to retract at least a portion of the drive member back into the main stem opening. In another embodiment, a retaining member may engage a channel to prevent the drive member from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the drive member. In another embodiment, the adapter may include a groove for receiving at least a portion of the wedge. In another embodiment, the length between the first and second forks may be sized to receive a link connector or a hammer connector.

[0011] In another embodiment, this disclosure may include a method of operating a connector wedge. The method may include the steps of: receiving a connector between a first fork and a second fork of a wedge driver; positioning a first end of the wedge in a recess in a driver; positioning a second end of the wedge in a wedge opening of the connector; applying torque to a bolt in a first direction to cause at least a portion of the driver to extend out of the wedge driver to push the wedge into the wedge opening without rotating the wedge; and applying torque to the bolt in a second direction to allow an elastic element disposed within the wedge driver to retract at least a portion of the driver back into the wedge driver. In another embodiment, the wedge driver may include a main body having a first main body end, a second main body end, and a main body opening disposed through the main body from the first main body end to the second main body end. In another embodiment, the wedge actuator may include a main stem cap removably coupled to a first end of the main stem, the main stem cap having a threaded bolt opening aligned with and configured to receive a bolt. In another embodiment, the actuator may include a first actuator end, a second actuator end, a channel, an actuator cap, and an adapter arranged along at least a portion of the actuator, the actuator cap being coupled to the first actuator end, and the adapter being coupled to the second actuator end. In another embodiment, an elastic member is arranged around at least a portion of the actuator. In another embodiment, the actuator cap may prevent the actuator from passing through the threaded bolt opening and exiting the main stem opening. In another embodiment, the main stem opening may include a lug near the second main stem end. In another embodiment, after compression of the elastic member, the elastic member may push the actuator cap toward the first main stem end through the main stem opening, causing at least a portion of the actuator to retract into the main stem opening. In another embodiment, a retaining member may engage the channel to prevent rotation of the actuator about the longitudinal axis of the actuator member. Attached Figure Description

[0012] This disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the principles of this disclosure by way of example. The drawings illustrate the design and utility of one or more exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals or symbols. The objects and elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, ratio, or precise positional relationships. Rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1A The illustration shows a perspective view of an elastically loaded wedge driver according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 1BThe illustration shows a bottom perspective view of an elastically loaded wedge actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 1C The illustration shows a top perspective view of a non-elastically loaded wedge actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 The illustration shows a schematic diagram of components of a wedge-shaped actuator with an elastically enabled drive member according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3A The illustration shows schematic diagrams of some components of a non-elastically loaded wedge actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3B Another schematic diagram illustrates some components of a wedge actuator according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4A The illustration shows one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure of using a wedge driver to drive a wedge into the connector when the connector is under strain;

[0020] Figure 4B The illustration shows one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in which a wedge driver is used to drive a wedge out of the connector when the connector is not under strain.

[0021] Figure 5A The illustration shows a prior art wedge-shaped member including an ear and a pin, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 5B The illustration shows a prior art link connector including a driven wedge according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The preferred models of this disclosure presented in the following written description, as well as the various features and advantageous details of this disclosure, will be explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the key features described herein. The examples used in the following description are intended to aid in understanding how this disclosure can be implemented and practiced. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0024] Figures 1A to 1BThe illustration shows a wedge actuator 100 according to the principles of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the device 100 may include a main body 102 and a handle (handle member) 104. In another embodiment, the main body may include a first main body end 136, a second main body end 138, a first side 140, and a second side 142. In one embodiment, the wedge actuator 100 may include a first fork 144 extending from the first side 140 of the second main body end 138. In another embodiment, the wedge actuator 100 may include a second fork 146 extending from the second side 142 of the second main body end 138. In another embodiment, the first fork 144 and the second fork 146 may form an opening 128 between them. In one embodiment, the main body 102, the first fork 144, and the second fork 146 may be made of a single, integral body. In this context, the monolithic body can be collectively referred to as the main body, or it can be referred to by the individual components of the monolithic body—the main body 102, the first fork 144, and the second fork 146. In one example, the first fork 144 and the second fork 146 may each include a retaining member 148. For example, the retaining member 148 may be a protrusion or lip capable of retaining the connecting connector. In another embodiment, the wedge actuator 100 may include a main body cap (main body cap component) 106, which is coupled to a first main body end of the main body 102. In one embodiment, the main body cap 106 may be removably coupled to the main body 102. In another embodiment, the main body cap 106 may include a threaded bolt opening; in one example, the threaded bolt opening of the main body cap 106 may be aligned with a main body opening. In another embodiment, the threaded bolt opening may be configured to receive a bolt (such as bolt 112).

[0025] In another embodiment, the wedge actuator 100 may include a bolt (bolt member) 112. In another embodiment, the bolt 112 may be engaged to the main stem 102 by means of threads disposed within at least a portion of the main stem opening. In another embodiment, the bolt 112 may be engaged to the main stem 102 by means of threads disposed within at least a portion of the main stem cap 106. In another example, applying torque to the bolt 112 may cause the bolt 112 to travel longitudinally within at least a portion of the wedge actuator 100 or the main stem 102. In one embodiment, the wedge actuator 100 or the main stem 102 may include a main stem opening (in... Figures 1A to 1B(Not shown in the diagram). For example, bolt 112 may travel within a main stem opening of device 100. In another embodiment, device 100 may include a drive member (drive member component) 110. For example, drive member 110 may travel longitudinally within a main stem opening of main stem 102. In one embodiment, applying torque to bolt 112 may cause drive member 110 to travel within the main stem opening to contact and move the drive member (e.g., bolt 112 may push drive member 110 through at least a portion of the main stem opening). In another embodiment, device 100 may include a retaining member 108. In another embodiment, retaining member 108 may optionally extend into and travel within a hole in main stem 102 to abut drive member 110. In one embodiment, retaining member 108 may engage within a channel 132 of drive member 110. For example, in this way, device 100 may be configured to prevent rotation of drive member 110 and may allow drive member 110 to travel longitudinally through the main stem opening. In one example, the retaining member 108 prevents the drive member 110 from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the main stem 102, and also holds the drive member 110 within the main stem 102. In another embodiment, the retaining member 108 may be a pin, corrugated member, embossed member, nodule, or any other suitable component. In one embodiment, a bolt 112 may extend at least a portion of the drive member 110 through a main stem opening to the second main stem end 138.

[0026] In one embodiment, the device 100, main stem 102, and / or drive member 110 may be configured to receive a linker (e.g., a coupling linker, chain linker, etc.), a wedge, and / or a linker and a wedge, such as hammer-type linkers or link couplings utilizing wedges, similar to those known in the art concerning locomotive handbrakes. For example, the main stem 102 may include a mouth 128 between a first fork 144 and a second fork 146, which may be sized to receive the linker. In another example, the mouth 128 may include a retaining member 148. In one embodiment, the retaining member 148 may be configured to retain the link coupling. For example, each retaining member 148 may include a lip configured to receive and / or retain the linker. In another example, the mouth 128 may be sized to allow the device 102 to receive the linker and further receive a loosened wedge, such that the wedge can be aligned with the linker within the mouth 128 and driven into the linker by the drive member 110 of the device 102. In another example, the opening 128 may include an embossed, textured, corrugated, or any other element suitable for receiving or securing a connector within the opening 128. Preferably, in another embodiment, the drive 110 may be configured to retract into the main body 102, for example, when the bolt 112 is loosened. For example, the drive 110 may be resiliently enabled such that (e.g., when the bolt 112 is loosened) the drive 110 can retract the outlet 128 and retract into the device 100 or the main body 102 to provide space for a connector or connector and wedge to be received within the opening 128. In another example, the drive 110 may be configured to contact a wedge within the opening 128 of the device 100 to actuate the wedge. For example, the drive 110 may include a notch 134 or groove 134 that may engage with the wedge. In another example, the drive member 110 may include an adapter 134 coupled to an end of the drive member 110 that can receive a wedge. In one embodiment, the adapter may include a recess 134 that can receive a portion of the wedge. In another embodiment, the recess 134 may be directly disposed on the end of the second drive member without any adapter. For example, such as when the wedge is driven into the connector, the recess 134 may be sized to receive the wedge such that the wedge can be stabilized to prevent rotation or such that the wedge can be otherwise secured by the recess 112 of the drive member 110.

[0027] In operation, in one exemplary embodiment, the wedge driver 100 can receive a linker wedge by inserting a linker through an opening 128 between a first fork 144 and a second fork 146. In another embodiment, a first end of the wedge can be positioned in a recess in the driver, and a second end of the wedge can be positioned in a wedge opening of the linker. In another embodiment, applying torque to the bolt in a first direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) can cause at least a portion of the driver to extend out of the wedge driver to push the wedge into the wedge opening of the linker without rotating the wedge. For example, the linker can rest on a retaining member 148 of the first fork 144 and the second fork 146 to hold the linker in place as the wedge driver pushes the wedge into the wedge opening. In another embodiment, torque is applied to the bolt in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise) to allow an elastic member arranged within the wedge driver to retract at least a portion of the drive member into the wedge driver. For example, the link connector may rest on the retaining member 148 of the first fork 144 and the second fork 146 to hold the link connector in place as the wedge driver pushes the wedge out of the wedge opening and through the opening 128.

[0028] Figure 1CAnother embodiment of this disclosure is depicted. The wedge actuator 116 may be similar to device 100. For example, device 116 may include a main shaft 118, a handle 120, an actuator stabilizing member 124, an opening 130, a bolt 132, and an actuator 126. In one embodiment, device 116 may differ from device 100 in that device 116 may include a hollow shaft 122 through which bolt 132 may extend. In one example, device 116 may have shaft 122 instead of main shaft cap 106. For example, shaft 122 may include threads configured to engage with the threaded bolt 132, such that applying torque to bolt 132 causes bolt 132 to travel longitudinally within shaft 122 and device 116. In another embodiment, shaft 122 may provide an attachment point for handle 120. In another embodiment, shaft 122 may be threaded only at its top, such that the main portion of shaft 122 may be smooth and serve as a main shaft opening for bolt 132 and drive member 126. In another embodiment, a main shaft cap (such as main shaft cap 106) may be sized to fit shaft 122 and may be coupled to or removably coupled to shaft 122, and bolt 132 may be helically engaged to the main shaft cap. For example, the main shaft cap may serve as a cap for shaft 122, such that bolts may extend through and contact the cap by means of threads extending on or on the cap or on both the cap and bolt, and shaft 122 may have a smooth main shaft opening in which bolts and / or drive members are received.

[0029] Figure 2Another embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. The wedge actuator device (wedge actuator) (wedge drive system) 200 may be similar to devices 100 and 116. In one embodiment, device 200 may include a main stem 202 and a handle 204. In another embodiment, device 200 may include a main stem cap 206 that is coupled or removably coupled to the main stem 102; for example, one or more screws 214 may secure the main stem cap 206 to the main stem 202. In another embodiment, the main stem 202 may include the main stem cap 206 for accessing, assembling, and replacing components arranged within the main stem. In another embodiment, the main stem 202 and the main stem cap are also shown. In one embodiment, device 200 may include a bolt 212. In one embodiment, the bolt 212 may be configured to travel longitudinally within device 200. For example, bolt 212 may include threads that correspond to the threads of main stem cap 206 or main stem 202, such that applying torque to bolt 212 (such as to the head of bolt 212) causes the bolt to travel longitudinally within device 200. In one embodiment, bolt 212 may be configured to engage a torque-generating mechanism, such as a wrench, drill bit, impact actuator, hand, or any other suitable torque-generating mechanism, such as a mechanism that can activate the threads of bolt 212 by turning bolt 212. In another embodiment, handle 204 may be fixed to main stem 202 by welding; in another embodiment, handle 204 may be manufactured as part of main stem 202. In yet another embodiment, handle 204 may be attached to main stem 202 by means of adhesive, screws, latches, or any other mechanism suitable for attaching handle 204 to main stem 202, such that main stem 202 can be supported by handle 204 when an operator of device 200 is using device 200.

[0030] In another embodiment, the device 200 may include a drive member 210. For example, the drive member 210 may be similar to the drive member 110. In one embodiment, the drive member 210 may include a first end portion 224 and a second end portion 226. In one example, the first end portion 224 may be configured to contact the bolt 212. For example, the first end portion 224 may include a recess configured to receive a protrusion, such as a protrusion at the end of the bolt 212. In another embodiment, the first end portion 224 may be flat, such that the bolt 212 can contact the first end portion 224 and apply force to the drive member 210. For example, the drive member 210 may include a drive member cap 228. In one embodiment, the drive member cap 228 may be coupled to the first end portion 224 of the drive member 210. In another embodiment, the drive member cap 228 may prevent the drive member 210 from exiting the main stem 202 through a threaded bolt opening in the main stem cap 206. In another embodiment, the first end 224 can be any suitable design or configuration that allows the bolt 212 to contact the drive member 210 such that (e.g., when torque is applied to the bolt 212) the bolt can rotate against the first end 224 and apply force to the drive member 210 (to cause the drive member 210 to travel within the main stem opening 216). In one embodiment, the drive member 210 can be resiliently enabled, such as by means of a resilient member 218 that can compress and elongate within the main stem opening. In another embodiment, the drive member 210 may include a resilient member 218 arranged around at least a portion of the drive member 210. For example, the first end 224 may include a head (e.g., a drive member cap 228). For example, the head may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the resilient member 218, such that the resilient member can abut the head portion when the resilient member 218 is compressed between the drive member cap 228 and the lug 230. In another embodiment, the first end 224 may include a pin, nodule, embossed member, or any other design or mechanism adapted to abut the resilient member 218 and allow the resilient member 218 to be compressed thereto. In another embodiment, the drive member 210 may include a channel 220 extending longitudinally on the surface of the drive member 210. In one embodiment, the channel 220 may be configured as a retaining member 208 of the engagement device, which may extend through the main body 202. In this way, for example, the drive member 210 may be configured to be stabilized to prevent rotation along the longitudinal axis of the drive member 210. In another embodiment, the second end 226 of the drive member 210 may be configured to contact a wedge. For example, the second end 226 may include a groove adapted to receive the top of the wedge and facilitate the stable drive of the wedge into, for example, a connector. The second end 226 may have a similar Figures 1A to 1B The groove 134 in the middle.

[0031] In another embodiment, the drive member 210 may be longitudinally movable within the main stem opening 216 of the device 200. For example, the main stem 202 may include the main stem opening 216, which is configured to receive the drive member 210 and the resilient member 218, such that the drive member can travel longitudinally within the main stem opening 216, for example, by having the main stem opening 216 have a diameter larger than the diameter of the drive member 210. Preferably, the drive member 210 may be a resilient-enabled drive member 210. For example, the resilient member (such as resilient member 218) may apply pressure to the drive member 210 such that when the bolt 212 advances beyond the main stem opening 216 and thus releases the pressure on the drive member 210, the drive member 210 may retract into the main stem 202 by means of the force applied by the resilient member 218. In another embodiment, the drive member 210 can be pushed by the bolt 212 when torque is applied to the bolt 212, causing the bolt 212 to advance further into the main shaft 202 by means of the bolt 212's thread. In another example, the drive member 210 can move longitudinally such that it is extruded into the opening 222 of the main shaft 202. In one embodiment, the main shaft opening 216 can have a uniform diameter; in another embodiment, the diameter of the main shaft opening 216 can have a wider portion and a narrower portion. For example, the main shaft opening 216 can have a portion with a diameter configured to accommodate the drive member 210 and an elastic member 218 disposed on the drive member 210. In one embodiment, the main shaft opening 216 can include a lug (lip) 230 in the main shaft opening 216, against which the elastic member 218 can be compressed, such as when the elastic member 218 is compressed by the first end 224 of the drive member 210.

[0032] In another embodiment, the main stem opening 216 may include a lug 230 near the end of the second main stem (such as the second main stem end 138). In one example, as the bolt 212 pushes at least a portion of the drive member 210 through the main stem opening 216 to the second main stem end, the resilient member 218 may be compressed between the drive member cap 228 and the lug 230 of the main stem opening 216. In another embodiment, after the resilient member 218 is compressed, the resilient member 218 may push the drive member cap 228 toward the first end of the main stem 202 through the main stem opening 216 to retract at least a portion of the drive member 210 back into the main stem opening 216. In one embodiment, the lip 230 may have a diameter larger than that of the drive member 210, such that when the resilient member 218 can be compressed against the lip 230, the drive member 210 can travel through the lip 230 and into a narrower portion of the main stem opening (and out of the main stem opening into the opening 222). In another embodiment, the main stem opening 216 may include an embossed element, a raised portion, a pin, or any other mechanism suitable for providing a compression surface for the resilient member 218 to compress. In this way, the main stem opening 216 may be configured to receive the drive member 210 or a resilient-enabled drive member member 210. In another example, and in this manner, the device 200 may include a resilient-enabled drive member.

[0033] Figures 3A to 3BAnother embodiment of this disclosure and its preferred dimensions are depicted. In one embodiment, the wedge actuator 300 may include a main stem member 302, a handle member 304, and a shaft member 306. In another embodiment, a main stem opening 308 may extend through the shaft 306 and the main stem 302 and extend to an opening 332 of the main stem 302. In one example, the opening 332 of the main stem may have a height of 5.3 inches, a width of 5.5 inches, and an opening of 3.5 inches. In another example, the main stem 302 may have a width of 8.0 inches, a height of 9.375 inches, and a thickness of 3.0 inches. In one example, the opening 332 of the main stem may have a height of 2.625 inches, a width of 2.75 inches, and an opening of 1.75 inches. In another example, the main stem 302 may have a width of 4.0 inches, a height of 4.6875 inches, and a thickness of 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the edges and / or corners of the main stem 302 may be beveled. In another embodiment, shaft 306 may have a length of 3.0 inches and a thickness of 1.2 inches. In one example, handle 304 may be attached to main shaft 302 and shaft 306. For example, handle 304 may extend 4.15 inches from shaft 306 and 2.75 inches from main shaft 302. In one embodiment, the maximum inner diameter of handle 304 may be 5.0 inches. In another embodiment, main shaft opening 308 may extend through shaft 306 and main shaft 302, and main shaft opening 308 is accessible at the opening 332 of main shaft 302 and the top of shaft 306. In one example, main shaft opening 308 may be threaded. In another example, main shaft opening may be 4.25 inches long. In another embodiment, main shaft opening may have 5 / 8 inch-18 internal threads and 3 / 4 inch-16 external threads. In one embodiment, the main stem 302 may include a hole 334; in one example, the hole 334 may be configured to receive a fixing member or a fixing screw, such as a fixing member 316. In another embodiment, the length between the first and second forks of the main stem 302 may be sized to receive a link connector or a hammer connector.

[0034] In one embodiment, the drive member 310 may include a channel, such as channel 312, which may engage with a drive member stabilizing member (e.g., retaining member 316) of the main member 302. For example, the drive member 310 may be 7.12 inches long; in another example, the drive member 310 may be 1.124 inches thick. In one embodiment, channel 312 on the drive member 310 may be approximately 5.0 inches long; in another embodiment, channel 312 may be 0.375 inches wide. For example, the drive member 310 may be 3.56 inches long; in another example, the drive member 310 may be 0.562 inches thick. In one embodiment, channel 312 on the drive member 310 may be approximately 2.687 inches long; in another embodiment, channel 312 may be 0.1875 inches wide. In one example, the channel may have a rounded end such that the end of channel 312 can accommodate a round retaining member or pin (such as retaining member 316) engaged within channel 312. In another embodiment, channel 312 may have a depth of approximately 0.19 inches. In another embodiment, channel 312 may have a depth of approximately 0.0935 inches. In another embodiment, drive member 310 may include a first end portion 330 and a second end portion 314. In one embodiment, the first end portion 330 may be configured to contact a bolt, such as bolt 318. For example, the first end portion 330 may include a recess configured to receive a protrusion of bolt 318, such as protrusion 324 of bolt 318. In one embodiment, the recess of the first end portion 330 may have a diameter of 0.75 inches. In one embodiment, the recess of the first end portion 330 may have a diameter of 0.375 inches; in another embodiment, the recess may have a rounded bottom to accommodate a rounded protrusion (such as protrusion 324). In another embodiment, the recess of the first end portion 330 may have a depth of 0.5 inches and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.375 inches. In another embodiment, the recess of the first end portion 330 may have a depth of 0.25 inches and a radius of curvature of approximately 0.1875 inches. In another embodiment, the drive member 310 may have a second end portion 314 configured to contact the wedge. For example, the second end portion 314 may have a groove. In another example, the groove may be a recess in the second end portion 314, such as a rectangular recess, and the groove may have a depth of approximately 0.125 inches. In another embodiment, the recess may have a width of approximately 0.685 inches. In another example, the groove may be a recess or a rectangular recess in the second end portion 314, and the groove may have a depth of approximately 0.0625 inches. In another embodiment, the recess may have a width of approximately 0.3425 inches.

[0035] In one embodiment, the wedge drive system may include a bolt 318, such as a bolt that can be engaged with the main shaft 302. In one example, the bolt 318 may include a head 320, a shaft portion 322, and a protrusion 324. In another embodiment, the bolt 318 may include a first bolt end 320 and a second bolt end 324. In one embodiment, the head may be a standard wrench head, such as a hexagonal wrench head; in another embodiment, the head 320 may be a flat head, a Philips head, or any other head suitable for facilitating the application of torque to the bolt 318. In one embodiment, the head 320 may be 1.875 inches wide. In one embodiment, the head 320 may be 0.9375 inches wide. In another embodiment, the shaft portion 322 may be 6.899 inches long. In another embodiment, the shaft portion 322 may include a uniform length of 6.75 inches, and the shaft portion 322 may taper approximately 0.244 inches longitudinally at the end of the shaft portion 322 closest to the protrusion 324. In another embodiment, the shaft portion 322 may be 3.4495 inches long. In another embodiment, the shaft portion 322 may include a uniform length of 3.3875 inches, and the shaft portion 322 may taper approximately 0.0620 inches longitudinally at the end closest to the protrusion 324. For example, the end of the bolt 318 may taper at an angle of approximately 60°. In another example, the end of the bolt 318 may taper at an angle of approximately 30°. In one example, the protrusion 324 may be 0.736 inches wide; in another embodiment, the protrusion 324 may have a height of approximately 0.51 inches when measured from the bottom of the protrusion 324 to the center point of the bend of the protrusion 324. In another example, the protrusion may have a radius of curvature of approximately 0.368 inches. In one example, the protrusion 324 may be 0.3680 inches wide; in another embodiment, the protrusion 324 may have a height of approximately 0.2505 inches when measured from the bottom of the protrusion 324 to the center point of the bend of the protrusion 324. In another example, the protrusion may have a radius of curvature of approximately 0.1840 inches. For example, as shown in the reference... Figures 3A to 3B As described, the protrusion 324 may have dimensions that allow the protrusion 324 to engage within a recess at the first end 330 of the drive member 310, and in this way, the bolt 318 may be configured to contact the drive member 310. In one embodiment, the bolt 318 may include threads on the shaft portion 322; in one example, the threads may be 5 / 8 inch-18 threads. In another example, the bolt 318 may be a 5 / 8-18GR8 bolt having threads extending along the length of the shaft portion 322. In one embodiment, the threads of the shaft portion 322 may be configured to engage the threads of the main shaft opening 308.

[0036] In another embodiment, the system may include a retaining member 316 or a retaining screw 316, such as a hole 334 that can engage in the main body 302. In one example, the hole 334 may include one or more threads that may correspond to one or more threads on the retaining member 316. In one embodiment, the retaining member 316 may include a first end 326 and a second end 328. In one example, the first end 326 may include a standard wrench head, such as a hex wrench head, a Philips head, a flat head, or any other head suitable for facilitating the application of torque to the retaining member 316. In one example, the retaining member 316 may be a retaining screw, such that the wrench head of the retaining member 316 can be recessed or retracted into the first end 326 of the retaining member 316. In another embodiment, the second end 328 of the retaining member 316 may include a protrusion; in one embodiment, the protrusion of the second end 328 of the retaining member 316 may be configured to engage a channel 312 of the drive member 310. For example, the protrusion may have a diameter of 0.360 inches; in another example, the protrusion may have a height of 0.180 inches. In another embodiment, the retaining member 316 may have a diameter of 0.5 inches. In one embodiment, the first end 326 may be approximately 0.32 inches long. For example, the protrusion may have a diameter of 0.180 inches; in another example, the protrusion may have a height of 0.09 inches. In another embodiment, the retaining member 316 may have a diameter of 0.25 inches. In one embodiment, the first end 326 may be approximately 0.156 inches long. In another embodiment, the retaining member 316 may be a 1 / 4-inch-20 screw. In one embodiment, the protrusion may be configured to engage within the channel 312, such as by means of the dimensions of the protrusion and channel 312 as discussed herein.

[0037] Figures 4A to 4B Another embodiment 400 of this disclosure is depicted. In one embodiment, a method of operating a linker wedge may include a wedge driver device 402. For example, device 402 may be similar to wedge drivers 100, 200, and / or Figures 3A to 3BThe actuator is depicted in the diagram. Device 402 can receive a connector 404 (e.g., a hammer connector, a linker, etc.). In one embodiment, the opening of device 402 can be configured to receive the connector 404 such that a retaining member (lip) of the main body of device 402 can support the connector 404 within the opening of the main body, such as between the first and second forks of device 402. In another embodiment, device 402 can be configured to receive the connector 404 and a wedge 406 to be driven into the connector 404. In one example, the drive member 412 of device 402 can be retracted into the main body such that sufficient space is available in the opening of the main body for mounting the connector 404 and the wedge 406. Preferably, in one example, according to the principles of this disclosure, the drive member 412 of device 402 can contact the wedge 406 when the connector 404 is properly positioned within the main body and the wedge 406 is ready to be driven into the connector 404. In one embodiment, the bolt 414 of device 402 can apply force to drive member 412 and cause drive member 412 to push wedge member 406 into connector 404. In one embodiment, driving wedge member 406 into connector 404 can secure and / or close connector 404. In another embodiment, method 400 can be performed when chain 408 is coupled to brake handle and / or brake control lever of locomotive handbrake system.

[0038] In another embodiment, the method of driving the wedge 410 out of the linker 404 may similarly include receiving the linker 404, with the fixed wedge 406, within the opening of the main body of the wedge drive device 402. Similar to method 400, by applying torque to the bolt 414, the drive member 412 of the device 402 can contact and move the wedge 406. In this way, method 410 can drive the wedge 406 out of the linker 404 to remove the linker from the chain 408. In one embodiment, receiving the linker 404 within the opening of the main body can prevent separation of the linker 404 components when the wedge 406 is removed from the linker 404. For example, when method 410 is applied to the linker 404 and the wedge 406 connected to the tensioned chain 408, removal of the wedge 406 may cause separation of the linker 404 components, thereby facilitating the removal of the linker 404 from the chain 408. In one embodiment, the application of removing the wedge from the connector can be dangerous because once the wedge 406 is removed, the connector 404 components may separate with considerable force, potentially causing injury. In one example, the main body of the connector 404, already received, can prevent violent separation, allowing the connector 404 to remain closed while the wedge 406 is being removed, so that the connector 404 can be safely disengaged after, for example, an operator of device 402 has removed the wedge 406 from the connector 404. Preferably, in one embodiment, methods 400, 410 may include using an electric drill 416 or an electric impact actuator 416 to apply torque to the bolt 414 to drive the wedge 406 into or out of the connector 404. In another embodiment, a manual wrench may be used; in another example, bolt 414 may be configured to be turned by hand, such as by means of a lever, wheel, or any other mechanism suitable for enabling bolt 414 to be turned by hand. 。

[0039] Figures 5A to 5BAnother embodiment of this disclosure is depicted. The wedge (linker wedge) 500 may be similar to wedges known in the art, such as those used with a linker or link coupling in a locomotive handbrake system. The wedge 500 may include ears 502 and pins 504. In another embodiment, the wedge 500 may include a first wedge end 502 and a second wedge end 504. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wedge 500 between the ears 502 may engage within or contact a groove in the drive member of a wedge driver device according to the principles of this disclosure. In another embodiment, the ears 502 may prevent the wedge from being overdriven within the linker, hammer linker, or link coupling. In another embodiment, such as when the wedge 500 is driven into the linker, one or more pins 504 may guide the wedge 500 into a groove in the linker or a wedge opening in the link coupling. In one example, the connector (link joint) 506 may include a wedge 500, a first stirrup 508, and a second stirrup 510. In one embodiment, such as in Figure 5B As can be seen, the first stirrup 508 and the second stirrup 510 can be connected to each other. For example, each of the stirrups 508 and 510 can be configured to correspond to the other, such as by means of a cavity 512 including a protrusion 514 capable of receiving the other stirrup. In another example, each of the stirrups 508 and 510 can be configured to receive a wedge 500 by means of a wedge opening.

[0040] In one embodiment, each of the stirrups 508, 510 may include a pair of grooves configured to align with a groove on the other stirrup. For example, stirrups 508, 510 may include grooves that traverse the cavity 512 on the inner periphery of the linker 506; in one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the groove may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the linker 506. In another example, stirrups 508, 510 may include or further include grooves that traverse the protrusion 514 on the inner periphery of the linker 506; in one embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the groove may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the linker 506. Preferably, each of the stirrups 508, 510 may include a pair of grooves, and in one embodiment, each of the stirrups 508, 510 may be configured such that each of the grooves in the stirrups 508, 510 is aligned with a groove in the other stirrup 508, 510. In this way, when the stirrups 508, 510 are joined together, the grooves in the stirrups 508, 510 may form two recesses on the inner periphery of the connecting connector 506. Preferably, the recesses may each be located at the connection point between the cavity 512 and the protrusion 514 of the stirrups 508, 510. In another embodiment, these recesses may be configured to receive a wedge 500. For example, according to the principles of this disclosure, the wedge 500 may be driven into the recess of the stirrups 508, 510. In one embodiment, the force applied by the wedge 500 to the stirrups 508 and 510 can secure the stirrups 508 and 510 together. In another embodiment, the lug 502 of the wedge 500 can prevent the wedge 500 from being overdriven through the stirrups 508 and 510 of the connecting connector.

[0041] In one embodiment, the wedge actuator device and system disclosed herein can be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the main body, main body cap, bolt, drive element, elastic element, screw, and other components and members discussed herein can be made of metal, such as aluminum, steel, iron, copper, bronze, or any other metal or alloy thereof. In another embodiment, the device and system herein can be made of polymer, plastic, or any other non-metallic material suitable for enabling the actuation of a wedge, such as a wedge in a link connector. In another embodiment, the components discussed herein can be made of the same material or different materials. In another embodiment, the wedge actuator device or system can be configured to be as lightweight as possible while maintaining the strength and structural integrity required to actuate the wedge. For example, the main body can be made of aluminum, while the main body cap, bolt, and drive element can be made of steel.

[0042] This disclosure achieves at least the following advantages:

[0043] 1. Increased safety of wedge drive in hammer connector installation;

[0044] 2. Facilitates the installation and repair of chains or chain segments in locomotive handbrake systems;

[0045] 3. Apparatus and methods for chain repair are provided;

[0046] 4. It facilitates the repair of the locomotive's handbrake system without removing the chain from the system;

[0047] 5. A wedge-shaped actuator with a drive member is provided, the drive member being stabilized to prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis of the drive member;

[0048] 6. A method for removing a wedge from a connecting joint is provided, which maintains the connecting joint in an attached state immediately after the wedge is removed, thereby mitigating or preventing violent separation of the connecting joint components; and

[0049] 7. Facilitates axial drive of the wedge in the coupling while preventing unwanted rotational movement at the contact point between the drive and the wedge.

[0050] The descriptions in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function may be a necessary or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, no claim is intended to invoke 35 U.SC §112(f) for any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “apparatus for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying the function. Terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “part,” “component,” “device,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” “processing device,” or “controller” used in the claims may be understood and intended to refer to structures known to a person skilled in the art, although these structures may be further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and these terms are not intended to invoke 35 U.SC §112(f).

[0051] This disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, each of the new structures described herein may be modified to suit specific local variations or needs while maintaining their basic configuration or structural relationships with each other, or performing the same or similar functions described herein. Therefore, these embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. Consequently, the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Therefore, all variations falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, the elements of the claims are not well-known, conventional, or routine. Rather, the claims target unconventional inventive concepts described in the specification.

Claims

1. A wedge actuator, the wedge actuator comprising: A first fork portion, the first fork portion having a first retaining member configured to retain at least a first portion of the link connector; A second fork, the second fork having a second retaining member configured to retain at least a second portion of the link connector; A driving component having a first driving component end, a second driving component end, a driving component cap, and an adapter, wherein the driving component cap is connected to the first driving component end and the adapter is connected to the second driving component end; Bolts, the bolts being configured to allow the drive member to extend at least partially between the first fork and the second fork, to drive the wedge into or out of the link connector; and Wherein, the first fork and the second fork define an opening, the opening being configured to receive the link connector; The first retaining member and the second retaining member are configured to retain the link connector within the opening while the drive member drives the wedge out of the link connector, thereby maintaining the link connector in the attached state after the wedge is removed.

2. The wedge actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The first retaining member and the second retaining member can be a protrusion or a lip, which is configured to retain the link connector or the hammer connector.

3. The wedge actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The first fork is connected to the second fork by means of a component.

4. The wedge actuator according to claim 3, wherein, The component is a main stem, which has a first main stem end, a second main stem end, and a main stem opening, which is arranged through the main stem from the first main stem end to the second main stem end.

5. The wedge actuator according to claim 4, wherein, The drive cap prevents the drive from leaving the main stem opening.

6. The wedge actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The drive element includes a channel arranged along at least a portion of the drive element.

7. The wedge actuator according to claim 6, wherein the wedge actuator further comprises a fixing member, wherein, The fixing member is configured to engage the channel to prevent the drive member from rotating about its longitudinal axis.

8. The wedge actuator of claim 4, further comprising an elastic element arranged around at least a portion of the actuator.

9. The wedge actuator according to claim 8, wherein, After the elastic element is compressed, the elastic element pushes the drive cap toward the first main stem end through the main stem opening, so that at least a portion of the drive element retracts into the main stem opening.

10. The wedge actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The wedge-shaped actuator includes a handle.

11. The wedge actuator according to claim 1, wherein, The length between the first fork and the second fork is fixed to receive the link connector or hammer connector.

12. A method for operating a connector wedge, the method comprising: The link connector is received within an opening defined between the first and second forks of the wedge-shaped driver; The link connector is held within the opening using a first retaining member of the first fork and a second retaining member of the second fork; Position the first end of the wedge in the groove of the drive member; Position the second end of the wedge in the wedge opening of the link connector; At least a portion of the drive member extends out of the wedge driver to drive the wedge into the wedge opening without rotating the wedge; as well as While holding the link connector within the opening, the wedge is driven out of the wedge opening by the drive member, thereby maintaining the link connector in the attached state after the wedge is removed.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The wedge driver includes: The main stem has a first main stem end, a second main stem end, and a main stem opening, the main stem opening being arranged through the main stem from the first main stem end to the second main stem end.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The wedge driver includes a main stem cap removably coupled to the first end of the main stem, the main stem cap having a threaded bolt opening aligned with and configured to receive the bolt.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The drive component includes: a first drive component end, a second drive component end, a channel, a drive component cap, and an adapter. The channel is arranged along at least a portion of the drive component. The drive component cap is connected to the first drive component end, and the adapter is connected to the second drive component end.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, A torque is applied to the bolt in a first direction to cause at least a portion of the drive member to extend out of the wedge-shaped actuator.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The drive cap prevents the drive from passing through the threaded bolt hole and exiting the main stem hole.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A torque is applied to the bolt in a second direction to allow the elastic element to retract at least a portion of the drive element into the wedge-shaped actuator.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, After the elastic element is compressed, the elastic element pushes the drive cap toward the first main stem end through the main stem opening, so that at least a portion of the drive element retracts into the main stem opening.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the wedge driver further comprises a retaining member configured to engage the channel to prevent the driver from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the driver.

Images