Vertically Adjustable Clutch Adapter for Rail Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch adapters for rail vehicles are inefficient in switching between different coupling systems, such as from a center buffer coupling to a short coupling, due to the need for extensive renovation work and limited height adjustment capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A clutch adapter with two vertically adjustable coupling carriers that can be stacked and adjusted to bring different couplings to their exact standard height, allowing for easy switching between couplings by folding away one carrier to accommodate the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coupling support is used with height adjustment, then height adaptation is achieved, but switching between different coupling systems requires time-consuming conversion work
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling adapter is divided into multiple independent coupling supports (first and second coupling supports), each capable of carrying a different coupling system. This segmentation allows multiple coupling types to coexist on the same adapter, enabling rapid switching without conversion work by simply changing which support is in the active position.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling supports are made movable relative to each other through the vertical guide and height adjustment mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the supports to be repositioned vertically and folded away, enabling quick transitions between different coupling systems without permanent installation changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple couplings are mounted simultaneously on the adapter, then switching capability is improved, but the longer coupling may interfere with the shorter coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling supports are arranged one above the other in the vertical dimension, allowing multiple couplings to be mounted simultaneously without horizontal interference. The vertical stacking enables the longer coupling to extend downward while the shorter coupling is positioned above it, eliminating interference between the two coupling types.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling supports can be folded away relative to each other, allowing the inactive coupling support to be moved out of the operational space. This dynamic folding mechanism prevents interference between the longer and shorter couplings by removing one from the active zone when not in use.
3Manufacturing precision
If coupling supports are made vertically adjustable, then precise height positioning is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single vertical guide and height adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it guides both the first and second coupling supports, enables vertical movement for both supports, and provides the folding away capability. This universal mechanism reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate adjustment systems for each support.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a clutch adapter (11) with a vertically continuously adjustable clutch support (14, 15) for a rail vehicle (21) is equipped with two clutch supports (14, 15) which are arranged one over the other and in a vertically adjustable manner together on the clutch adapter (11) such that two different clutches (22, 23) can be simultaneously installed, wherein at least one clutch support (14) can be folded away. Preferably, the upper clutch support (14) can be folded up by means of a spindle lift gear (18) and can be locked in the folded-up position. The two clutch supports (14, 15) can be guided on the clutch adapter (11) by means of a vertical guide (12) and can be moved up and down by means of a trapezoidal threaded spindle (19a).