Automatic Traction Coupling With Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic train couplers require large installation space and are vulnerable to environmental influences, leading to unintentional re-coupling during shunting operations, which is time-consuming and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic uncoupling device is integrated within the coupling head housing, utilizing an electro-hydraulic drive unit comprising an electric motor and hydraulic pump, which rotates the frog from the coupled to uncoupled position, minimizing space requirements and protecting the device from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the uncoupling device is integrated within the coupling head housing, then the installation space is reduced and the device is protected from environmental influences, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uncoupling device is merged with the coupling head housing, integrating previously separate components into a unified structure. This reduces the overall installation space and protects internal components from environmental influences while maintaining functional independence through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoupling device is nested within the coupling head housing, with the electro-hydraulic drive unit and cylinder arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration. This nesting approach minimizes the external footprint while accommodating all necessary components within the housing boundaries.
2Reliability
If conventional uncoupling devices are used, then the device is exposed to environmental influences causing unintentional re-coupling, but the installation space is larger
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the uncoupling device with the coupling head housing, the previously exposed external components are now protected within the enclosed housing structure. This eliminates vulnerability to environmental influences such as rain, snow, and debris that could cause unintentional re-coupling, while the integrated design maintains compact dimensions.
3Device complexity
If the uncoupling device is exposed to environmental influences, then the structure is simpler, but unintentional re-coupling occurs during shunting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The uncoupling device components are nested within the protective enclosure of the coupling head housing, shielding sensitive elements like the electro-hydraulic drive unit and cylinder from environmental damage. This nested configuration maintains operational reliability during shunting operations while preserving structural efficiency through compact integration.
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 reduces design complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable operation and preventing unintentional re-coupling, enhancing shunting efficiency by minimizing installation space and shielding the uncoupling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A spring accumulator is associated with the core. The core can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of the spring accumulator, and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring accumulator.
Implementation Method 2
An electro-hydraulic uncoupling device is integrated within the coupling head housing, utilizing an electro-hydraulic drive unit comprising an electric motor and hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 3
utilizing an electro-hydraulic drive unit comprising an electric motor and hydraulic pump
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic traction coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, having a coupling head, which comprises a coupling head housing and a coupling fastener having a lock, wherein the coupling fastener is designed as a rotary fastener with a coupling link and a central part, the central part being rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, the coupling link being connected at a first end so as to be rotatable about a coupling link and comprising a second free end, the central part having an opening which is arranged for receiving a second end of a coupling link of a diametrically opposed coupling head; having an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated uncoupling device, which comprises an electric motor, hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which is connected via a drive connection at least indirectly to the central part, to rotate the central part from the coupled position into the uncoupled position. The claimed automatic traction coupling is characterised in that the uncoupling device has a lock position in which the device blocks a rotation of the central part from the uncoupled position into the coupled position via the drive connection, wherein a control device is provided with which the uncoupling device can be activated to retain said device permanently in the blocked position over a period.