Automatic Traction Coupling With Integrated Electro-Hydraulic Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic train couplings require large installation space and are structurally complex, with automated uncoupling devices vulnerable to environmental influences and prone to inadvertent re-engagement during shunting.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic decoupling device is integrated within the coupling head housing, utilizing an electric motor and hydraulic pump to rotate the frog between coupled and uncoupled positions, eliminating the need for external housings and ensuring protection from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an automated uncoupling device is located outside the coupling head housing, then it can be protected from environmental influences, but the installation space increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uncoupling device is merged with the coupling head housing by integrating the electric motor and hydraulic pump within the existing housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external housings while maintaining protection from environmental influences, thereby reducing installation space without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoupling device components (electric motor, hydraulic pump) are nested within the coupling head housing. This nested arrangement allows the uncoupling device to be protected by the housing structure while occupying minimal additional space, resolving the contradiction between protection and space efficiency.
2Reliability
If an automated uncoupling device is located outside the coupling head housing, then it can be protected from environmental influences, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uncoupling device is combined with the coupling head housing into a single integrated structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections required, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining the protective function against environmental influences.
3Ease of operation
If the frog can rotate freely during shunting, then coupling operations are flexible, but inadvertent re-engagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to preemptively prevent the frog from rotating back into the coupled position after uncoupling. By providing this preliminary anti-action during shunting operations, the system maintains coupling flexibility for intentional operations while preventing inadvertent re-engagement through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means provides feedback control by detecting the frog's position and automatically engaging the lock when the uncoupled position is reached. This feedback mechanism ensures that the frog remains locked in the uncoupled position during shunting, preventing inadvertent re-engagement while allowing flexible coupling operations when needed.
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 installation space, simplifies design complexity, and prevents inadvertent re-engagement, enhancing operational reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-hydraulic decoupling device which is integrated either completely into the coupling head housing or completely into a coupling rod adjoining the coupling head housing
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an electric motor and hydraulic pump to rotate the frog
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic traction coupling, in particular for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, comprising: a coupling head which comprises a coupling head housing and a coupling fastener having a lock, the coupling fastener being designed as a rotary fastener having 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 to the central part so as to be rotatable about a coupling link axis and having a second free end, and the central part having an opening which is arranged for receiving a second end of a coupling link of a diametrically opposed coupling head; and an uncoupling device (11) for rotating the central part (6) from the coupled position into the uncoupled position. The claimed automatic traction coupling is characterised in that the uncoupling device (11) is designed as an electro-hydraulic uncoupling device (31) and is arranged so as to be either fully inside the coupling head housing (2) or fully inside the coupling head housing (2) and a coupling rod (10) which adjoins the coupling head housing (2).