Automatic Train Coupling With Internal Electric Uncoupling Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic train couplings for freight wagons require large installation space and complex enclosures, increasing manufacturing costs and vulnerability to environmental influences.
Innovation Solution
An automatic train coupling with an electrically operated uncoupling device housed entirely within the coupling head housing, utilizing a compact design with a radial or coaxial motor output axis and reduction gears to minimize space and protect the device from environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the uncoupling device is housed outside the coupling head housing, then the installation space is larger and the device is more accessible, but the manufacturing costs increase and the device becomes vulnerable to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The uncoupling device is integrated into the coupling head housing, merging two previously separate components into one unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate enclosures and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining protection from environmental influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling head housing serves multiple functions: it houses the coupling mechanism and simultaneously provides protection for the uncoupling device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective structures and simplifies the overall design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the uncoupling device is housed entirely within the coupling head housing, then the manufacturing costs are reduced and protection is improved, but the installation space becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The motor output axis is oriented radially or coaxially to the main axis, utilizing different spatial dimensions and orientations to accommodate components within the constrained housing volume. This dimensional reconfiguration allows compact arrangement without compromising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoupling device components are nested within the coupling head housing, with the motor, drive connection, and frog arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that maximizes utilization of the available internal volume.
3Volume of moving object
If a radial or coaxial motor output axis configuration is used, then the installation space is minimized, but the drive connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A drive connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the motor and the frog, translating the radial or coaxial motor output into the required rotational motion. This intermediary component enables compact motor positioning while maintaining simple overall drive functionality.
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
Reduces installation space and manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable protection of the uncoupling mechanism, maintaining operational efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded mechanism is attached to the frog. The frog can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism, and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring-loaded mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
An electrically operated uncoupling device is provided, which comprises an electric motor which is at least indirectly connected to the frog via a drive connection in order to rotate the frog from the coupled position into the uncoupled position.
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a compact design with a radial or coaxial motor output axis and reduction gears
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic train coupling, in particular for a goods wagon of a rail vehicle, having: 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 core, the core being rotatable about a main axis between a coupled position and a decoupled position, the coupling link being connected at a first end to the core so as to be rotatable about a coupling link axis and having a second free end, and the core having an opening which is arranged for receiving a second end of a coupling link of a diametrically opposed coupling head; and a decoupling apparatus which is electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated and comprises an electric motor, hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor which is at least indirectly connected to the core via a drive connection in order to rotate the core from the coupled position into the decoupled position. The automatic train coupling according to the invention is characterised in that the decoupling apparatus is arranged so as to be either fully inside the coupling head housing or fully inside the coupling head housing and a coupling rod which adjoins the coupling head housing.