Bearing Bracket Assembly for Multi-Car Vehicle Coupler Rods

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing designs for multi-car vehicle coupler rods and connection systems require space in the underframe of the car, limiting design flexibility and increasing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The assembly relocates the connection portion of the bearing bracket forward, allowing space behind for assembly components, using a rear portion with support elements to connect the bracket to the car, and incorporates a pin and rubber elements for force transmission, with a rear plate that can be part of the car's structure, eliminating the need for protrusions into the underframe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connection portion is placed in the underframe of the car, then the assembly can be connected to the car, but it requires space in the underframe limiting design flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidspace requirement in underframe
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portion is relocated from the underframe area to the front end of the coupler rod, changing the spatial arrangement from a rearward/underframe position to a forward/exterior position. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for underframe space while maintaining connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing bracket is divided into a connection portion and a rear portion, with the connection portion separated and positioned at the front end of the coupler rod. This segmentation allows the connection function to be independent of the underframe structure, freeing up space in the underframe area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the connection portion requires space in the underframe, then the assembly can be mounted, but it increases structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidunderframe integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection portion is extracted from the underframe integration and repositioned to the front end of the coupler rod. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex underframe modifications, holes, or recesses, while maintaining the mounting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the pin is allowed to swivel freely, then the coupler rod can rotate relative to the bracket, but the pin may contact the rear plate causing additional wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidpin wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pin's movement is made dynamic and controlled rather than fully free. The hole in the coupler rod provides guided movement that allows necessary rotation while constraining the pin's path to prevent contact with the rear plate, reducing wear while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hole in the coupler rod acts as an intermediary element between the pin and the rear plate. It provides a controlled path for the pin's movement, allowing rotation capability while mediating to prevent direct contact between the pin and rear plate, thus reducing wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design enhances design flexibility by allowing closed surfaces on the car, reduces complexity, and effectively transmits forces without requiring large recesses or holes in the underframe, improving the integration of coupler rods and connection systems within multi-car vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a first rubber element (9) being placed between the first support surface (8) of the bracket and the support surface (13) of the rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3205550B2Assembly with a bearing bracket and a coupler rod or a connection rod; car of a multi-car vehicle and method for transmitting pushing forces applied to a coupler rod or connection rod to a bearing bracket
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 DELLNER COUPLERS AB
  • EP3205550B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3205550B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3205550B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly with a bearing bracket and a coupler rod or a connection rod, whereby the bearing bracket comprises a bracket forming part of a car or being a bracket suitable for being connected to a car of a multi-car vehicle, the bracket having a connection portion with a hole, a first support surface for a first rubber element and a second support surface for a second rubber element, the first support surface and the second support surface facing in opposite directions, whereby the coupler rod or connection rod comprises an end portion that has a support surface for the first rubber element that faces the first support surface of the bracket, the first rubber element being placed between the first support surface of the bracket and the support surface of the coupler rod or connection rod, whereby a pin passes through the hole of the bracket, the pin having a support surface for the second rubber element at one end that faces the second support surface of the bracket, the second rubber element being placed between the second support surface of the bracket and the support surface of the pin, whereby the pin passes through a hole in the end portion of the coupler rod or connection rod and whereby an abutment element is provided on the second end of the pin, the abutment element abutting against a wall of the coupler rod or connection rod that surrounds the hole provided in the end portion of the coupler rod or connection rod, whereby the bracket comprises a rear portion placed rearward of the connection portion, the rear portion forming part of a car or being suitable for being connected to a car of a multi-car vehicle and the rear portion comprising a rear plate, whereby the bracket comprises at least one support element that connects the connection portion with the rear portion.