Locomotive Brake Controller with Clocked Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locomotive brake controllers require specific, costly, and numerous components designed for either vertical or desktop orientations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inventory needs due to variations in mounting locations and ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A locomotive brake controller with a modular design featuring a beveled mount and operator interface that can be clocked between orientations, allowing for installation in either desktop or vertical configurations using nearly the same components, reducing the need for orientation-specific parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional brake controllers use orientation-specific components for vertical or desktop mounting, then proper ergonomics and readability are achieved, but manufacturing costs and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The brake controller is designed with a universal mounting system where the same controller body and components can be mounted in either vertical or desktop orientations. The mounting bracket is configured with multiple mounting hole patterns that accommodate both orientations, eliminating the need for separate component sets for each orientation while maintaining proper ergonomics and readability for operators
2Adaptability or versatility
If brake controllers are designed with orientation-specific mounting hardware, then proper installation in specific locations is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mounting bracket design incorporates multiple mounting hole patterns that enable the same bracket to be used for both vertical wall mounting and desktop horizontal mounting. This universal bracket eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware sets for different orientations, reducing component variety while maintaining installation flexibility across different locations and orientations
3Reliability
If conventional systems use large machined or cast parts adapted to particular mounting locations, then proper fit and function are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a standardized controller body with integrated mounting features and a separate universal mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the controller body to be manufactured with consistent, standardized features regardless of mounting orientation, while the bracket absorbs the variability needed for different installations. This approach eliminates the need for expensive custom-machined or cast parts for each mounting location while ensuring proper fit and function
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotive brake controller that has a body configured to interconnect to a desktop location in the cab of a locomotive and a mount that can attach the base of the controller to a vertical stand in the cab of a locomotive. The controller also includes an operator interface adaptor that can be clocked relative to the body and an operator face plate that can be clocked relative to the mount depending on the location of installation to ensure proper tilting of the interface relative to the operator and proper orientation of the operator display. Alternatively, the adaptor may include a fixed face plate that includes a moveable display and an adhesive membrane with operator buttons to properly orient the display.