Auto-Rack Bridge Plate Locking Assembly Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bridge plate locking assemblies for auto-rack railroad cars are prone to damage during use, installation, and removal, leading to functional issues and the need for entire assembly or plate replacement due to non-replaceable locking pin components.
Innovation Solution
A bridge plate locking assembly with a removable locking pin and handle assembly, allowing for easy replacement of the locking pin if bent or damaged, and a securely fixed pivot pin, eliminating the need for a collar and loosely attached pivot pin, enabling efficient repair without replacing the entire assembly or plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the locking assembly uses a fixed pivot pin and removable locking pin design, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into distinct replaceable components: a fixed pivot pin that remains permanently attached to the guide tube, and a removable locking pin that can be easily extracted and replaced. This segmentation allows the locking pin to be independently replaced without affecting the pivot pin or other assembly components, directly improving ease of repair while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional separation.
2Reliability
If the locking pin is securely fixed to the guide tube, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the pin cannot be easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed with dynamic attachment characteristics - it can be securely fixed during normal operation to ensure reliability, yet can be easily removed when repair is needed. The pin features a head portion that engages with the guide tube opening to prevent accidental dislodgement, while still allowing intentional removal by lifting the pin vertically. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between secure fixation for reliability and easy removal for repairability.
3Device complexity
If the pivot pin is loosely attached to the guide tube, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential movement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic loosely attached pivot pin design is completely removed from the assembly. Instead, a fixed pivot pin is permanently attached to the guide tube using secure attachment methods such as welding, riveting, or pressing. This extraction of the flawed component eliminates the reliability issues associated with loose attachment while maintaining simple device complexity, as the fixed pivot pin requires no additional adjustment or maintenance mechanisms.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective repair of the locking assembly by replacing only the damaged locking pin, extending the lifespan of the bridge plate locking assembly and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned in the guide tube between and abutting the fixed pivot pin and the locking pin
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-rack bridge plate locking assembly including a support bracket, a guide tube, a slidable locking pin partially positioned in the guide tube, a handle assembly removably attachable to the locking pin, a fixed pivot pin partially positioned in the guide tube, and a spring positioned in the guide tube between the pivot pin and the locking pin. An auto-rack railroad car bridge plate may include a plate configured to extend from one auto-rack railroad car to an adjacent auto-rack railroad car with the locking assembly connected to the plate and configured to pivotally attach the plate to one of the auto-rack rail road cars.