Center Buffer Coupler Spring Cushioning for Impact Load Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic center buffer couplers in freight wagons experience high impact loads that lead to increased wear and potential failure due to the coupling prevention position, necessitating a solution that can withstand such loads without compromising the actuator's lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The spindle drive unit is designed to be self-locking and axially movable with a spring element, such as a steel or elastomer spring, to absorb impact loads, combined with a gear reduction mechanism to minimize wear and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling prevention position is used to prevent unintentional re-engagement, then coupling safety is improved, but the coupling eye experiences high impact loads leading to increased wear and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning element (such as a spring or elastomer) between the coupling eye and the coupling lock that absorbs impact loads before they reach the coupling lock. This beforehand cushioning protects the coupling lock from high impact forces while maintaining the coupling prevention position's safety function, thereby resolving the contradiction between coupling safety and impact load resistance
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the actuator is designed to withstand high impact loads, then durability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cushioning element between the coupling eye and the actuator that absorbs and dissipates impact energy. This mediator protects the actuator from direct exposure to high impact loads, extending its lifespan without requiring the actuator itself to be over-engineered for high-load resistance, thus avoiding increased complexity and size
3Strength
If the spindle drive unit is made axially movable to absorb impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but positioning precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling mechanism into distinct functional zones: a movable cushioning zone that absorbs impacts through axial movement, and a fixed precision positioning zone that maintains accurate spindle positioning. This segmentation allows the movable portion to handle impact absorption while the precision portion remains stable, resolving the contradiction between impact resistance and positioning precision
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 design effectively reduces wear and extends the lifespan of the actuator by absorbing impact loads, ensuring reliable operation under freight transport conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring means (17) is provided which counteracts an axial movement of the spindle drive unit (11)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic center buffer coupler (1) for a rail vehicle. The center buffer coupler (1) comprises a housing (2) for accommodating a hook disc (3) with a pivot axis (5) for pivoting the hook disc (3) at least between a coupled position and a decoupled position, and an actuator (8) with an actuating device (10) for pivoting the hook disc (3) into a decoupled position. The actuating device (10) comprises a spindle drive unit (11) driven by an electric motor (9). The spindle drive unit (11) is self-locking and arranged in the housing (2) such that it is axially movable opposite to the actuating direction (A), with at least one spring element (17) being provided which counteracts axial movement of the spindle drive unit (11).