Central Buffer Coupling Guide Structure for Tilt-Stable Shock Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push and pull devices for rail vehicles require reliable longitudinal guidance of the movable front pressure element to prevent tilting and derailments, especially in compact designs, while meeting UIC standards for tilt angles.
Innovation Solution
The movable front pressure element is guided by lateral surfaces within the housing, with guide surfaces arranged opposite each other and integrated into the spring assembly or damper area, ensuring stable guidance and increased rigidity, and a pull bar is adjustable for bidirectional alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide surfaces are arranged outside the housing for longitudinal guidance, then the guidance function is achieved, but the rigidity of the guidance system is insufficient and tilt protection is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces are relocated from external positioning to internal arrangement within the housing, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the housing to create a rigid guidance system. This dimensional repositioning allows the guide surfaces to be supported by the housing structure itself, significantly improving rigidity while maintaining guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance function is merged with the housing structure by integrating guide surfaces directly into the housing walls. This combination eliminates the need for separate external guide plates and creates a unified, rigid guidance system where the housing itself provides both structural support and longitudinal guidance.
2Ease of operation
If external guide plates are used for longitudinal guidance, then guidance function is provided, but the design becomes less compact and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is merged into the housing structure itself, eliminating the need for separate external guide plates. The guide surfaces are formed as integral parts of the housing walls, creating a compact design where guidance and housing functions are combined in a single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the spring assembly, and incorporates the guidance function through integrated guide surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated guidance components, achieving compactness.
3Loss of energy
If the front pressure element is allowed to move freely for impact absorption, then energy dissipation is improved, but longitudinal guidance and tilt protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is merged with the housing structure, creating an integrated system where the front pressure element moves freely for energy dissipation while being simultaneously constrained by the rigid guide surfaces formed as part of the housing. This combination allows both impact absorption and reliable longitudinal guidance to coexist.
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 provides stable longitudinal guidance with minimal tilting, enhancing stability and preventing derailments, while allowing for modular component design and compactness, meeting UIC tilt angle requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly arranged in a vehicle-mountable frame or housing between a movable front pressure element and a stationary rear pressure element
Implementation Method 2
a damper connected in series for this purpose
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shock and pull device for a central buffer coupling, comprising a spring assembly (4) arranged in a vehicle-mountable frame or housing (1) between a movable front pressure element (2) and a stationary rear pressure element (3), wherein the movable front pressure element (2) has opposing lateral guide surfaces for longitudinal guidance relative to the housing (1) as a result of a deflection caused by a shock load, wherein the front pressure element (2) has a front plate section (5) as a stop in the event of a shock load, wherein the lateral guide surfaces are arranged on rearwardly formed flank sections (6) which cooperate with guide surfaces (7) arranged inside the housing (1) for longitudinal guidance.