Conical Threaded Ring Articulated Coupling for Rail Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated couplings for rail vehicles are heavy and inadequately designed for energy conversion, with deformation elements that cannot be adjusted to handle various forces effectively, particularly during accidents.
Innovation Solution
An articulated coupling featuring a conical threaded ring with an internal thread and slit, which can disengage from a tension-transferring rod upon overload, allowing for adjustable friction resistance and energy conversion through the sliding of threads, and a method for mounting a cutting tool that can disengage when overloaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If deformation elements are provided for energy conversion in articulated couplings, then energy conversion capability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the deformation elements by using a conical threaded ring design with adjustable friction resistance. The conical geometry allows progressive engagement and disengagement based on force magnitude, enabling the system to activate energy conversion only when necessary (during overloads) rather than continuously, thus reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining energy conversion capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If deformation elements are designed to engage under various forces, then adaptability is improved, but the elements deform under usual operational forces causing inadequate performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different mechanical properties at different locations and conditions. The conical threaded ring has varying friction resistance along its conical surface, with the friction coefficient changing as the ring engages or disengages. This allows the element to remain rigid and stable under normal operational forces while becoming progressively more compliant and deformable under overload conditions, thus achieving both reliability during usual operation and adaptability during emergencies.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conical threaded ring with adjustable friction resistance is used, then energy conversion control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the friction resistance of the conical threaded ring adjustable rather than fixed. The friction coefficient can be modified based on operational conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy conversion in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved through the conical geometry and threaded structure, which allow the friction characteristics to change as the ring engages or disengages, providing controlled energy conversion without requiring complex external control 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
The articulated coupling effectively transfers forces while allowing the conical threaded ring to disengage and slide, enabling controlled energy conversion and reducing the risk of damage during overloads, with the cutting tool engaging only under predefined conditions, thus optimizing energy management and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the conical threaded ring is arranged at least partially in the conically shaped recess... enabling controlled energy conversion through the sliding of threads
Implementation Method 2
The articulated coupling effectively transfers forces while allowing the conical threaded ring to disengage and slide, enabling controlled energy conversion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an articulated coupling comprising at least one tension-transferring or compression-transferring rod, at least one pressure plate comprising a cutting tool that comprises at least one blade and a central conically shaped recess. Furthermore, the articulated coupling comprises at least one conical threaded ring which comprises an internal thread and is slit in a longitudinal direction, wherein the rod comprises an external thread onto which the conical threaded ring is screwed. The cutting tool is arranged on a conical external surface of the conical threaded ring, wherein the conical threaded ring is arranged at least partially in the conically shaped recess.