Railway Coupler Angular Position Detection Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing couplers for railway vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting the angular position of the front part in relation to the rear part, leading to potential misalignment and increased wear due to repeated pivoting, which results in costly repairs and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A coupler with an angular position detection assembly that includes a sensor and transmitter system to measure and transmit signals for determining the angular displacement of the front part relative to the rear part, utilizing an elastomer spring joint and centering devices to enhance accuracy and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor and transmitter system is added to detect angular position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position detection accuracyVSAvoidcoupler system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The angular position detection system is segmented into separate functional modules: a sensor unit for detecting angular position, a transmitter unit for signal transmission, and processing circuitry for determining the angular position of the front part. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transmitter acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the processing circuitry, transferring detection signals from the harsh environment near the joint to a more protected location for processing. This intermediary approach protects the sensor while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If components are placed in connection with the coupler joint to enable angular position detection, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vibrations and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular displacement detectionVSAvoidcomponent performance in harsh environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter serves as an intermediary that receives signals from the sensor in the harsh environment and transmits them to processing circuitry that can be located in a more protected area. This separates the measurement function from the processing function, protecting sensitive electronics while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system that uses optical or electromagnetic fields rather than direct mechanical contact. This substitution reduces wear and improves reliability in the harsh, vibrating environment of the coupler joint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the front part is allowed to pivot repeatedly for coupling operations, then adaptability is improved, but wear increases leading to repair needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling alignment adjustmentVSAvoidjoint and structure lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The angular position detection assembly provides real-time feedback on the angular position of the front part relative to the rear part. This feedback enables monitoring of the pivoting movements and can be used to optimize coupling operations, reducing unnecessary pivoting and minimizing wear on the joint and associated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system allows for preliminary assessment of the angular position before coupling operations are initiated. By knowing the starting position and monitoring the pivoting movement in advance, the system can plan the coupling sequence to minimize the number of pivoting cycles and reduce wear on the joint and gangways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240246580A1Coupler with angular position detection assembly, angular position detection system and method

Publication Date: 2024.07.25 DELLNER COUPLERS AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coupler with an angular position detection assembly, the coupler (10, 10′, 10″) comprising: —a front part (11), —a rear part (12), —a rotatable joint (20) comprising a first portion (21, 23) and a second portion (22, 24), said first portion (21, 23) being rotatably attached to the second portion (22, 24), wherein the first portion (21, 23) is attached to the front part (11) and the second portion (22, 24) is attached to the rear part (12) so that the front part (11) of the coupler is rotatable in relation to the rear part (12), and the angular position detection assembly (30) comprising: —a first sensor (31) arranged in connection with one of the first portion (21, 23) and the second portion (22, 24) of the joint (20) and configured to detect or measure a parameter indicative of an angular position of the first portion (21, 23) in relation to the second portion (22, 24), —a transmitter (32) for receiving signals and transmitting them to processing circuitry (40).