Train Coupling Head Locking Pin Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing train couplings with automatic clutch heads face alignment issues due to tolerance, leading to problems during coupling with manually operated coupling heads.

Innovation Solution

A train coupling with a clutch head that is locked against rotation around a horizontal axis using a plug-in bolt system, ensuring precise alignment in the active position within the horizontal level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coupling head is designed to be pivotable for transitioning between active and inactive positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pivoting coupling headVSAvoidalignment precision of coupling head

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into two functional parts: a pivotable coupling head for operation and a fixed coupling device for precise alignment. The coupling head can pivot between active and inactive positions, while the fixed coupling device remains stationary to provide stable alignment references, thus resolving the conflict between operability and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fixed coupling device acts as an intermediary element between the pivotable coupling head and the coupling partner. This fixed device provides a stable, precisely aligned interface that compensates for the tolerances introduced by the pivotable coupling head's movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking device is added to secure the coupling head in active position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of coupling head positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling head is designed to be self-locking in its active position through its geometric configuration and engagement features. The coupling head's own structure provides the locking function, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning and locking functions are merged into a single integrated design. The coupling head's pivotable connection inherently provides both the ability to transition between positions and the ability to maintain a stable locked position, combining multiple functions into one component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4530151A1Zugkupplung

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 VOITH PATENT GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a drawbar coupling with a coupling head that is pivotably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis in a coupling head receptacle, wherein the coupling head is pivotable about the horizontal pivot axis between an active position, in which it is aligned for coupling with a corresponding coupling head within a horizontal plane, and an inactive position, in which it is pivoted out of the horizontal plane; wherein a locking device is provided with which the coupling head can be locked in the horizontal plane. The drawbar coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the locking device comprises a locking pin that can be inserted through a first guide in the coupling head and a second guide in the coupling head receptacle in order to positively lock the coupling head against rotation about the pivot axis.