Coupling Shaft Re-Centering via Integrated Thrust Bearing Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal re-centering devices for coupling shafts in railway vehicles require a large amount of space, which is often not available in the interface region between the coupling shaft and the vehicle body or undercarriage.
Innovation Solution
A compact horizontal re-centering device is designed using a thrust bearing system with a first and second rotating body that generate a restoring torque by rotating relative to each other, allowing for a more compact and lightweight structure by redirecting the force necessary for re-centering within the axial bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional horizontal re-centering devices are used, then the coupling shaft can be re-centered, but a large amount of space is required which is not available in the interface region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the re-centering function with the thrust bearing by integrating the restoring torque generation mechanism directly into the thrust bearing structure. The first and second rotating bodies are incorporated as part of the thrust bearing assembly, eliminating the need for separate re-centering components and reducing the overall space required in the interface region between the coupling shaft and vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates restoring torque through axial rotation of the first and second rotating bodies relative to each other within the thrust bearing. By utilizing the axial dimension for torque generation rather than requiring lateral space for traditional re-centering mechanisms, the design significantly reduces the radial and lateral space requirements while maintaining the re-centering function.
2Reliability
If traditional re-centering devices with pressure springs and sliding blocks are used, then horizontal re-centering is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the thrust bearing assembly: support function, torque transmission function, and re-centering function. The first and second rotating bodies serve both as bearing elements and as the re-centering mechanism, eliminating the need for separate pressure springs, sliding blocks, and guide shafts, thereby reducing device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust bearing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting axial loads, transmitting torque, and providing the re-centering function through the interaction of the first and second rotating bodies. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for dedicated components for each function.
3Area of stationary object
If disengageable re-centering devices are used, then space is reduced, but the mechanism requires additional actuating components like lifting cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust bearing with first and second rotating bodies provides continuous passive re-centering through the restoring torque generated by their relative rotation. The system automatically centers the coupling shaft through the mechanical interaction of the rotating bodies without requiring external actuation, eliminating the need for lifting cylinders or other active control mechanisms while maintaining a compact design.
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 solution significantly reduces the space required for re-centering, minimizes weight and component count, and enhances maintenance efficiency by integrating all necessary components into a single thrust bearing, enabling the coupling shaft to be pivotable relative to the vehicle body while maintaining the center position.
Implementation Method 1
the device (1) being designed to produce the force necessary to generate a restoring torque acting on the coupling shaft by rotating the two rotating bodies (3, 4) relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the horizontal re-centering of a coupling shaft, particularly a central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, wherein the device (1) comprises a first rotating body (3) and a second rotating body (4) which is rotatable relative to the first rotating body (3), wherein the device (1) is designed to produce the force necessary to generate a restoring torque acting on the coupling shaft by the rotating of the two rotating bodies (3, 4) relative to each other.