Freight Wagon Coupling One-Piece Spring Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for freight wagons are complex and costly, requiring numerous components for force transmission and damping, making maintenance and repair difficult due to the need for specialist personnel and frequent disassembly for servicing.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with directional joints featuring a force transmission body and one-piece spring assemblies, comprising metal discs and elastomeric plastic, which are permanently connected to simplify maintenance and reduce component count, allowing for easier handling and replacement of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate spring elements and metal discs are used for force transmission and damping, then the coupling device can absorb both tensile and shear/impact forces, but the number of components increases making the device complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate spring elements and metal discs into a single integrated spring assembly that functions as one component. This spring assembly includes multiple spring elements arranged in parallel and connected to a common base plate and mounting plate, eliminating the need for numerous separate components while maintaining the ability to absorb both tensile and compressive forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs tensile forces, compressive forces, and impact loads; provides damping; and maintains force transmission capability. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple separate components for each function.
2Reliability
If numerous individual components are used in the coupling device, then the force transmission and damping functions can be achieved, but the maintenance and repair require qualified personnel and cannot be performed immediately at the location
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple spring elements and metal discs into a single spring assembly component, the patent enables the entire damping and force absorption system to be replaced as one unit. This eliminates the need for specialized assembly procedures and allows maintenance personnel to quickly replace the spring assembly without requiring qualified personnel or workshop facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into modular components, with the spring assembly being a self-contained module that can be independently replaced. This modular design allows the spring assembly to be swapped out as a single unit while leaving the rest of the coupling device intact, enabling immediate on-site maintenance.
3Reliability
If separate metal discs and plastic rings are used for damping elements, then the mechanical properties can be adjusted, but manufacturing becomes extremely complicated from the outset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple metal discs and plastic rings into a single integrated spring assembly that is manufactured as one component. This spring assembly includes multiple spring elements with specific mechanical properties built into the design, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while maintaining the required mechanical characteristics for force absorption and damping.
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 simplified design reduces the number of components, enhances maintainability, and prevents misalignment issues, enabling quicker and more efficient maintenance and repair without the need for specialist tools, while ensuring consistent mechanical properties across the spring assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The one-piece spring element comprises at least two metal discs and an elastomeric plastic bonded or vulcanized between them
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric plastic bonded or vulcanized between them
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for connecting wagon elements of a freight wagon, comprising a coupling rod (2) and two guide joints (3) arranged at the ends of the coupling rod (2) for connecting the coupling rod (2) to each wagon element, wherein at least one of the guide joints (3) comprises a force transmission body (5), and a first and a second damping element, which are arranged on both sides of the force transmission body (5), wherein the first and the second damping element each have at least two metal discs (19), between which an elastomeric plastic (20) is glued or vulcanized in such a way that the metal discs (19) and the plastic located between the metal discs (19) form a one-piece spring assembly (6, 7).