Deformation Tube Sensor for Train Coupling Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring methods for deformation tubes in train couplings are inadequate for timely and reliable detection of damage, often requiring visual inspection and being inaccessible in integrated systems, leading to potential consequential damage and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A compact triggering monitoring device with a sensor-equipped housing that detects deformation and transmits data to an evaluation unit, allowing for automatic and remote detection of damage, eliminating the need for visual inspection and enabling early diagnosis and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection and sound test are used to monitor deformation tubes, then monitoring can be performed, but the deformation tube must be freely accessible which becomes impossible when incrementally integrated into the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection methods with an electrical sensing system. A sensor is integrated into the deformation tube to detect deformation events and transmit signals electrically to an evaluation device, eliminating the need for physical accessibility during inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation device that receives signals from the sensor and processes the deformation information. This intermediary system allows monitoring without direct human access to the deformation tube, as the evaluation device interprets sensor data remotely.
2Reliability
If mechanical indicators like pins are inserted to indicate deformation, then deformation can be detected, but visual inspection of the pin insertion section is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pins with an electrical sensor system. The sensor detects deformation through electrical signal changes and transmits this information electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical indicators that require visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrical copy or representation of the mechanical deformation state. The sensor detects deformation and creates an electrical signal that represents the physical state, allowing remote monitoring without direct observation of the deformation tube itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformation tubes are incrementally integrated into the coupling, then system integration is improved, but monitoring accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor and evaluation device that bridges the gap between the integrated deformation tube and the monitoring system. This intermediary allows the deformation tube to be fully integrated into the coupling while maintaining monitorability through electrical signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical inspection methods with electrical sensing, allowing the deformation tube to be integrated into the coupling without compromising monitoring capability. The electrical signal system penetrates the integrated structure to provide detection functionality.
4Device complexity
If no monitoring is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but consequential damage and downtime occur due to undetected prior damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring action through the sensor that continuously detects deformation events. This early detection capability identifies prior damage before it leads to consequential failures, enabling preventive maintenance while adding minimal system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the sensor continuously monitors the deformation tube, transmits signals to the evaluation device, and provides real-time information about deformation events. This feedback mechanism enables timely detection and response to prevent consequential damage.
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 solution provides timely and reliable detection of deformation tube damage, preventing consequential damage and downtime by enabling automatic and remote monitoring, thus improving maintenance efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The housing of the triggering monitoring device can be deformed through the action of the tube part on the working surface
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to a triggering monitoring device for a deformation tube having two tube parts which can slide into each other against resistance in a coupling, in particular a train coupling, having a housing that includes a connection for connecting to the deformation tube and at least one working surface for action of one tube part during its movement relative to the other tube part of the deformation tube part, wherein the housing can be deformed through the action of the tube part on the working surface. The triggering monitoring device according to the invention is characterized in that a sensor is provided in or on the housing which detects deformation of the housing and which is moreover equipped to transmit detection of a deformation to an evaluation device.