Double-Jointed Railway Coupling for Axial Shift and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional couplings for railway vehicles face challenges such as high maintenance needs due to wear in rubber elastic portions, restricted axial shifting capability in torsion-proof flexible couplings, and complex sealing requirements in jaw couplings with crowned gears, which hinder free interchangeability and efficient lubrication.
Innovation Solution
A universal double-jointed coupling with two interconnected joint levels: one with a crowned gear for angular and axial compensation, and a torsion-proof flexible coupling joint, featuring a removable internally geared sleeve and a washer or strap-type coupling, allowing for easy maintenance and lubrication, with the hollow pinion shaft fastened outside the removable sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber elastic coupling is used for torsion-proof flexible coupling, then durability and maintenance-free operation are improved, but axial shifting capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate coupling joints: a first coupling joint with a crowned gear for angular and axial compensation, and a second coupling joint with a rubber elastic element for torsion-proof flexible coupling. This segmentation allows each joint to specialize in specific compensation functions, enabling the system to achieve both high axial shifting capability and durability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a jaw coupling with crowned gear is used for angular and axial compensation, then axial and angular compensation capability is improved, but sealing complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system separates the crowned gear joint from the rubber elastic coupling joint, allowing the crowned gear to focus on angular and axial compensation while the rubber elastic element handles torsion flexibility. This reduces the sealing complexity of each individual joint compared to a single integrated joint that would need to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber elastic element is extracted as a separate coupling joint from the crowned gear mechanism. This extraction simplifies the crowned gear joint by removing the complex sealing requirements associated with rubber elastic elements, while the rubber elastic joint can be independently sealed and maintained.
3Power
If the gear shaft is directly linked to the hollow pinion shaft over the crowned gear, then torque transmission is improved, but free interchangeability of coupling elements is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into interchangeable modules: a first coupling joint with crowned gear, a second coupling joint with rubber elastic element, and a intermediate shaft. This modular segmentation enables free interchangeability of coupling elements while maintaining effective torque transmission through the hollow pinion shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate shaft is designed with universal coupling capabilities on both ends: one end with a crowned gear for angular and axial compensation, and the other end with a rubber elastic coupling for torsion flexibility. This universal design allows the same intermediate shaft to be used with different coupling elements, enabling free interchangeability while maintaining torque transmission functionality.
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
Enables unproblematic, simple, and free changeability of coupling elements, maintaining durability and freedom from maintenance while providing high axial shifting capability and controlled lubrication, reducing maintenance needs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling joint with crowned gear with angular and axial compensation capability
Implementation Method 2
interconnected via a shaft that is surrounded by a hollow pinion shaft in order to transmit torque by means of said hollow pinion shaft
Implementation Method 3
a torsion-proof, flexible coupling joint
Data Source
AI summary
A universal double-jointed coupling for railway vehicles with two joint levels comprises two coupling joints which are interconnected via a shaft that is surrounded by a hollow pinion shaft in order to transmit torque by means of said hollow pinion shaft. One joint level is assigned to a coupling joint encompassing a crowned gear that has angular and axial compensation capability while the other joint level is associated with a torsion-proof, flexible coupling joint.