Flexible Handle Interbox Connector Impact Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art interbox connectors with rigid handles are prone to bending or breakage due to impact forces during normal operation, leading to high repair and replacement costs in the railroad industry.

Innovation Solution

A flexible handle assembly for interbox connectors, comprising a continuous section of flexible wire surrounded by a plurality of sleeves or beads, providing the necessary rigidity for operation while allowing significant impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid steel bar handle is used, then the handle provides sufficient structural strength for operation, but it is prone to bending or breakage during normal operation due to impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle structural strengthVSAvoidhandle resistance to breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid steel bar handle with a flexible wire handle that can bend and absorb impact forces. The flexible wire is surrounded by a series of sleeves or beads that maintain its flexibility while providing structural support, allowing the handle to withstand throwing, impacting, and general mishandling without breaking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is constructed as a composite structure combining a flexible wire core with multiple rigid sleeves or beads. This composite design allows the flexible wire to absorb impact through bending while the sleeves provide structural strength and maintain the handle's operational integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid handle is used, then the handle maintains its shape and provides operational stability, but it cannot absorb impact forces and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle shape stabilityVSAvoidimpact damage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible wire handle is designed to beforehand cushion impact forces by bending and deforming elastically when subjected to throwing, impacting, or mishandling. This prior cushioning capability prevents the forces from being transmitted to the connection points, reducing the need for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible wire acts as a flexible element that can deform to absorb impact energy while the surrounding sleeves or beads provide structural guidance and maintain the handle's overall shape stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a flexible wire handle is used, then the handle is resistant to breakage from impact, but it may lack the rigidity needed for proper operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle resistance to breakageVSAvoidhandle rigidity for operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handle combines a flexible wire core with multiple rigid sleeves or beads in a composite structure. The flexible wire provides impact resistance and reliability, while the rigid sleeves maintain the necessary shape stability and provide sufficient rigidity for proper 45-degree rotation operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible wire is surrounded by rigid sleeves or beads that constrain its movement to maintain proper operational geometry while allowing it to flex for impact absorption. This combination ensures both flexibility for durability and rigidity for operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS8181315B2Flexible handle interbox connector

Publication Date: 2012.05.22 PECK & HALE LLC

AI summary

An interbox connector having a body with upper and lower cone portions and a flexible handle extending from the body for operating the cones. The flexible handle includes a continuous section of flexible wire and a plurality of sleeves which surround and are secured about the wire.