Handheld Solenoid Activation Remote for Railroad Car Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for operating railroad car doors, especially during maintenance, are cumbersome and impractical, requiring exposed batteries and manual activation of solenoid valves, which is not efficient or safe for single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld solenoid activation device with a built-in battery power source, aligned leads for connecting to the touch and ground plates of the solenoid, and a trigger activator for safe single-handed operation, along with a rechargeable design and polarity toggle for easy switching between opening and closing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exposed disposable batteries are used to activate the solenoid valve, then the door operation function is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and impractical requiring two hands to hold leads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery power source, leads, and activation mechanism into a single integrated handheld device. The housing contains the battery power source with positive and negative terminals, which are electrically connected to leads that extend from the housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate battery packs and manual lead connections, allowing single-handed operation while maintaining the door activation function.
2Ease of operation
If a portable activation device is created, then single-handed operation becomes possible, but electrical components may pose safety risks to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as an intermediary barrier between the operator and the electrical components. The positive and negative terminals are contained within the housing, and the leads are electrically connected to these terminals but extend outward for connection to the solenoid. This intermediary structure allows the operator to hold and operate the device with one hand while the housing provides physical isolation from direct contact with live electrical components, reducing shock risk.
3Use of energy by moving object
If disposable batteries are used, then immediate power is available, but recharging is not possible and batteries must be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable battery power source that can be recharged multiple times, eliminating the need for replacement. The housing contains the battery power source with positive and negative terminals that are electrically connected to leads. The rechargeable design allows the device to serve itself by being recharged rather than discarded, reducing waste and long-term costs while maintaining immediate power availability when needed.
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
Provides a portable, efficient, and safe mechanism for operators to activate railroad car doors, allowing for easy recharging and isolation of electrical components, enhancing operational convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a battery power source within the housing; a pair of leads extending from the housing and selectively coupled to the battery power source
Implementation Method 2
activate the solenoid for opening or closing of the railroad car door
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld portable solenoid activation device for operating doors of hopper railcars includes a battery power source and is configured for safe single hand operation in either opening or closing arrangements, recharging of the batteries, and isolation of the electrical components from the operator. The device or remote includes a housing configured to be held in one hand of the user; a battery power source within the housing; a pair of leads extending from the housing and selectively coupled to the battery power source and configured to align and connect with the touch plate and ground plate of a railroad car door operating solenoid; and an activator configured for one handed operation by the user, wherein activation when the leads are connecting the touch plate and ground plate will activate the solenoid for opening or closing of the railroad car door.