Hook Plate Key Protrusion Locking for Weld-Free Coupler Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hook plate key fastening methods for rail vehicle couplers often require permanent fastening like welding or additional components, which are undesirable due to material alteration, cost inefficiency, and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hook plate key with an elongated body featuring protrusions that securely fit into a slot without the need for welding or additional fastening, allowing for easy and reliable mounting and alignment, utilizing a deformation tool to create protrusions on the key body for enhanced holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to fasten the hook plate key in place, then the key is securely fixed and cannot be accidentally removed, but the material properties of the components are altered and the key cannot be removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The key body is segmented with protrusions that engage with corresponding features in the keyway, creating discrete mechanical interlocking points rather than a continuous welded joint. This allows the key to be securely fixed during operation but still removable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the key body during manufacturing, creating built-in retention features that automatically engage with the keyway upon insertion. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for additional fastening operations while maintaining secure fixation.
2Reliability
If additional fastening devices are supplied to keep the hook plate key in place, then the key is securely fixed, but the cost efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the key body itself through the protrusions, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices. The key structure combines both the functional elements for torque transmission and the retention elements for securing the key in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The key body provides its own fastening function through the protrusions that engage with the keyway, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external fastening components or additional assembly steps.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to fasten the hook plate key, then the key is held in place without welding, but hazardous liquids are used that require special precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical bonding mechanism of adhesive is replaced with a mechanical interlocking system using protrusions and corresponding keyway features. This substitution eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals while providing secure fixation through physical engagement.
4Ease of manufacture
If the hook plate key is manufactured separately and installed before mounting on the rail vehicle, then assembly is simplified, but the key is at risk of being accidentally removed during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the key body during manufacturing, creating built-in retention features that automatically engage with the keyway upon insertion. This preliminary structuring ensures the key remains secure during storage and transport while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a hook plate key for enabling co-rotation of a main pin and a hook plate of a coupler, the key comprising an elongated key body having a first surface that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, the key body further comprising at least one protrusion that protrudes from the first surface The invention also relates to a hook plate assembly comprising a hook plate key, and to a method for manufacturing a hook plate key and a method for mounting a hook plate key in a hook plate assembly.