King Pin Coupling With Sliding Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing king pin locking devices for railway wagons are limited by requiring precise longitudinal positioning of the semitrailer's king pin and have complex structures that increase costs and loading/unloading times, especially during rough handling.
Innovation Solution
A king pin coupling system with automatic locking and unlocking capabilities, allowing for height and longitudinal adjustments, large positional tolerances, and secure coupling, featuring scissor lifts, parallel threaded bars, and inductive sensors for secure engagement and release of the king pin, along with shock-absorbing elements and brake system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a known king pin coupling is used, then the king pin can be locked to the railway wagon, but the king pin requires precise longitudinal positioning which is difficult to achieve during rough loading
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the coupling element to move longitudinally along the railway wagon. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate rough loading operations while still achieving secure locking, as the coupling can be positioned anywhere within the longitudinal range of the slide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the coupling element by introducing a slide with adjustable position. Instead of requiring precise fixed positioning, the system allows the coupling parameter to be varied within a range, accommodating tolerances in king pin positioning during loading while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If a known king pin coupling is used, then the locking function is provided, but the structure becomes complicated involving multiple components which increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated coupling device. The coupling element combines locking, positioning, and adjustment functions in one component that slides along the railway wagon, eliminating the need for separate complex mechanisms and reducing the total number of components while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed as a multi-functional component that can lock, adjust position longitudinally, and accommodate rough handling. This universal design replaces multiple specialized components with a single element that performs all necessary functions, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If manual locking procedures are used, then the king pin can be secured, but the loading and unloading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed to lock automatically through its sliding mechanism. When the coupling element is moved into position, the locking action occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention for each locking step, thereby reducing loading and unloading time while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is pre-configured with locking features that engage automatically when the slide is positioned. The preliminary design of the sliding mechanism ensures that the locking action is inherent to the positioning process itself, eliminating separate locking steps and accelerating the loading/unloading cycle.
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 system enables faster and safer loading/unloading of semitrailers with reduced operational time, improved security, and enhanced shock absorption, while allowing vertical lifting of the semitrailer.
Implementation Method 1
inductive sensors for secure engagement and release of the king pin
Implementation Method 2
parallel threaded bars
Implementation Method 3
shock-absorbing elements and the like which can be connected to the brake system
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A king pin coupling for locking a king pin (3) of a semitrailer (2) to a railway wagon (1) has a slide (8) with an aperture (36) configured to receive the king pin (3). The slide (8) is movable back and forth in a continuous movement. A locking assembly (17, 18, 25) arranged on the slide (8) defines an open state and a closed state. Freely pivotable locking jaws (17a, 17b) of the locking assembly (17, 18, 25) are configured to grip and lock the king pin (3) in the closed state.