Self-Contained Model Railroad Coupler with Wireless Uncoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Model railroad enthusiasts face challenges in replicating train operations and uncoupling rail cars due to size differences between model and real trains, with existing methods often damaging the cars or limiting uncoupling locations, and existing automatic couplers do not allow uncoupling between rail cars.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained coupler system for model railroad rolling stock, featuring a coupler assembly with a knuckle and uncoupling assembly that includes a signal input and a motivator to adjust the knuckle position, allowing wireless control of uncoupling operations, and a housing for mounting on the rolling stock, enabling easy integration and retrofitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manipulation is used to uncouple rail cars, then uncoupling can be achieved, but the rail car may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuncoupling operationVSAvoiddamage to rail car

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated coupler system that uses a motivator (actuator) to mechanically open the knuckle, eliminating the need for hand operations and reducing risk of damage to the rail car body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler system is self-operating through automated detection of coupling status and self-actuation via the motivator, allowing the coupler to uncouple itself without external manual intervention or additional uncoupling devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If track-mounted uncoupling devices are used, then automatic uncoupling is achieved, but uncoupling location is limited and train appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuncoupling operationVSAvoiduncoupling location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the uncoupling function from the track infrastructure and integrates it directly into the rolling stock itself, allowing uncoupling to occur at any location along the track rather than requiring specific track-mounted devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-contained coupler system provides universal uncoupling capability that works at any location on the model railroad layout, replacing the need for location-specific track-mounted devices and maintaining prototypical train appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If existing automatic couplers are used, then coupling is automated, but uncoupling between rail cars is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operationVSAvoiduncoupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic knuckle mechanism that can automatically couple when closed and be actively opened by the motivator to uncouple, providing bidirectional automatic operation capability that previous static coupler designs lacked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8950606B2Self-contained model railroad coupler

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 KADEE QUALITY PRODS

AI summary

Embodiments related to a self-contained coupler for model railroad rolling stock are provided. In one example, a self-contained coupler comprises a coupler assembly including a knuckle and an uncoupling assembly configured to operate the coupler assembly. The example uncoupling assembly includes a signal input for receiving a signal and a motivator coupled to the coupler assembly via a movable link, the motivator operative to adjust the knuckle from a first position to a second position responsive to the signal. The example uncoupling assembly also includes a housing including the motivator and a rolling stock mounting location for mounting the uncoupling assembly to an item of the model railroad rolling stock.