Over-Center Spring Coupler for Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional railway vehicle couplers require precise alignment, have limited misalignment tolerance, and are not robust enough to withstand repeated collisions during coupling and uncoupling.
Innovation Solution
A mating cam coupler design with over-center spring mechanisms and lead-in inclined surfaces that allows for increased gathering range and secure engagement, featuring a coupler head with vertically and horizontally offset lateral portions and an uncoupling mechanism with a release piston and return spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional railway vehicle couplers are designed with traditional alignment mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the gathering range is limited and misalignment tolerance is small
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid body portion for structural support, and at least one articulated portion with rotational freedom to accommodate misalignment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while collectively providing enhanced gathering range without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated portion is designed with rotational freedom, transforming the coupler from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can adapt its orientation. This dynamic capability enables the coupler to automatically adjust to varying alignment conditions during coupling operations, significantly increasing gathering range and misalignment tolerance.
2Reliability
If conventional couplers use rigid connection structures, then manufacturing is easier, but robustness to withstand repeated collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated portion with rotational freedom acts as a dynamic shock-absorbing element. During collisions, the articulated portion can rotate and flex, dissipating impact energy through controlled movement rather than transmitting rigid forces throughout the entire coupler structure. This dynamic response significantly enhances robustness and reliability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional couplers have fixed alignment requirements, then the design is straightforward, but misalignment tolerance is limited to only a few degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated portion is designed with rotational freedom about an axis, enabling it to dynamically adjust its orientation relative to the rigid body portion. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the coupler to accommodate significant angular misalignments during coupling operations, transforming fixed alignment requirements into flexible adaptability without excessive mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational freedom in a third dimension (angular orientation about the articulation axis), moving beyond the traditional two-dimensional linear alignment approach. This dimensional addition enables the coupler to handle misalignments in multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing gathering range and misalignment tolerance.
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
Enhances coupling robustness and flexibility by allowing greater misalignment tolerance while maintaining secure connections and facilitating easy disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The male cam and the female cam may be secured in the locked position by an over-center spring mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The first lateral portion and the second lateral portion may define lead-in inclined surfaces to facilitate coupling with and opposing coupler head
Implementation Method 3
the first lateral portion may include a male cam and a male cam locking mechanism disposed within a cavity defined in the first lateral portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mating cam coupler device includes a coupler head having a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion. A male cam is associated with the first lateral portion. A male cam locking mechanism is disposed within the first lateral portion and is operably connected with the male cam. A female cam is associated with the second lateral portion. A female cam locking mechanism is disposed within the second lateral portion and is operably connected with the female cam. The male cam is positioned to engage the female cam of an opposing coupler and the female cam is positioned to engage the male cam of the opposing coupler and operation of the male cam locking mechanism is triggered by engagement of the male cam with the opposing female cam and operation of the female cam locking mechanism is triggered by engagement of the female cam with the opposing male cam.