Pivotable Support Structure for Railway Coupling Bolt Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling systems for railway vehicles require multiple people to assemble and secure coupling shaft bolts, posing a risk of accidents due to the need for manual handling and the use of auxiliary tools.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable support structure is used to guide and secure the coupling shaft bolt, allowing single-person assembly without tools, by pivoting between positions to support and lock the bolt in place, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling and auxiliary tools are used for assembling coupling shaft bolts, then assembly can be performed, but the risk of accidents increases and multiple people are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to be self-guiding and self-locking. The pivotable support structure automatically guides the coupling shaft bolt into position and locks it securely without requiring manual handling or auxiliary tools. The structure uses its own geometry and gravity to achieve proper positioning and securing of the bolt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable support structure acts as an intermediary device between the coupling shaft bolt and the installation space. It facilitates the assembly process by providing a controlled path for bolt insertion and automatic locking, eliminating the need for direct manual handling and auxiliary tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If auxiliary tools are used for inserting coupling shaft bolts, then assembly can be completed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidtool requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides guidance for bolt insertion, supports the bolt during assembly, and locks it securely in place. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate auxiliary tools and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivotable support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: guiding the coupling shaft bolt, supporting it during insertion, and locking it securely. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate auxiliary tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual holding of coupling shaft bolt is required, then assembly can proceed, but the risk of finger pinching and bolt dropping increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidinjury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure automatically performs the functions of guiding and securing the coupling shaft bolt without requiring manual holding. The pivotable design and integrated locking mechanism ensure the bolt is securely positioned throughout the assembly process, eliminating exposure to harmful factors like finger pinching and bolt dropping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4339063B1Rail vehicle structure and coupling, in particular train coupling
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP4339063B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4339063B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2b
  • EP4339063B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a railway vehicle structure (1) comprising an installation space (3) that is at least partially open downwards for receiving a draw and buffer device (5) with an interface (6) for connecting the draw and buffer device (5) to a coupling shaft (4.2) of a coupling (4) that can be arranged on the railway vehicle structure (1). The coupling shaft bolt (9) can be brought into operative contact by forming a connection, via a partial area of ​​the installation space (3) that can be inserted vertically through the opening in the installation space (3) and is defined by the arrangement of the interface (6) and designated as the connection area (3.1). The invention is characterized in that the locking device (15) has a locking mechanism that is at least associated with the connection area (3.1) and can be attached to the railway vehicle structure (1). The invention is characterized in that the locking device (15) has a locking mechanism that is positioned between a first and second position by a dimension outside the connection area (3.1).1) The support structure (10) comprises a geometrically arranged pivot axis pivotable and forming a contact surface for the coupling bolt (9), which is designed and arranged in such a way as to be suitable in the first position to release access to the connection area (3.1) into the installation space (3), in the second position to close the connection area (3.1) vertically downwards while supporting the connection when it is in the vertical direction and when pivoting between the first and second positions to support the coupling shaft bolt (9) when it is inserted into the installation space (3).