Rail Vehicle Brake Unit Clearance Adjustment Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake units for rail vehicles are difficult to open for maintenance purposes, such as changing worn brake pads, requiring complex and time-consuming procedures.
Innovation Solution
A brake unit design featuring a locking member engaged by a prestressing spring, with actuating means to displace the locking member against the spring force, allowing the brake piston to be moved beyond the clearance, enabling easy opening and maintenance, and incorporating a blocking element and member with toothed engagement or frictional connection for simple operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brake unit uses a simple clearance adjustment mechanism, then the structure is simple and costs are reduced, but the brake unit cannot be easily opened for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The brake unit employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking member can transition between locked and unlocked states. The prestressing spring provides continuous force to engage the locking member with the locking element, while the actuating means can temporarily overcome this force to release the lock, enabling easy opening for maintenance while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressing spring automatically engages the locking member with the locking element without requiring external intervention. The system self-locks when the brake piston reaches its initial position, and the actuating means provides a simple manual override for maintenance operations, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms
2Productivity
If the brake unit includes components for easy opening, then maintenance becomes simpler and faster, but the weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking element on the brake piston, the locking member with prestressing spring, and the actuating means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function using minimal material, reducing overall weight while enabling quick maintenance access
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The prestressing spring and locking member are designed as basic mechanical elements rather than complex assemblies, reducing both material costs and manufacturing expenses while maintaining high maintenance efficiency
3Ease of operation
If mechanical components are located outside the hydraulic area, then they are easier to access, but the risk of jamming and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating means utilizes the hydraulic medium already present in the brake cylinder to provide the force needed to displace the locking member. The piston rod of the actuating means extends into the hydraulic area and transmits hydraulic force directly to the locking member, eliminating the need for external mechanical actuators that would be susceptible to jamming and wear
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
Facilitates easy and time-saving opening of the brake unit for maintenance, reduces weight and costs, and minimizes the risk of component jamming and wear by locating mechanical components in the hydraulic area.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member (165) is in engagement with the locking element (163) under the force of a prestressing spring (164)
Implementation Method 2
a brake cylinder (143), a brake piston (144) guided axially in the brake cylinder (143) and means for adjusting a clearance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a brake unit (9; 109; 209) for a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle (1), having a brake cylinder (143; 243), a brake piston (144; 244) guided axially in the brake cylinder and means (159; 259) for adjusting a clearance (L), which form two first stops (144.1, 163.1; 270.1, 262.3), which are assigned to each other and strike against each other when the brake unit is opened, wherein one of the first stops (163.1; 262.3) is formed on a blocking element (163; 262) that is functionally connected to the brake piston. In order to be able to open the brake unit beyond the clearance, a blocking member (165; 261) is in engagement with the blocking element (163; 262) under the force of a pre-stressing spring (164; 273) in such a manner that the blocking element (163; 262) is blocked by the blocking member when the first stops (144.1, 63.1; 270.1, 262.3) strike, wherein actuation means (155; 255) are suitably formed to displace the blocking member (165; 261) that is in engagement with the blocking element (163; 262) counter to the force of the pre-stressing spring (164; 273) into a position detached from the blocking element. The invention further relates to a vehicle (1) having such a brake unit (9; 109; 209).