Rail Vehicle Buffer Coupling with Internal Electrical Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central buffer couplings for rail vehicles require tedious and time-consuming manual plugging and unplugging of connecting cables for electrical and signal transmission, and are prone to damage in emergencies, with additional costs for protective hoses and complex electromagnetic compatibility solutions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a mechanical clutch and electrical clutch within the coupling rods, allowing electrical lines to be routed internally for power and signal transmission, eliminating the need for external cables and reducing mechanical stress, while simplifying the coupling process and maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connecting cables are used for electrical and signal transmission between coupled wagons, then power and signal transmission is enabled, but manual plugging and unplugging becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical coupling and electrical coupling into a single integrated central buffer coupling. The coupling rod serves dual purposes: mechanically connecting the wagons and housing the electrical lines for power and signal transmission. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual cable plugging operations, resolving the contradiction between reliable electrical connection and coupling time.
2Reliability
If connecting cables are used for electrical transmission, then power and signal transmission is enabled, but the cables are exposed to harsh environmental conditions requiring expensive protective hoses
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical lines are nested within the coupling rod, which acts as a protective housing. The coupling rod provides a shielded environment for the electrical lines, protecting them from harsh environmental conditions such as moisture, dust, and mechanical damage. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional expensive protective hoses while maintaining electrical transmission reliability.
3Reliability
If connecting cables are used for electrical transmission, then power and signal transmission is enabled, but the cables are subject to mechanical stress requiring flexible design
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrical lines with the rigid coupling rod structure, the patent eliminates the need for flexible cable designs. The coupling rod provides a stable, rigid pathway for the electrical lines, freeing them from mechanical stress and flexibility requirements while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
4Reliability
If separate electrical coupling is provided in addition to mechanical coupling, then electrical transmission is enabled, but the system becomes more expensive with two separate clutches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical coupling and electrical coupling into a single integrated system. The coupling rod serves both mechanical and electrical functions, housing the electrical lines and providing a pathway for power and signal transmission. This integration reduces system complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate electrical coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rod is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a mechanical connector and an electrical conduit. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing the overall number of components needed and simplifying the coupling system while maintaining reliable electrical transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2') to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said halves comprising a coupling rod (8, 80) with a coupling head (12, 12'), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12'). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12') is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12') when the two coupling halves (2, 2') are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8') are electrical lines (18, 18') that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12') to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2') comprising said coupling rods (8, 8') are attached, respectively.