Rail Coupler Actuator Cam Mechanism for Stable Uncoupling Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for rail vehicles, such as Scharfenberg couplers, require variable and often high forces for uncoupling, leading to inconsistent actuation demands and potential damage in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
An actuator unit with a control cam and torque mechanism that adjusts torque based on the angle of rotation, using a preload element and sliding element to maintain a consistent actuation force below 250 N, incorporating a torque adjustment mechanism to stabilize the force required for uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional coupling system (e.g., Scharfenberg coupling) is used for uncoupling rail vehicle units, then the coupling can be manually operated, but the uncoupling force varies significantly (by approximately 50%) and requires particularly high forces at the end of the uncoupling process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the force parameter by introducing a torque mechanism with a control cam that adjusts the torque applied to the transmission element during the uncoupling process. The control cam is designed with a specific profile that reduces the torque requirement, particularly at the end of the uncoupling process where conventional systems require peak forces. This transforms the force profile from highly variable to more consistent and lower overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a torque mechanism as an intermediary between the actuating element and the activation mechanism. This torque mechanism includes a control cam that mediates the force transmission, modifying the torque characteristics to reduce peak forces and stabilize the overall uncoupling force requirement.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is used for uncoupling, then simplicity is maintained, but the variable force requirements lead to undesirably high activation forces and significant demands on automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the torque parameter through the control cam mechanism, the invention makes the system suitable for automated operation. The stabilized torque profile eliminates the peak forces that would otherwise require complex automated systems with high force capacity, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control cam creates a dynamic torque adjustment during the uncoupling process. As the transmission element rotates, the control cam profile dynamically modifies the torque applied to the activation mechanism, adapting the force requirements to match the actual uncoupling needs at each stage of the process.
3Productivity
If high uncoupling forces are applied, then the coupling can be separated, but mechanical stress increases and potential damage occurs in automated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the force application parameter by using a control cam with a specific profile that limits the maximum torque to a predetermined level. This prevents excessive mechanical stress while maintaining sufficient uncoupling efficiency. The torque mechanism ensures that forces remain within safe limits throughout the entire uncoupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque mechanism acts as a cushioning element beforehand, limiting the torque that can be applied to the activation mechanism. This preventive measure ensures that even if the uncoupling process encounters resistance, the forces will not exceed the predetermined safe level, protecting the system from mechanical damage.
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
The actuator unit stabilizes the uncoupling force, reducing variability and maintaining it at a constant level, thereby minimizing mechanical stress and enhancing the reliability of automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
The control cam is arranged between the transmission element and the torque mechanism and is configured to move the torque mechanism at least sectionally in at least one direction via the rotational movement of the transmission element
Implementation Method 2
The torque mechanism has a preload element, in particular a spring element, preferably a compression spring, whose preload acts in the direction of the control cam
Implementation Method 3
The control cam has a sliding element, in particular a rolling body, along which the control cam can be moved
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator unit (90) for actuating an activation mechanism (30L, 30R), in particular a uncoupling activation mechanism (30L, 30R) of a coupling system (1, 1', 1") for a rail vehicle unit (2), comprising: an actuating element (91) for performing an actuating movement (91c) and a transmission element (92) which is operationally connected to the actuating element (91) or is part of the actuating element (91), wherein the transmission element (92) is rotatably mounted about a joint connection (92b) so that the transmission element (92) can be rotated via the joint connection (92b) by performing the actuating movement (91c), wherein the actuator unit (90) further comprises a control cam (93) and a torque mechanism (94), wherein the control cam (93) is arranged between the transmission element (92) and the torque mechanism (94) and is designed to is configuredto move the torque mechanism (94) at least sectionally in at least one direction via the rotational movement of the transmission element (92), so that the torque to be applied to the rotational movement of the transmission element (92) can be changed via the movement of the torque mechanism (94).