Rail Vehicle Coupler Uncoupling With an Automatic Rotator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers in rail vehicles, particularly Scharfenberg-type couplings, require high manual force for uncoupling and may pose safety risks due to bulky manual uncoupling devices that protrude from the car, making them dangerous during movement.
Innovation Solution
A coupler system with an automatically driven rotator, such as an electric screwdriver, connected via a plug-and-socket mechanism to a rotatable connector on the coupler, allows for low-force uncoupling by rotating the coupler heads to an uncoupled state, using a transmission to reduce manual effort and incorporating a torque limiter to limit input torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual uncoupling devices are used for Scharfenberg-type couplings, then uncoupling can be performed, but high manual force is required and safety risks increase due to bulky devices protruding from the car
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical uncoupling system with an automated electrical system. An electric motor (automatically driven rotator) is integrated into the coupler head to rotate the locking device (hook plate) from the coupled position to the uncoupled position, eliminating the need for operators to apply high manual force to bulky external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler system performs its own uncoupling function through the automatically driven rotator, which can be activated by the control system. The tension spring also contributes to the self-service mechanism by automatically returning the locking device to the coupled position after uncoupling, reducing the need for external intervention.
2Reliability
If manual uncoupling devices are used for Scharfenberg-type couplings, then uncoupling can be performed, but safety risks increase due to bulky devices protruding from the car
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates safety risks associated with bulky protruding devices by replacing them with an integrated electric motor system. The automatically driven rotator is housed within the coupler head, removing hazardous external components while maintaining reliable uncoupling function through electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from external manual operation to internal automated operation by integrating the drive mechanism within the coupler head. This dimensional reorganization moves the uncoupling function from the external space (protruding devices) to the internal space (integrated motor), eliminating safety hazards.
3Ease of operation
If transmission is used to reduce manual effort, then uncoupling becomes easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids complex mechanical transmissions by directly replacing the manual force application mechanism with an electric motor. The motor's rotor is directly connected to the locking device through a simple gear mechanism, eliminating the need for complex transmission systems while maintaining ease of operation through automated electrical actuation.
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
Enables safe and efficient uncoupling with minimal operator effort, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring quick, continuous uncoupling processes even in power failures or moving vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring (10) providing a spring force configured to urge the locking device (7) towards its coupled position
Implementation Method 2
an automatically driven rotator (20) configured for being connected to a rotatable connector (19) of one of the two couplers and for rotating the rotatable connector (19)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A method of uncoupling cars of a multi-car rail vehicle which are coupled together by means of two couplers comprises the steps of: connecting an automatically driven rotator (20) to a rotatable connector (19) of one of the two couplers, activating the automatically driven rotator so as to rotate the rotatable connector until the two couplers are in an uncoupled state, and removing the automatically driven rotator. The automatically driven rotator may be a handheld device, such as an electrically driven screwdriver, and may be driven by energy stored therein.