Rail Vehicle Coupler Locking via Bowden Cable Remote Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling holders for rail vehicles face challenges in user-friendliness due to inaccessible locking members, which are difficult to manually lock or unlock, especially when energy-absorbing elements are pre-installed and the locking element is within the range of movement of the coupling.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded lock with a lateral slot and a Bowden cable system allows for remote unlocking and locking of the bolt at the free end of the coupling rod, enabling easy operation by pivoting the lock and using a Bowden cable to release or re-engage the bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking member is mounted on the rail vehicle to hold the coupling end, then the coupling can be securely locked in the rest position, but the locking member becomes inaccessible and difficult to manually lock or unlock
Solution Approach 1:
A Bowden cable is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to transmit the unlocking force from the accessible handle to the inaccessible locking member. The cable allows the operator to remotely actuate the lock without direct access to the locking member itself, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct linear access to the locking member to remote actuation through a cable system. The handle and cable create a new operational dimension that bypasses the physical inaccessibility of the locking member mounted on the vehicle body.
2Reliability
If the locking member is positioned within the range of movement of the coupling, then it can effectively control the coupling position, but it becomes difficult to access for manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable serves as a mediator that decouples the operational accessibility from the functional position. The handle can be positioned anywhere accessible to the operator, while the locking member remains in its optimal position for controlling the coupling movement.
3Reliability
If energy absorbing elements are pre-installed on the rail vehicle, then safety is improved, but the locking member accessibility is reduced due to tightened regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The cable-operated mechanism allows the locking member to be positioned in compliance with safety regulations (within coupling range) while maintaining operator accessibility through the remote handle. The intermediary cable system resolves the spatial conflict created by safety requirements.
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
This configuration simplifies the handling of the coupling holder by allowing remote operation, enhancing accessibility and ease of use, particularly during coupling and uncoupling processes, while maintaining the clutch in a secure rest position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded lock having a lateral slot for receiving a bolt connected to the free end of the further coupling rod, the spring-loaded lock being guided against one side of a stop
Implementation Method 2
a Bowden cable acts on the spring-loaded lock, under the action of which the spring-loaded lock releases the bolt when one side of the stop is released
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupler securing means (1) for a rail vehicle (3) having a coupling bar (2) fastened to the rail vehicle in an articulated manner and an additional coupling bar (4) connected to the first coupling bar (2) in an articulated manner, said additional coupling bar being detachably connectable at its free end (5) to a pivotable locking member (9) mounted on the rail vehicle (3). To make handling of a coupler securing means of this type much more user-friendly than before, the pivotable locking member is a spring-loaded lock (9) with a lateral slot (8) for receiving a bolt (7) connected to the free end (5) of the additional coupling bar (4), wherein a shoulder (14) of the spring-loaded lock (9) runs against one side (15) of a stop (16). A Bowden cable (17) acts on the spring-loaded lock (9), under the effect of which Bowden cable the spring-loaded lock (9) releases the bolt (7) when the side (15) of the stop (14) is released.