Rail Vehicle Buffer Coupling Actuator Levers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic center buffer coupling actuating devices for rail vehicles face issues with high operational forces, structural complexity, and wear due to friction, particularly in cramped installation conditions, where standardized actuating devices often collide with other elements and require excessive effort for decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A compact actuating device using a lever mechanism to transmit torque from an actuating arm to an actuating shaft connected to the locking system of the automatic central buffer coupling, eliminating cable pull systems with deflection rollers, and incorporating a biasing element and guide to facilitate easy operation and low wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standardized operating device with operating rod is used, then the locking system can be actuated, but the operating rod collides with other elements due to special vehicle construction conditions and cannot be operated properly
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating arm is designed to be pivotable about a first rotation axis, allowing it to dynamically change its position and transmission path. This dynamic capability enables the actuating device to adapt to different spatial constraints and vehicle construction conditions, avoiding collisions with other elements while maintaining operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a rotational dimension by pivoting the actuating arm about a first rotation axis, and the actuating shaft rotates about a second axis. This dimensional change allows the force transmission path to bypass obstacles in the linear space, enabling operation in cramped installation conditions where standardized devices fail.
2Force
If cable pull systems with pulleys are used, then the actuating force can be transmitted, but high frictional resistance requires increased uncoupling forces (> 400 N)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cable pull system with pulleys from the actuating mechanism. By removing this high-friction component, the uncoupling force requirement is dramatically reduced from >400 N to below 200 N, while the essential force transmission function is maintained through the direct lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull system with pulleys is replaced by a direct lever mechanism consisting of the actuating arm and actuating shaft. This substitution eliminates the intermediate pulley elements that generate friction, creating a more efficient mechanical transmission path that requires significantly less uncoupling force.
3Ease of operation
If cardanically mounted release shafts are used, then the pivoting movement can be converted into rotary movement, but the design is suitable only for coupling arrangements with minimal deflection and requires complex mounting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating arm designed with pivoting capability about a first rotation axis and connection to the actuating shaft about a second axis serves multiple functions: it converts pivoting movement to rotary movement, accommodates coupling deflections, and provides adaptability to various mounting conditions. This universal design replaces the specialized cardanical release shaft system.
4Force
If longer cable pulleys with additional pulleys are used to reduce uncoupling force, then the cable pull's return action is not guaranteed and severe wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the cable pull system entirely, eliminating the reliability issues associated with longer cable pulleys and additional pulleys. The direct lever mechanism provides guaranteed return action through its mechanical design, without the wear and reliability problems of extended cable systems.
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 manual uncoupling with low forces (below 200 N), reduced wear, and simplified maintenance, while allowing operation outside the typical actuation area with improved handling and reliability through an over-center locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device incorporates a biasing element and guide to facilitate easy operation and low wear... over-center locking mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for actuating the lock of an automatic middle buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the device (1) has an actuation arm (2), which is articulated on a housing (4) of the middle buffer coupling so as to be pivotable about a first axis of rotation (3), and an actuation shaft (6), which is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the housing (4) of the middle buffer coupling about a second axis of rotation (5) running parallel to the first axis of rotation (3) and is operatively connected or operatively connectable to the lock of the middle buffer coupling. A lever mechanism is also used, to transmit a torque, which is generated when the actuation arm (2) is actuated, to the actuation shaft (6).