Rail Vehicle Coupling Spherical Bearing Maintenance Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of spherical bearings in rail vehicle couplings is complex and costly due to the need to separate electrical, pneumatic connections and support non-bogied cars, making it difficult to exchange these bearings without disassembling the coupling point.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle coupling with a detachable maintenance frame and fastening device allows for easy exchange of spherical bearings without separating the coupling point, using a horizontally aligned axis and spacer sleeves to support the bearing during removal, enabling faster maintenance without the need for extensive disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spherical bearing is used in the rail vehicle coupling, then the coupling can transmit forces and moments between rail vehicles, but the maintenance of the spherical bearing becomes complex and costly requiring separation of electrical and pneumatic connections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separable components: the spherical bearing assembly can be independently removed from the coupling point. The mounting plate, spherical bearing, and pin form a modular unit that can be detached without separating the entire coupling connection, allowing maintenance while electrical and pneumatic connections remain intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the coupling structure. The mounting plate with its attachment means allows the spherical bearing assembly to be removed and replaced independently, eliminating the need to separate electrical and pneumatic connections during maintenance operations.
2Ease of repair
If the coupling point is separated between conventional cart and lane carriage for maintenance, then the spherical bearing can be accessed, but the litter wagon must be lifted and supported requiring extensive workshop equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-equipped with attachment means (eyes, loops, or coupling mechanisms) that allow a maintenance frame to be connected before the actual bearing replacement begins. This preliminary setup enables the bearing to be accessed and replaced without lifting or supporting the rail vehicle, as the maintenance frame can be attached to the coupling point itself.
3Ease of repair
If all other connections (electrical, pneumatic) and transitions between cars are separated for bearing maintenance, then the spherical bearing can be maintained, but the workload becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented such that the spherical bearing assembly is independent from electrical, pneumatic, and transition connections. This segmentation allows the bearing to be maintained while other connections remain intact and functional, dramatically reducing maintenance time and workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing is extracted as a separate maintainable component through the mounting plate interface. This extraction allows bearing maintenance to be performed independently without affecting or requiring separation of electrical, pneumatic, or transition connections between cars.
4Ease of operation
If a maintenance frame is temporarily attached to the coupling, then the spherical bearing can be fixed in position and forces transmitted, but the coupling structure must accommodate additional attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it attaches the spherical bearing to the coupling point, transmits forces and moments between rail vehicles, and provides attachment points for the maintenance frame. This multi-functionality allows the bearing exchange to be performed quickly without adding significant structural complexity to the coupling system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rail vehicle coupling (1) for connecting two rail vehicles (2, 3), comprising a joint eye (4) configured for detachably connecting to one of the two rail vehicles (2, 3), and a joint fork (5) configured for detachably connecting to the other of the two rail vehicles (2, 3), as well as a horizontally aligned axle (6) which is connected to said joint fork (5) and which penetrates a spherical bearing (7) connected to said joint eye (4), wherein the joint fork comprises a securing device for detachably securing a servicing frame (8), and the joint eye comprises at least one adapting receiving portion (9) for laterally aligning said servicing frame (8).