Rail Vehicle Coupling Arrangement with Coaxial Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clutch arrangements for rail vehicles occupy excessive space and weight, and during overloads, they disrupt power flow and energy absorption, necessitating a more compact and efficient design.
Innovation Solution
A clutch arrangement with a support structure positioned predominantly coaxially with the coupling rod, featuring an articulated connection to the bearing block and energy-absorbing elements, allowing for minimal additional space usage while maintaining rigidity and efficient energy dissipation during overloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support structure is positioned below the coupling rod and connected to the base plate, then the coupling rod is supported at the correct height, but the support structure occupies large space and requires additional bearing blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a below-coupling-rod position to a lateral position adjacent to the coupling rod, fundamentally changing the spatial dimension of support. This dimensional shift eliminates the need for additional bearing blocks and reduces space occupancy while maintaining the support function through direct articulation to the coupling rod.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is merged with the coupling rod by directly articulating to it, eliminating the need for separate bearing blocks and support structures. This consolidation integrates the support function into the existing coupling rod assembly, reducing overall space requirements and component count.
2Volume of stationary object
If the support structure is positioned laterally adjacent to the coupling rod, then space and weight are reduced, but the force flow during overload may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing it to adapt its configuration during overload events. This dynamic behavior enables the lateral support structure to maintain force flow continuity by flexibly responding to extreme loading conditions while preserving the compact design benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes elastic elements that change their mechanical parameters (stiffness, flexibility) in response to loading conditions. During normal operation, the structure maintains a compact lateral configuration; during overload, the elastic elements allow parameter changes that ensure proper force flow without compromising the reduced space design.
3Strength
If the coupling rod is rigidly connected to the bearing block, then the coupling is mechanically rigid in the longitudinal direction, but angular deflection during curve driving is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the coupling rod and bearing block is segmented into multiple functional elements: a rigid portion for longitudinal strength and a pivoting portion for angular deflection. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve longitudinal rigidity and lateral flexibility, enabling both strong coupling and curve-driving capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing block connection incorporates dynamic pivoting capability about a vertical axis, allowing the rigid longitudinal connection to adapt during curve driving. This dynamic articulation enables the coupling to maintain rigidity in the longitudinal direction while freely deflecting angularly laterally when navigating curves.
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 solution reduces space and weight occupancy while ensuring minimal disruption to power flow and enhanced energy absorption during overloads, ensuring compatibility and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a support structure which elastically supports the coupling rod against movement in the vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
an energy-absorbing element 8 is provided, which deforms longitudinally when an overload occurs and thereby absorbs at least part of the excess force
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling arrangement, in particular for a rail vehicle, – with a coupling rod which extends along a longitudinal axis and which bears a coupling head in the region of a first axial end; – with a bearing bracket to which the coupling rod is connected at a second axial end, which is opposite the first axial end, to be movable about a vertical axis; – with a bearing between the bearing bracket and the coupling rod, said bearing being configured to permit at least a limited movement between the coupling rod and the bearing bracket in the vertical direction, and/or with a bearing-bracket mounting which is movable in the vertical direction; and – with a support structure which elastically supports the coupling rod in relation to the movement in the vertical direction.The coupling arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the support structure is positioned in the vertical direction at least predominantly level with the bearing bracket and/or with the coupling rod in a manner substantially coaxial with respect to the longitudinal axis.