Rail Vehicle Coupling Device Reducing Component Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for railbound vehicles and articulated buses are overly complex and heavy due to the large number of different components, which increases costs and weight, exceeding axle load limitations.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with interengaging male and female coupling members, a locking member, and a force transmitting member that transmits both tensile and shear forces, using only four distinct components: male and female coupling members, a locking member, and a force transmitting member, which are designed to center and lock the coupling frames, reducing the need for complex structures and minimizing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling devices with multiple discrete components (pins, spring receptacles, hooks, eyes, circumferential wires) are used to connect coupling frames, then the connection reliability and force transmission capability are improved, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components (pins, spring receptacles, hooks, eyes, circumferential wires) into a single integrated coupling element. This coupling element combines the functions of centering, locking, and force transmission that were previously distributed across multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated coupling element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides centering of the coupling frames through its geometry, ensures locking through the interengaging male and female members, transmits forces through the rigid structure, and eliminates the need for separate spring receptacles and hooks. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining all necessary connection capabilities
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional coupling devices with many discrete components are used to ensure proper centering and locking of coupling frames, then the connection stability is improved, but the weight of the coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple weight-bearing and stability-providing components into a single integrated coupling element. The rigid structure of this element provides both centering and locking functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate heavy components like circumferential wires and multiple pins, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed as a rigid structure that can be manufactured from high-strength materials, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining the structural integrity and stability required for reliable force transmission and locking functionality
3Force
If traditional coupling devices with multiple components are used to transmit tensile and shear forces between coupling frames, then the force transmission capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple force-transmitting components into a single rigid coupling element structure. This integrated design eliminates the need for assembling multiple discrete parts (pins, hooks, wires) and reduces manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the capability to transmit both tensile and shear forces through the unified rigid structure
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 significantly reduces the number of components and weight, enhancing the structural efficiency and reducing the complexity of the coupling mechanism while maintaining the ability to transmit forces in all directions, thus addressing the issues of cost and weight in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member is slidably guided by the locking member and communicates with a force transmitting member that is slidably guided by the coupling element
Implementation Method 2
the force transmitting member transmitting both tensile and shear forces
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to two coupled vehicles (1) such as railbound vehicles or articulated busses, with a connection with at least one bellows (2) as well as with a coupling device comprising two coupling frames (4, 5), said coupling frames (4, 5) comprising interengaging male and female coupling members (10, 15), a locking member (30) being provided for respectively locking the male coupling members (15) in the female coupling members (10), said locking member (30) being slidably guided by the respective locking member (4, 5), said locking member (30) communicating with a force transmitting member (9) that is slidably guided in the respective one of the coupling frames (4, 5), the force transmitting member (9) transmitting both tensile and shear forces.