Rail Vehicle Coupling Arrangement Eccentric Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling arrangements for track-guided vehicles, such as rail vehicles, face challenges in efficiently switching between different coupling systems like automatic couplings and screw couplings, requiring time-consuming manual setup and height centering, which complicates the adaptation for various shunting tasks without separating the tow hook module from the tow hook.
Innovation Solution
A coupling arrangement featuring a tie rod with a joint arrangement for pivotally mounting a coupling head, an actuating device on the pull rod that engages eccentrically with the joint, allowing the automatic coupling to be pivoted in and out of the coupling plane, enabling the use of different coupling devices without manual intervention and maintaining compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling and insertion of adapter coupling into draw hook is used, then coupling between different coupling systems can be achieved, but operator cannot hold weight of adapter coupling and correctly attach height centering device simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically performs height centering through its articulated arm mechanism with pivot joints. The device self-adjusts to the correct height position when coupled with the draw hook, eliminating the need for manual height centering operations while maintaining adaptability to different coupling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm with pivot joints acts as an intermediary mechanism between the coupling device and the draw hook. This intermediary structure enables automatic height adjustment and simplifies the coupling operation by mediating the connection between different coupling systems without requiring manual intervention for height centering.
2Extent of automation
If coupling head changer is suspended from draw hook to automatically exchange coupling heads, then automatic swapping is possible, but considerable setup time is required to remove coupling head changer from draw hook
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple coupling systems (automatic couplings, screw couplings, shunting couplings) using a single articulated arm mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling head changers and their associated setup times, as the same device handles all coupling types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the height centering function from manual operations and integrates it into the articulated arm mechanism itself. By taking out the need for separate height adjustment devices and manual centering operations, the system achieves both automatic operation and reduced setup time.
3Reliability
If adapter coupling with supports and bolt is used to place coupling bracket on draw hook, then mechanical connection between transition coupling and screw coupling is ensured, but manual handling remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm mechanism with pivot joints automatically establishes and maintains the mechanical connection between the coupling device and the draw hook. The system self-adjusts to maintain reliable connection through its articulated structure, eliminating the need for manual positioning and attachment operations while ensuring reliable mechanical connection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling arrangement (100) for a track-guided vehicle, more particularly a rail vehicle, comprising: a drawbar (1) having a first end portion (2) for connecting to a carriage body and a second end portion (3) opposite the first end portion (2); an articulation arrangement (4) which is provided in the second end portion (3) of the drawbar (1) and via which at least one first coupling device (20) is mounted pivotably about a horizontal articulation axis (GA), the first coupling device (20) comprising a coupling head (22) of an automatic coupling, which is connected to the articulation arrangement (4) so as to be carried along thereby; and an actuation device (6) for swinging the first coupling device (20) of the automatic coupling into or out of a horizontal coupling plane (KE) as necessary. The invention is characterized in that the actuation device (6) is fastened to the drawbar (1) and comprises at least one drive device (12) which acts on the articulation arrangement (4) eccentrically to the horizontal articulation axis (GA) and is designed to swing the first coupling device (20) into or out of the horizontal coupling plane as necessary.