Rail Vehicle Coupling System Pneumatic Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for rail vehicles face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective deflection of the coupling head, particularly due to the limitations of hydraulic systems, which pose fire risks and require additional infrastructure components, while pneumatic systems struggle with abrupt and imprecise movements.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a pneumatic lifting cylinder with a bearing block and articulated connection, allowing for lateral deflection of the coupling rod with a coupling head, utilizing a toothed rack and return spring mechanism for precise and controlled movement, and integrating with existing pneumatic infrastructure to reduce component count and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic systems are used to deflect the coupling rod, then rapid and precise positioning of the coupling head is achieved, but fire risk increases due to hydraulic fluids and additional infrastructure components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with a pneumatic lifting cylinder that uses compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid. This eliminates the fire risk associated with oil-based hydraulic fluids while maintaining the ability to deflect the coupling rod. The pneumatic system is integrated into the existing rail vehicle infrastructure, utilizing the vehicle's pneumatic network for actuation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pneumatic systems are used to deflect the coupling rod, then fire risk is reduced and infrastructure requirements are simplified, but positioning precision deteriorates due to compressibility of gaseous working media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pneumatic lifting cylinder with a rack and pinion mechanism, dividing the motion transmission into discrete segments. The pinion gear engages with the rack to convert the pneumatic cylinder's linear motion into rotational motion of the coupling rod. This segmentation allows for controlled, incremental positioning that overcomes the precision limitations of direct pneumatic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rack and pinion mechanism as an intermediary between the pneumatic lifting cylinder and the coupling rod. This intermediary mechanical transmission system translates the pneumatic force into precise rotational positioning, bridging the gap between the imprecise pneumatic actuation and the requirement for accurate coupling head positioning.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator device is used to deflect the coupling rod in two directions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure accurate positioning in both directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a single actuator device with a pneumatic lifting cylinder that can deflect the coupling rod in both lateral directions. The cylinder is positioned and configured to provide bidirectional force application, allowing one actuator to perform the function that would traditionally require two separate actuators. This universal design simplifies the overall system while maintaining positioning accuracy through the integrated rack and pinion mechanism.
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 precise, cost-effective, and low-risk deflection of the coupling head, allowing for efficient coupling of rail vehicles with reduced infrastructure requirements and enhanced safety by using pneumatic systems that are less hazardous in fires.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator features a pneumatic lifting cylinder, allowing the coupling rod at its second end to be deflected in two opposite directions with the coupling head
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a toothed rack and return spring mechanism for precise and controlled movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling system for a rail vehicle (1), comprising a bearing block (2), which is provided on the rail vehicle (1), a coupling rod (3), which is connected to the vehicle (1) at the first end of the coupling rod by means of an articulated connection (2a), a coupling head (4), which is provided at the second end of the coupling rod (3) facing away from the rail vehicle (1), and an actuator device (5), which is arranged lateral to the coupling rod (3) and is connected to the rail vehicle (1) by means of a fixed bearing (6). The actuator device (5) is provided on one side with respect to the coupling rod (3) and has a pneumatic reciprocating cylinder (10) such that the coupling rod (3) can be deflected in two opposite directions, in particular incrementally, at the second of the coupling rod having the coupling head (4) and the actuator device (5) can be frictionally and/or interlockingly connected to the coupling rod (3).