Rail Coupling Rod Vertical Support Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical support devices for coupling rods in rail vehicles face challenges in maintaining the coupling rod in a horizontal central position due to settlement of elastomer materials over time, requiring frequent readjustment, which is time-consuming and costly, especially in vehicles with limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
The support device features a holder with a lower cross member and lateral longitudinal members connected via prestressing elements, allowing adjustable vertical bias, enabling easy readjustment through a maintenance flap, even in restricted spaces, using threads and clamping screws or nuts to manipulate the vertical distance between the cross member and the coupling rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer material is used for the spring element, then the support device provides elastic support and shock absorption, but the material settles over time requiring frequent readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the vertical distance between the lower bracket and coupling rod to be modified. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for the settlement of elastomer material over time, enabling the coupling rod to be repositioned from a non-horizontal state back to the horizontal central position without replacing the entire support device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of vertical distance between the lower bracket and coupling rod through adjustment mechanisms. By modifying this geometric parameter, the system compensates for material settlement and maintains proper coupling rod positioning, transforming a static support structure into one with adjustable characteristics.
2Speed
If the vehicle front is designed as a streamlined nose with limited installation space, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but accessibility for maintenance of the support device is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete, independently accessible components. The lower bracket and coupling rod connection points are designed as separate adjustment nodes that can be accessed and modified individually, allowing maintenance personnel to reach and adjust specific elements despite the confined space within the streamlined nose structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism that serves as a interface between the constrained maintenance environment and the support device components. This intermediary structure enables tool-based adjustment operations through limited access points, bridging the gap between the streamlined exterior and the internal support device components.
3Device complexity
If the vertical distance between the lower bracket and coupling rod is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the coupling rod cannot be readjusted to maintain horizontal central position
Solution Approach 1:
The support device transitions from a fixed vertical distance configuration to a dynamically adjustable one. The adjustment mechanism allows the vertical spacing between the lower bracket and coupling rod to be modified as needed, enabling the system to adapt to material settlement while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structural design through straightforward mechanical adjustment components.
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
This design allows for efficient and cost-effective adjustment of the vertical preload, ensuring the coupling rod remains in the horizontal central position with minimal effort and time, reducing maintenance costs and improving accessibility in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the lower end area of the two side longitudinal members is connected to the cross member via at least one prestressing element in such a way that a vertical distance between the cross member and the coupling rod and thus the vertical bias of the support spring device is adjustable
Implementation Method 2
By means of the at least one spring element, the support ram is pressed against the coupling rod from below in the vertical direction with a prestress
Implementation Method 3
the elastomer material of the at least one spring element settles over time and it is otherwise not ensured that the coupling rod is in the horizontal central position in the rest state
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device (50) has a support spring device (51) and a retainer, over which the support spring device is connected with the linkage. The retainer has a lower cross beam (54) for supporting a support spring device and two vertically extending lateral longitudinal beams (55,56), by which the cross beam is connected with the vehicle body. The lower end regions (68,69) of both the lateral cross beams are connected with the lower cross beam by a pretensioning element such that a vertical distance is set between the lower cross beam and a coupling bar (1). An independent claim is included for a central buffer coupling for rail-guided vehicles.