Rail Vehicle Electric Coupling Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric coupling systems for rail vehicles lack simplicity and safety in controlling the mechanical and electric clutch coordination, particularly during coupling and uncoupling, and inefficient use of energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The electric coupling system incorporates a clutch housing with a piston/cylinder unit actuated by compressed air from the main air line, utilizing a two-way valve to control the electric clutch for safe and efficient coupling and decoupling, with an additional branch line connecting to a control valve for separate pressure medium management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure medium system is used for controlling the electric clutch, then the control reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of the electric clutch with the existing main air line system that is already present in the coupling head. The compressed air from the main air line is used to actuate the piston/cylinder unit, eliminating the need for a separate pressure medium system. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining control reliability through the established air line infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The main air line, originally designed for other coupling functions, is made multi-functional by using it to control the electric clutch as well. This universal use of the compressed air system allows the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated systems while improving overall system coordination.
2Device complexity
If the electric clutch is actuated by compressed air from the main air line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy coordination between mechanical and electric clutch may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the coordination of the piston/cylinder unit with the coupling process. The compressed air actuation is synchronized with the mechanical coupling state, ensuring that the electric clutch is actuated at the appropriate moment. This feedback-based coordination optimizes energy use by activating the electric clutch only when needed during the coupling sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The main air line is prepared and positioned in advance within the coupling head, ready to provide compressed air for clutch actuation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when coupling occurs, the energy source is already in place and can immediately actuate the electric clutch, enabling efficient coordination without delay or additional energy management complexity.
3Reliability
If a piston/cylinder unit is used for electric clutch actuation, then the coupling safety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piston/cylinder unit actuated by compressed air from the main air line to control the electric clutch. This pneumatic actuation mechanism provides reliable and safe coupling through controlled mechanical movement, ensuring proper engagement and disengagement of the electric clutch while maintaining safety standards.
4Reliability
If the electric coupling is protected against contact and dirt when uncoupled, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation during coupling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric coupling incorporates movable protective elements that dynamically adjust their position based on the coupling state. When uncoupled, the protective elements cover the electrical contacts to prevent contact and contamination. During coupling, these protective elements automatically move to allow access and engagement. This dynamic behavior maintains both protection reliability and coupling ease of operation.
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 solution enables simple, safe, and energy-efficient automatic coupling and decoupling of electric couplings, ensuring reliable power supply and control lines between rail vehicles while optimizing energy use through controlled air pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the piston/cylinder unit (25) is actuated, at least for coupling the electric clutch (20), by means of the compressed air of the main air line (11)
Implementation Method 2
a branch line (12) with a two-way valve (13) arranged in it leads from the main air line (11), which is routed through the coupling head (10), into that chamber of the piston/cylinder unit (25)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A coupling with an electric coupling, particularly for a rail vehicle, in which the electric coupling (20) is equipped with a coupling housing (21) containing a piston/cylinder unit (25) that is displaceable within it and guided on a coupling head (10). The coupling head (10) has a main air line (11) passing through it, carrying an operating pressure for the brakes of the rail vehicle. The control and/or actuation of the piston/cylinder unit (25) is effected, at least for coupling the electric coupling (20), by means of the compressed air in the main air line (11). This ensures simple and safe control during coupling and uncoupling of the mechanical and the electric coupling.