Rail Vehicle Storage Device with Spring Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices for tools in spatially restricted and safety-critical environments, such as rail vehicle maintenance, lack local flexibility and robustness, making it difficult to securely store and access tools during overhead work.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a storage section and fastening section that can be attached to rail vehicle rails or other elements, featuring holding elements and a connecting element with a projection, allowing for easy and secure attachment using weight force and additional fastening mechanisms like a securing rod and spring mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed storage facilities are provided in narrow maintenance pits, then tool storage is available, but spatial proximity to workers cannot be guaranteed during overhead work at different locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial flexibilityVSAvoidtool accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is designed to be mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to be relocated to different positions along the rail vehicle. The device can be attached at various locations and moved as workers change their work positions, maintaining spatial proximity and reliable tool accessibility throughout the maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is designed with universal attachment capabilities that allow it to be installed at multiple locations along the rail vehicle. The fastening section can engage with different positions on the rail, providing both spatial flexibility and consistent tool accessibility regardless of where the device is positioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If storage devices are used in harsh workshop operations with forces and shocks, then tool storage is provided, but damage and wear lead to short service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidexternal forces and shocks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section incorporates a spring mechanism that acts as a shock-absorbing element. When external forces or blows occur during harsh workshop operations, the spring compresses to absorb the impact energy, protecting the storage device structure from damage and extending its service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism converts harmful external forces and shocks into beneficial elastic deformation. The impact energy that would otherwise damage the device is transformed into spring compression, which then releases to maintain secure fastening while protecting the overall structure from wear and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Strength

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to ensure secure attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult requiring multiple workers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a holding element for engagement, a connecting element for structural support, and a spring mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity, enabling secure attachment that can be assembled and disassembled by a single worker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism provides self-securing functionality. When the holding element is inserted into the connecting element, the spring automatically compresses and locks the components together, creating a secure attachment without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism maintains high attachment strength while simplifying the assembly process to a single action that one worker can perform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device provides a self-holding, easy-to-assemble storage solution that ensures secure attachment and detachment, even in harsh conditions, maintaining tool accessibility and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism with a compressible spring is provided in the securing mechanism, which spring mechanism is designed to hold the securing rod in the holding position in the state of the uncompressed spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

fastening forces are exchanged by the holding surfaces and by the projection with an element or an object or another device to which the storage device is to be fastened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4311630A1Storage device
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 EH HLDG GMBH
  • EP4311630A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4311630A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4311630A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

In order to provide a storage device (1) with a storage surface (4) for storing everyday objects, which can be attached to a rail foot (101) of a railway vehicle rail (100), a first retaining element (31), a second retaining element (32) and a connecting element (33) for connecting the retaining elements (31, 32) are provided in a fastening section (3) of the storage device (1), as well as a projection (312) extending towards the second retaining element (32) on the first retaining element (31), so that the projection (312), the first retaining surface (311) and the second retaining surface (322) cooperate to fasten the storage device (1).