Tool-Free Rail Vehicle Transition Cover Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for attaching a cover element to a corrugated bellows in rail vehicle transitions are complex, require numerous tools, and struggle with transmitting high forces, while also being vulnerable to unauthorized removal and damage.
Innovation Solution
A tool-free, removable attachment system using clip connection elements and snap fasteners that secure the cover element to the corrugated bellows, allowing manual assembly and disassembly without damaging the components, and featuring a design that prevents unauthorized access and sabotage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw elements are used to fasten the cover element to the corrugated bellows, then the fastening can transmit high forces, but the assembly becomes complex and requires many individual parts and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated clip element that simultaneously attaches the cover shaft to the bellows shaft and provides structural support. This eliminates the need for separate screw elements and retaining plates, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining fastening strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip element is designed to be self-installing through a snap-in mechanism that automatically secures the cover element to the bellows without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures. The clip's elastic deformation and engagement with the bellows shaft create a self-servicing fastening system.
2Reliability
If the cover element is made securely fastened to withstand high forces, then it prevents unauthorized removal, but it becomes difficult to dismantle for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The clip element incorporates elastic deformation capability that allows it to be rigid during normal operation to prevent unauthorized removal, yet flexible enough to be manually deformed for easy dismantling. The elastic material properties enable the clip to switch between a locked state for security and an unlocked state for maintenance.
3Strength
If profile elements are added to the cover element for stiffening, then the structural strength increases, but the profile elements may damage the corrugated bellows under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element utilizes the flexible corrugated structure of the bellows itself as the primary stiffening element, eliminating the need for separate rigid profile elements. The bellows' inherent corrugations provide the necessary structural strength while maintaining flexibility and preventing damage to the bellows structure.
4Ease of operation
If the cover element is attached with tool-free removable connection, then maintenance becomes easy, but the fastening may not withstand high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clip element changes its mechanical parameters through elastic deformation, transitioning from a flexible state during assembly to a rigid locked state during operation. This parameter change allows the clip to provide both easy tool-free assembly and high fastening strength to withstand operational forces.
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 solution simplifies the attachment process, withstands high mechanical loads, ensures secure fastening, and allows for easy maintenance or replacement of the cover element without tools, while preventing unauthorized removal and protecting the corrugated bellows from damage.
Implementation Method 1
The clip connection elements (15) are designed to connect the retaining plates (18, 20) to one another in a manner which is removable without tools and without being destroyed
Implementation Method 2
The cover element (12) has cover shafts (13) which correspond to the bellows shafts (11) of the corrugated bellows (10) and are brought into overlap with these
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a transition (1) for a rail vehicle for arrangement between two movably connected vehicle parts of the rail vehicle, comprising a bellows (10) having several bellows shafts (11) and a cover element (12) for covering an area of the bellows (10), wherein the cover element (12) has cover shafts (13) which are adapted to the bellows shafts (11) of the bellows (10) and are overlapped with them, wherein the cover element (12) is detachably attached to the bellows (10) without tools.