Rail Vehicle Coupler Plate for Shearable Overload Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler devices for rail vehicles require complex structural configurations to provide overload protection, which complicates assembly and results in the spring package being detached only with the housing after overload shearing.
Innovation Solution
A coupler device design where the plate is connected to carrier disks via overload elements on the outer circumference, allowing for shearing in the event of overload, and featuring spring elements on both sides of the plate for structural adaptation, enabling a simple and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elaborate structural configuration with housing and overload elements is used for overload protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential overload protection function from the complex housing structure and implements it directly through shearable connection elements (bolts or pins) connecting the drawbar to the support flange. This eliminates the need for elaborate housing configurations while maintaining reliable overload protection, as the connection elements simply shear off when overload occurs, allowing the drawbar to disengage.
2Reliability
If the spring package is detached together with the housing after overload shearing, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling device into independent functional modules: the support flange remains fixed to the rail vehicle, while the drawbar with the spring package forms a separate detachable unit connected through shearable connection elements. When overload occurs and the connection elements shear, the spring package automatically remains attached to the drawbar, allowing easy replacement of only the spring package without removing the housing or support flange.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple structural design is used for the coupler device, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of overload protection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable shearable connection elements (bolts or pins) that are designed to fail at a predetermined load. These simple, inexpensive elements provide reliable overload protection by shearing off when exceeded, allowing the drawbar to disengage safely. The simplicity of these connection elements greatly easeS manufacture and assembly while maintaining adequate reliability for the intended application.
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 allows for a simple and efficient assembly of the coupler device, ensuring reliable detachment of the plate and spring elements during overloads while maintaining a secure coupling in normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring elements mounted on this in order to dampen the tension and pressure forces incurred
Implementation Method 2
in the event of overload, these are sheared off by the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Coupler device for a coupling, in particular of a rail vehicle, is provided with a drawbar with spring elements mounted thereon in order to dampen the tension and pressure forces incurred, with a plate arranged between these, and a support flange secured to the rail vehicle. The plate bears the drawbar and is held on the support flange and connected at its outer circumference in each case with a carrier disk, each in an opening of the support flange, by overload elements arranged adjacent to one another. The overload elements are sheared off in the event of an overload in the pressure or tension direction of the drawbar. Accordingly, a secure connection is formed between the support flange and the plate, which, in the event of a crash or an overload, can be detached in a functionally reliable manner, but which in normal operation ensures a perfect coupling linkage.