Rail Vehicle Plug Socket Magnet Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connection sockets in railway vehicles often fail to reliably hold the socket cover in a closed position, leading to potential exposure to external influences like dust and water, as the engagement of the locking mechanism depends on the angle of release and force applied, resulting in inconsistent sealing.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection socket design featuring a magnet-based locking mechanism with a cover spring and locking spring, ensuring the socket cover is securely held in a closed position regardless of the release angle, utilizing a first magnet on the housing part and a counterpart magnet on the socket cover, and optionally a second magnet on the housing part for enhanced locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking clips are used to engage on the locking axis, then the socket cover can be held in closed position, but the engagement reliability depends on the release angle and applied force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking clips and locking axis system with a magnetic locking mechanism. Magnets are positioned on both the housing part and the connector cover, creating a magnetic field that automatically holds the cover in the closed position without requiring mechanical engagement. This substitution eliminates the dependency on release angle and applied force, providing consistent and reliable locking regardless of operational variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the locking mechanism from mechanical contact (locking clips engaging on a locking axis) to magnetic attraction (magnets holding the cover). This parameter change transforms the locking force from being dependent on geometric alignment and manual force to being dependent on magnetic field strength, which remains constant and reliable across different operational conditions.
2Force
If the socket cover strikes the housing with considerable force, then the locking clips may engage, but the cover recoils and exceeds the locking force
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism replaces the mechanical locking clips that failed when closing force exceeded their holding capacity. The magnets create a continuous attractive force that is not dependent on the magnitude of the closing force, as long as the cover reaches the closed position. This eliminates the problem of recoil exceeding locking force.
3Ease of operation
If the socket cover strikes the housing with little force, then the cover closes smoothly, but the locking clips cannot engage
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism replaces the mechanical locking clips that failed to engage when closing force was insufficient. The magnets provide a holding force that works effectively regardless of how gently the cover is closed, as long as it reaches the closed position. This ensures reliable locking even with minimal closing force.
4Reliability
If operator checking is required to ensure closed position, then potential sealing issues can be detected, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism is designed to automatically and reliably hold the cover in the closed position without requiring operator verification. The consistent magnetic attraction provides inherent reliability, eliminating the need for manual checking while maintaining sealing integrity. This self-service characteristic improves operational efficiency while preserving reliability.
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 magnet-based locking mechanism ensures the socket cover is reliably and securely held in the closed position, eliminating the need for operator verification and providing a sealed environment against dust and water, enhancing the socket's tightness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnet arranged on the housing part and a corresponding magnet arranged on the connector cover, or a first magnet arranged on the connector cover and a corresponding magnet arranged on the housing part. The first magnet and the corresponding magnet are each positionable relative to each other such that the connector cover is held in the closed position.
Implementation Method 2
a cover spring arranged along the pivot axis, which is pre-tensioned such that it presses the connector cover into a closed position
Implementation Method 3
a locking spring arranged on the connector cover... The locking spring is pre-tensioned such that it presses the locking clips against the locking axis, thereby holding the socket cover in a closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector box (10) for use in railway vehicles. The connector box (10) comprises a housing part (12) having a plug socket (16), a cover (14) movable along a pivot axis (A), a cover spring (26) arranged along the pivot axis (A) and pre-tensioned to press the cover (14) into a closed position, at least two locking levers (30) arranged on the cover (14), and a locking spring (28) arranged on the cover (14). The connector box (10) further comprises a first magnet (24) arranged on the housing part (12) and a corresponding magnet (32) arranged on the cover (14), or a first magnet (24) arranged on the cover (14) and a corresponding magnet (32) arranged on the housing part (12).The first magnet (24) and the magnetic counterpart (32) can each be positioned relative to each other in such a way that the can lid (14) is held in the closed position.