Rail Wagon Linkage System with Upper Hooks and Safety Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection system between the end platforms and the pivoting structure in railway wagons for combined rail/road transport is not always satisfactory due to deformations, manufacturing tolerances, and the risk of hook breakage, leading to unreliable centering and lack of security in the event of failure.
Innovation Solution
A new connection system featuring a pair of hooks, abutment pieces, a centering device, and a safety device that ensures secure and centered alignment of the pivoting structure with the end platforms, using hooks only in the upper part and maintaining a fixed spacing with abutment pieces in the lower part, and a safety mechanism to transmit traction force even in case of hook failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hooks are used in both upper and lower parts to connect the pivoting structure with end platforms, then the connection strength is improved, but the reliability decreases due to engagement difficulties and breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lower hooks from the connection system, leaving only upper hooks to connect the pivoting structure with end platforms. This eliminates the engagement difficulties and breakage risks associated with lower hooks while maintaining connection strength through the upper hooks alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a safety device that acts as a backup connection mechanism before any failure can occur. This safety device prevents the harmful effect of complete connection failure by providing redundant support, thereby cushioning against the reliability issues of the main hook connection.
2Device complexity
If traditional connection systems are used without centering mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to longitudinal misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a centering device as an intermediary mechanism between the pivoting structure and end platforms. This device mediates the alignment process by guiding the longitudinal positioning, ensuring precise centering without requiring complex adjustment procedures or high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
3Volume of moving object
If hooks are positioned close to the tie rod, then the use of space is improved, but the reliability decreases due to lack of functional clearance in failure mode
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating functional clearance specifically in the region where the safety device operates, while maintaining compact overall dimensions. The safety device is positioned and dimensioned to have adequate clearance from the tie rod, ensuring it can function properly in failure modes without requiring excessive overall space.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The linkage system (10) assembles a pivoting structure (5) with an end platform (2). It comprises: • male hooks (11) and female hooks (15) in the upper part of the end platform (2) and the pivoting structure (5), respectively, designed for mutual engagement; • stop pieces (18) in the lower part of the end platform (2) bearing against the lower part of the pivoting structure (5); • a locking mechanism (23) locking the pivoting structure (5) with the end platform (2); • a centering device (29) longitudinally aligning and maintaining the alignment of the pivoting structure (5) with the end platform (2); and • a safety device connecting the pivoting structure (5) to said end platform (2) and ensuring traction between these two elements in the event of a failure of the link connecting two end platforms (2).