Modular Railway Coupling Joint for Force Transfer and Wide Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle coupling devices with articulated joints have complex designs, leading to high manufacturing costs, limited pivoting angles, and a lack of standardization, making repairs difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular articulated joint connection device with separate coupling elements that connect via a joint, allowing for force transmission and pivoting, eliminating the need for integral designs on individual components, and featuring standardized connection geometries for easy integration and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If coupling rod sections are integrally formed with connection-relevant parts in a force-transmitting manner, then force transmission is achieved, but the individual components become very complex and specifically tailored to the application
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling rod is divided into separate modular components: coupling rod sections and coupling elements. The connection-relevant parts are separated into detachable coupling elements that can be independently manufactured and replaced, while the coupling rod sections maintain their primary function. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining force transmission capability through the articulated joint connection.
2Strength
If coupling rod sections are integrally formed with connection-relevant parts, then force transmission is achieved, but manufacturing processes become complex and standardization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the coupling rod into modular sections with detachable coupling elements, each component can be manufactured using standard processes. The coupling elements are designed as interchangeable modules that can be produced in batches, enabling standardization and simplifying manufacturing compared to integral design of complex force-transmitting connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are designed as universal, application-independent connection devices that can be used with different coupling rod sections. This standardization allows the same coupling element design to be manufactured for multiple applications, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling economies of scale.
3Force
If the articulated connection is integrated into the longitudinal axis, then force transmission is optimized, but the deflection angle and achievable maximum pivot angle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary component between the coupling rod sections, providing a pivot joint that decouples the force transmission function from the pivot movement function. This allows the coupling rod sections to maintain longitudinal alignment for force transmission while the coupling element enables pivoting motion through its articulated connection with the vehicle profile.
4Reliability
If complex and specifically tailored casting geometry is used for articulated connection, then the connection functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and repair effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed as separate, standardized modules rather than custom-casted integral parts. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes and enables the use of standard materials and production techniques, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable connection functionality through the articulated joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular coupling elements are designed to be easily replaceable in case of wear or damage. Instead of requiring complex repair processes for integral connections, the standardized coupling elements can be quickly removed and replaced with identical or interchangeable parts, significantly reducing repair effort and downtime.
5Reliability
If standard components are rarely used due to complex integral designs, then application-specific functionality is optimized, but repairs become difficult and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed as universal, standardized components that can be used across different applications and coupling rod configurations. This standardization enables the use of identical or interchangeable parts for repairs, making maintenance efficient while the modular design allows customization of the overall coupling system to maintain application-specific performance.
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 design and integration of articulated joints, reduces manufacturing costs, enhances standardization, and facilitates easy repair by allowing standardized components and compact, space-saving designs that can be used across various systems.
Implementation Method 1
for force-transmitting the connection of two components extending along a common longitudinal axis in a first functional position
Implementation Method 2
for pivoting one of the two components relative to the other component about a pivot axis arranged perpendicular and preferably spaced apart or parallel to the longitudinal axis into at least one further second functional position
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to an articulated joint connection device (5) for connecting two components (3, 4), each of which extends along a common longitudinal axis (L) in a first functional position, so as to transmit a force and for pivoting one of the two components relative to the other component about a pivot axis (S13), which is arranged perpendicularly and parallel to the longitudinal axis, into at least one other second functional position. The invention additionally relates to a coupling device, in particular for rail-bound vehicles, comprising a coupling bar (2) with two components which are coupled together via an articulated joint connection device. The invention is characterized by the design of the coupling elements with a shell-type sleeve attachment.