Railway Coupling Lock with Integrated Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic tensile couplings for rail vehicles require large installation spaces and are prone to unintentional re-coupling during maneuvering, which complicates decoupling and increases operational time.
Innovation Solution
An automatic tensile coupling with an electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operated decoupling device that includes a blocking mechanism to prevent unintentional re-coupling, allowing the decoupling device to be compactly integrated within the coupling head housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a blocking mechanism is integrated within the coupling head housing, then installation space is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but the uncoupling function may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is merged with the uncoupling device and integrated within the coupling head housing. The blocking member is operably connected to the uncoupling device, allowing both functions (uncoupling and blocking) to be combined in a single integrated assembly that fits within the existing housing space, thereby reducing overall installation space while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoupling device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can rotate the frog to the uncoupled position and also operate the blocking member to prevent unintentional re-coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, minimizing installation space while the modular design allows each function to be independently controlled through a single device interface.
2Reliability
If the coupling lock is held in the uncoupled position by a blocking mechanism, then unintentional re-coupling is prevented, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback through the blocking mechanism that actively prevents unintentional re-coupling by blocking the frog's rotation back to the coupled position. The blocking member is operably connected to the uncoupling device, creating a controlled feedback system that ensures the coupling lock remains in the uncoupled position until deliberately re-coupled, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting ease of operation since the blocking is automatic once uncoupled.
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 reduces the need for external housing, minimizes installation space requirements, and prevents unintentional re-coupling, thereby simplifying the decoupling process and reducing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-loaded mechanism is attached to the frog. The frog can be rotated from the coupled position to the uncoupled position against the force of the spring-loaded mechanism, and from the uncoupled position to the coupled position by the force of the spring-loaded mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
An automatic tensile coupling with an electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operated decoupling device that includes a blocking mechanism to prevent unintentional re-coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic railway coupling, more particularly for a freight wagon of a rail vehicle, having a coupling head (1), which comprises a coupling head housing (2) and a coupling lock (3) with latch, wherein the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling eye (5) and a central part (6), wherein the central part is rotatable about a main axis (7) between a coupled position and an uncoupled position, the coupling eye being connected by a first end (5.1) in a manner rotatable about a coupling eye axis (8) to the central part and comprising a second free end (5.2); and the central part comprising jaws (9), which are arranged for receiving a second end of a coupling eye of a mating coupling head; having an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated uncoupling device (11), which comprises an electric motor (12), hydraulic motor or pneumatic motor, which is connected via a drive connection at least indirectly to the central part, to rotate the central part from the coupled position into the uncoupled position, wherein the uncoupling device has a lock position, in which the device blocks a rotation of the central part from the uncoupled position into the coupled position via the drive connection, wherein a control device is provided with which the uncoupling device can be activated to retain said device permanently in the blocked position over a period.