Railway Coupling Handling Device with Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling railway vehicle couplings during maintenance are inefficient, often damaging fragile components and requiring excessive equipment and manipulations, with limited access due to the coupling's location and size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with adjustable laying elements and holding wedges that supports the coupling at predetermined points, allowing for easy insertion and removal without dismantling the fairing, and serves as a carrier for storage and transport, minimizing equipment and operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support device is inserted to manipulate the coupling, then the coupling can be handled with suitable equipment, but the overall size of the support significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling head is nested within the support device's cradle structure, allowing the support to accommodate the coupling compactly without significantly increasing overall dimensions. The cradle receives and secures the coupling head in a space-efficient manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device utilizes vertical dimension by extending upward from the base plate to provide the cradle and mounting points, rather than expanding horizontally. This allows the coupling to be supported at elevation while keeping the device's footprint minimal.
2Ease of operation
If a pallet is slid under the hitch for support, then the coupling can be placed on the pallet, but the various components surrounding the hitch are at risk of being damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed with specific local features including cushioning surfaces and contoured shapes that match the coupling head geometry. These localized quality enhancements provide targeted protection at critical contact points while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle incorporates cushioning elements and shock-absorbing features in advance of any potential damage scenarios. The mounting points and support surfaces are designed to distribute loads and prevent concentrated stresses that could damage fragile components during handling operations.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling is transferred to a separate stand for storage, then the coupling can be stored properly, but an additional device is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a handling device during maintenance operations and as a storage stand when not in use. The stable base plate and cradle structure provide continuous support capabilities whether the coupling is being actively manipulated or is being stored.
4Ease of operation
If the fairing is dismantled near the hitch to access the coupling, then the coupling becomes accessible, but additional dismantling operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed to be self-positioning and self-supporting, requiring no preliminary dismantling of the fairing structure. The device can be independently placed under the coupling and raised to support it, providing access without requiring modification of the vehicle's fairing components.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention describes a device (1) adapted for handling a railway vehicle coupling (21). It comprises a base (10), and first (17) and second (18) support elements associated with the base (10). The device thus allows the coupling (21) to be supported at predetermined support points. The invention also describes a method for handling a railway vehicle coupling.