Railway Semi-Trailer Kingpin Self-Centering Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locking the coupling pin of a semi-trailer on a wagon structure do not simultaneously provide lateral self-centering, visual indication of correct immobilization, and secure longitudinal immobilization, which are essential for safe and efficient transport.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a cowling part mounted on the coupling pin and a receiver assembly that includes a mobile receiver frame actuated by a lifting mechanism, allowing for lateral self-centering and visual indication of immobilization, ensuring the coupling pin is securely positioned and protected during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system provides lateral self-centering and longitudinal immobilization, then the reliability of transport is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple moving parts and visual indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the receiver frame simultaneously provides lateral self-centering through its geometry, longitudinal immobilization through blocking elements, and visual indication through integrated indicators. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving high reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver frame serves multiple purposes: it acts as a guide for lateral centering, a lock for longitudinal immobilization, and a visual indicator system. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive transport security while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show immobilization status, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicators are designed to automatically show the immobilization status without requiring additional control mechanisms. The indicators themselves serve as the display mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors, actuators, or control systems. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the receiver frame is made mobile with lifting means, then the ease of operation is improved for loading and unloading, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile receiver frame acts as an intermediary between the fixed wagon structure and the semi-trailer coupling pin. The lifting means provides the necessary movement capability to the receiver frame, enabling easy loading and unloading operations. This intermediary approach improves ease of operation while containing the increase in device complexity within the lifting mechanism only.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a device for lateral self-centering support and immobilization of a semi-trailer kingpin on a railway structure transporting same characterized in that it comprises a nacelle (10) with a mobile frame (11) and a receiving space (12) actuated in vertical movements through lifting means and mounted stable in rolling and yawing motions and through a cowling part urged to be mounted on the kingpin and whereof the outer lateral surfaces co-operate with pivoting components (42) of the mobile frame (11) so as to obtain a self-centering and immobilizing effect, the pivoting components (42) acting as bilateral visual indicators allowing the operator to determine the end of the self-centering and immobilizing operations on either side of the railway car. The invention is applicable to railway transport of road semi-trailers.