Removable Coupling Actuator for Safe Rail Vehicle Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncoupling and recoupling processes in rail vehicle units pose safety risks due to manual operation requirements and potential unauthorized actuation, especially during shunting operations, which can lead to unplanned movement and increased operating forces.
Innovation Solution
An actuator unit with a detachable actuating element and receptacle system, utilizing positive and/or frictional fits, allows for safe and controlled actuation of activation mechanisms, preventing unauthorized operation and reducing the force required for uncoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanently mounted lever is provided for uncoupling actuation, then the uncoupling operation can be performed without entering the area between rail vehicle units, but the clearance gauge is negatively impacted and unauthorized uncoupling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into a removable actuator and a fixed receptacle. The actuator can be detached when not in use, eliminating the permanent lever while maintaining the ability to perform uncoupling operations when needed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing operational capability only when the actuator is attached, preventing unauthorized use without permanently modifying the rail vehicle unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanently mounted lever to a dynamic removable actuator. The actuator can be attached and detached based on operational needs, providing flexibility in both preventing unauthorized use and enabling legitimate uncoupling operations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between secured and accessible states.
2Productivity
If the actuating element is permanently fixed to the actuating element receptacle, then the activation mechanism is always available, but unauthorized actuation becomes possible and the clearance gauge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into a removable actuator and a fixed receptacle. This allows the activation mechanism to be available only when the actuator is attached, preventing unauthorized use while maintaining operational readiness when needed. The segmentation enables the system to balance availability with security.
3Ease of operation
If uncoupling mechanisms are located directly on the coupling head, then the uncoupling process can be performed, but personnel must enter the area between rail vehicle units creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is extracted from the coupling head area and relocated to a removable actuator that can be positioned at safer locations. The receptacle remains on the coupling head, but the actuator can be attached at locations that eliminate the need for personnel to enter dangerous areas between rail vehicle units, thereby maintaining uncoupling functionality while improving safety.
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
Enhances safety by preventing unauthorized actuation and minimizing the operational forces needed for uncoupling, thereby reducing risks to personnel and ensuring controlled movement of rail vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating element is detachably held in the actuating element receptacle by means of a positive fit and/or a frictional fit
Implementation Method 2
The actuating element is detachably held in the actuating element receptacle by means of a positive fit and/or a frictional fit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an actuator unit (90) for actuating an activation mechanism (30L, 30R), in particular a decoupling activation mechanism (30L, 30R) of a coupling system (1, 1', 1") for a rail vehicle unit (2), comprising: an actuating element (91) for performing an actuating movement (91c) and an actuating element receptacle (95) which at least partially receives the actuating element (91) and transmits the actuating movement (91c) to the activation mechanism (30L, 30R), wherein the actuating element (91) is detachably held in the actuating element receptacle (95) by means of a positive locking and/or a force locking.