Rescue Coupler Segmentation for Manual Train Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rescue couplers are cumbersome, heavy, and difficult to adapt to the refined differences between different types of train couplers, with complex structures that complicate manual operation during rescue situations.

Innovation Solution

A rescue coupler design featuring a coupler body with a first coupling end, a second coupler hook, and a second coupling link, where the second coupler hook and link are arranged on the coupler body's sides, allowing for a detachable and arc-shaped structure that simplifies the design, reduces weight, and facilitates manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal rescue coupler with fixed structure is used to connect various types of train couplers, then adaptability to different coupler types is improved, but the structure becomes complex, size increases, and weight increases making coupling operation inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different coupler typesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rescue coupler is divided into multiple detachable components: a coupler body, a coupler hook, and a coupling link. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the rescue coupler to adapt to different train coupler types while keeping each component simple in structure and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a universal rescue coupler with fixed structure is used to connect various types of train couplers, then adaptability to different coupler types is improved, but weight increases making coupling operation inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different coupler typesVSAvoidcoupler weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is segmented into separate components (coupler body, hook, and link) that can be stored independently. This segmentation reduces the weight that needs to be handled during coupling operations, as operators only need to attach the necessary components rather than maneuver a heavy fixed-structure coupler.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If existing rescue couplers with complex structures are used, then coupling functionality is achieved, but coupling operation becomes labor-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidcoupling operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling link is designed to be detachable and movable, allowing operators to attach or remove it as needed. This dynamic design simplifies the coupling operation process, making it less labor-consuming while maintaining reliable coupling through the interlocking mechanism between the link and coupler body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4656491A1Transition coupler and coupling method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 QINGDAO SRI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4656491A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4656491A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4656491A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present application provides a rescue coupler and coupling method therefor; the rescue coupler comprises: a coupler body, including a first coupling end and a coupler rear end; the first coupling end is configured to couple with a train coupler and includes a second coupling face; a second coupler hook, arranged on the coupler body, and configured to couple with a first coupling link of the train coupler; and a second coupling link, arranged on the coupler body; wherein, the second coupler hook and the second coupling link are arranged on two sides of the coupler body respectively; a length of the second coupling link is configured to be able to cross the second coupling face to couple with the first coupler hook of the train coupler; the first coupling end includes an upper coupling face and a lower coupling face arranged at intervals up and down, and they are connected via a coupler body bracket; and the coupler body bracket includes an arc-shaped segment recessed from the first coupling end side to the coupler rear end side.