Scharfenberg-Type Coupler Spring Return for Low-Energy Uncoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupler systems for rail vehicles, particularly Scharfenberg-type couplings, require complex electrically actuated uncoupling mechanisms that need continuous energy supply to maintain the uncoupled state, complicating the uncoupling process and increasing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A coupler arrangement that utilizes an electrically driven uncoupling mechanism where shutting off the energy supply allows the uncoupling actuator to return to its initial position, simplifying the uncoupling process and reducing energy requirements, using a spring force or biasing element to facilitate this return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically actuated uncoupling mechanism is used to rotate the locking device from coupled to uncoupled position, then the uncoupling process can be automated and controlled, but continuous energy supply is required to maintain the uncoupled state and prevent automatic return to coupled position
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically actuated uncoupling mechanism operates in periodic cycles: electric energy is supplied to rotate the locking device to the uncoupled position, then energy supply is shut off to allow automatic return to coupled position. This periodic on-off operation eliminates continuous energy consumption while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the tension spring's stored energy to automatically return the locking device to the coupled position after electric actuation. The spring serves itself by converting its potential energy to kinetic energy to reverse the actuator's movement, eliminating the need for continuous external energy supply to maintain the uncoupled state.
2Reliability
If the uncoupling actuator is held in the second actuator position using continuous electric energy, then the locking device remains in the uncoupled position, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous energy supply to maintain the uncoupled state, the system uses periodic energy supply: energy is provided only during the transition to the uncoupled position, then shut off to allow automatic return. This reduces energy consumption and simplifies the control system by eliminating the need for continuous energy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for continuous electrical control with a mechanical spring-based return mechanism. The tension spring provides the mechanical force to automatically return the actuator to its initial position, substituting continuous electrical energy control with passive mechanical energy storage and release.
3Reliability
If the uncoupling mechanism requires continuous energy supply to prevent return to coupled position, then the uncoupled state is maintained, but the system becomes more complex and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply to the uncoupling mechanism is activated periodically rather than continuously. Energy is supplied only during the uncoupling action itself, then shut off to allow the spring to automatically return the mechanism to the coupled position. This reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable uncoupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension spring provides self-service by automatically returning the uncoupling mechanism to the coupled position without requiring continuous external energy input. The spring's potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to reverse the actuator's movement, eliminating the need for continuous energy supply to maintain system state.
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
Simplifies the uncoupling process by allowing automatic return to the coupled position without continuous energy, reducing energy consumption and ensuring safe coupling even in power failures.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring (10) providing a spring force configured to urge the locking device (7) towards its coupled position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A coupler arrangement for a rail vehicle, comprising a coupler head (1), such as a Scharfenberg-type coupler head, and an electrically driven uncoupling device (14) with an uncoupling actuator (15) arranged to move, upon supply of electric energy to the uncoupling device (14), from a first actuator position to a second actuator position, thereby causing a locking device (7) of the coupler head (1) to rotate from its coupled position to its uncoupled position against a spring force provided by a tension spring (10) in the coupler head (1). The arrangement is such that shutting off the supply of electric energy to the uncoupling device (14) allows, or even causes, the uncoupling actuator (15) to return to the first actuator position.