Scharfenberg Coupling Head Electric Actuator Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling heads for automatic couplings, such as Scharfenberg couplings, face challenges in reliably releasing the coupling state between two coupling heads, often requiring manual rotation to unlock the engaged eyelet cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A coupling head design featuring an actuator with an electric drive motor and a three-shaft gear, where the output is coupled to the coupling component to rotate it from a coupled to a release position, ensuring reliable release without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation is used to release the coupling state, then the coupling can be unlocked, but the operation becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rotation with an electric motor-driven actuator system. The electric motor (5) provides automated rotational force to the coupling component (2) through a three-shaft gear (6), eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving both ease of operation and reliability of uncoupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling head becomes self-sufficient with the integrated actuator system. The electric motor (5) and three-shaft gear (6) work together to automatically rotate the coupling component (2) from coupled to release position without requiring external manual assistance, making the system self-service capable.
2Device complexity
If a simple coupling design is used, then the structure is compact, but the release mechanism becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The three-shaft gear (6) serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational motion from the electric motor (5), provides gear reduction for controlled rotation speed, and ensures reliable torque transmission to the coupling component (2). This multi-functional design maintains compactness while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-shaft gear (6) acts as an intermediary between the electric motor (5) and the coupling component (2). It mediates the transmission of power, providing a reliable mechanical connection that ensures the motor's rotational force is effectively transmitted to rotate the coupling component from coupled to release position.
3Device complexity
If the actuator is directly connected to the coupling component, then the structure is simple, but the actuator experiences unnecessary stress
Solution Approach 1:
The three-shaft gear (6) provides multiple functions including torque transmission, gear reduction for speed control, and stress distribution. This multi-functional component protects the actuator by managing the mechanical stresses during coupling and decoupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-shaft gear (6) acts as a protective intermediary that cushions the actuator from direct stress. By distributing the mechanical loads through the gear system, it prevents unnecessary stress accumulation in the actuator during coupling operations, protecting the electric motor (5) from damage.
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
The proposed solution enables a robust and compact coupling head that reliably releases the coupling state between two coupling heads, simplifying the uncoupling process and protecting the actuator from unnecessary stress.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (4) with an electric drive motor (5) and with a three-shaft gear (6) connected downstream of the electric drive motor (5), the output of which is coupled to the coupling component (2) in order to release the coupling component (2) from a coupling rotational position and/or to rotate it into a release rotational position
Implementation Method 2
a three-shaft gear (6) connected downstream of the electric drive motor (5), the output of which is coupled to the coupling component (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling head for an automatic coupling, in particular for a Scharfenberg coupling, wherein the coupling head has a coupling component (2) rotatably mounted about a main axis of rotation (1), which is designed to interact with a connecting rod (3) of another, in particular identical, coupling head, and wherein the coupling head has a connecting rod (3) pivotably connected to the coupling component (2), which is designed to interact with a coupling component (2) of the other coupling head.The coupling head is characterized by the fact that the coupling head has an actuator (4) with an electric drive motor (5) and with a three-shaft gearbox (6) connected downstream of the electric drive motor (5), the output of which is coupled to the coupling component (2) in order to release the coupling component (2) from a coupling rotational position and/or to rotate it into a release rotational position by motor drive as required, wherein the axis of rotation (16) of the rotor of the drive motor (5) and/or the axis of rotation (10) of the three-shaft gearbox (6) is or are aligned parallel or coaxial to the main axis of rotation (1) of the coupling component (2).