Securing Element Lug Structure for Rail Underfloor Loss Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the rail sector, there is a need for a securing element that prevents components mounted in the underfloor area of rail vehicles from being loaded in tension, particularly in the USA, where screw connections must be secured to prevent components from falling off, while being easy to produce and install.
Innovation Solution
A securing element with elongate plates and lugs that are configured to rest on top of one component and support another, featuring through-openings and cutouts for secure fastening and positioning, allowing for reliable loss prevention and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to fasten components in the underfloor area of rail vehicles, then reliable fastening is achieved, but the components may be loaded in tension and fall off upon failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a securing element as an intermediary component between the first component and the second component. This securing element includes a first portion with through-openings for screw connections and first/second lugs that extend laterally to prevent tensile loading. The intermediary structure transfers the fastening function from direct screw-to-component connections to a more robust securing element that distributes and resists tension forces through its lateral lug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first portion for screw connection fastening and first/second lugs for lateral support and tension resistance. This segmentation allows each portion to specialize in its function - the first portion handles rotational fastening while the lugs handle tensile and lateral forces, preventing the screw connections from being directly loaded in tension.
2Reliability
If complex securing structures are implemented to prevent component failure, then loss prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple security functions into a single integrated securing element: screw connection fastening (through the first portion), lateral positioning (through the first lug), and support against falling (through the second lug). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying manufacturing and installation while maintaining comprehensive loss prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fastening (via through-openings for screws), lateral constraint (via first lug extending sideways), and support (via second lug extending downward). This universal design allows one component to fulfill multiple security roles, reducing the overall system complexity and manufacturing cost compared to using multiple specialized components.
3Reliability
If multiple components and fastening elements are used to secure components in the underfloor area, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening and support functions into a single securing element that can be installed as one unit. The first portion with through-openings and the first/second lugs are integrated, allowing installers to secure the element to both components simultaneously without handling separate fastening elements and support structures, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is pre-configured with its first portion, through-openings, and first/second lugs in a ready-to-install state. This preliminary preparation of the securing structure allows for rapid installation, as the component arrives at the installation site already configured to provide both fastening and support functions without requiring additional assembly steps during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A loss-prevention system includes a securing element securing components of a vehicle or rail vehicle and having a first portion and first and second lugs. The first portion is an elongate plate extending in a first plane. A first through-passage opening is disposed in the first portion. The first through-passage opening accommodates at least part of a first releasable connection for fastening the securing element on a first component. The first portion has a long side. The first and second lugs are disposed on the long side of the first portion, or opposite one another, and project from the first plane onto a common side of the first portion. The first lug is configured to rest on the upper side of the first component. The second lug is configured to support a second component on its underside and to secure the same against falling off.