Vertical Spring Coupler Support with Adjustable Locknut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical spring support devices for couplers in railway vehicles occupy large space, have short service life due to rubber creep and aging, and lack adjustable support force, making it difficult to maintain coupler height and prevent hanging.
Innovation Solution
A vertical spring support device comprising a support platform, bracket, support rod, support spring, and locknut, where the support spring is sheathed on the rod and connected to the platform and bracket, allowing for real-time adjustment of coupler height and providing a clamping mechanism to prevent swaying, with a wear sleeve reducing wear between components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rubber block is used as a vertical support device, then the coupler height can be adjusted, but the service life is short due to creep and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rubber to spring, transforming the support device from an adjustable but short-lived rubber block system to a long-lasting spring system that maintains reliability while providing necessary support force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the short-lived rubber block with a durable spring mechanism that can be adjusted and reused indefinitely, eliminating the need for frequent replacement due to aging and creep
2Reliability
If a general vertical spring support device is used, then the support function is provided, but the coupler height cannot be adjusted when hung down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism with locknut and adjusting nut that allows the spring pre-compression amount to be dynamically changed, enabling the coupler height to be adjusted when hung down while maintaining reliable support function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-compresses the spring during assembly to provide immediate support force, while also allowing further adjustment through the adjusting nut mechanism when the coupler is installed and hung down
3Ease of operation
If a vertical support device with bracket and rubber block is used, then the coupler height can be maintained, but the space occupancy below the vehicle is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support spring, bracket, and adjusting mechanism into a compact nested structure where the spring is positioned within the bracket assembly, significantly reducing the space occupancy below the vehicle while maintaining coupler height maintenance function
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 device effectively reduces space occupancy, extends service life, and allows for real-time adjustment of coupler height while ensuring sufficient vertical support force, preventing coupler hanging and swaying.
Implementation Method 1
an uplifting force is applied to the buffer shell by configuring a rubber block, a spring box or other elastic elements
Implementation Method 2
A vertical spring support device comprising a support platform, bracket, support rod, support spring, and locknut
Data Source
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AI summary
A vertical spring support device for a coupler, comprises a support platform, a bracket, a support rod, a support spring, a wear sleeve and a locknut; the support spring is sheathed on the support rod, and an upper end of the support spring is resisted against a lower surface of the support platform while a lower end of the support spring is resisted against an upper end face of the bracket; an upper end of the support rod is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the support platform, while a bottom end of the support rod passes through the bracket and is then in threaded connection to the locknut via the wear sleeve; the support platform comprises a vertical support platform plate and a horizontal support platform plate, and a lower surface of the horizontal support platform plate is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support rod; and, the vertical support platform plate is vertically fixed on one side of the horizontal support platform plate close to the buffer shell