Telescoping Railroad Tool Pin Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for rotating railroad car wheel brakes and pivoting knuckle couplers require frequent ladder climbing, making the process time-consuming and hazardous for railroad employees.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping extension tool with a claw mechanism that allows for adjustable length and secure engagement with railroad car components, enabling remote operation without the need for ladder access, featuring a pin system for locking and unlocking pole extensions with minimal resistance and preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed-length tool is used to reach railroad car components, then the tool structure is simple, but the operator must climb ladders which is time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs telescoping poles where the second pole is partially disposed in the first pole, allowing the tool length to be extended or retracted. This nesting structure enables the operator to adjust the tool length to reach railroad car components from the ground, eliminating the need to climb ladders while maintaining a compact storage form.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool transitions from a fixed-length structure to a dynamically adjustable length through the telescoping mechanism. The pin system allows the operator to lock the poles at various extension positions, providing adaptability to different working distances and improving operator safety by enabling ground-level access to elevated components.
2Ease of operation
If a telescoping mechanism is added to the tool, then the operator can work from a safe distance, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple segments (first pole and second pole) that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tool to extend or retract by telescoping the poles, enabling remote operation while keeping each segment structurally simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin system acts as an intermediary mechanism to lock and unlock the telescoping poles. By inserting the pin into apertures on the poles, the operator can secure the desired extension length, providing a simple and reliable locking mechanism that does not require complex fastening systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool length is frequently adjusted, then the operator can adapt to different positions, but the locking mechanism may jam or fail
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pin system provides beforehand cushioning by automatically retracting the pin when resistance is encountered during insertion. This prevents the pin from forcing its way into misaligned apertures, reducing the risk of jamming and ensuring smooth operation during frequent length adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows parameter changes in length by telescoping the poles to different extension levels. The multiple apertures on each pole provide discrete locking positions, enabling the operator to select the appropriate length for different working conditions while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.
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 tool allows for safe and efficient rotation of wheel brakes and pivoting of knuckle couplers from a safe distance, reducing operator risk and improving workflow by allowing the tool to be extended and retracted with ease, minimizing manual effort and preventing jamming issues.
Implementation Method 1
A spring biases the pin into the protruded position for extending into a selected one of the plurality of apertures of the second pole for fixing the position of the second pole relative to the first pole
Implementation Method 2
A first bushing defines an internal bore and an exterior surface. A second bushing defines an internal bore and an exterior surface. The second pole is partially disposed in the first pole with the internal bore of the first bushing slidably engaging with the exterior surface of the second pole and with the exterior surface of the second bushing slidably engaging with the internal bore of the first pole
Data Source
AI summary
An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.