Train Coupler Connection Device Recess for Pivot Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for multi-car vehicles, particularly trains, face limitations in creating a large rectifying momentum while navigating tracks with small radii of curvature, as the distance between the longitudinal axis and the surface section of the bearing bracket that contacts the stopper restricts pivot angles, leading to unwanted rectifying momentum during normal driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
The connection device incorporates a recess in the bearing bracket or stopper, allowing the surface section of the stopper to move past the bearing bracket in a second driving condition, preventing contact and thus eliminating or modifying the rectifying momentum, and enabling larger pivot angles without creating rectifying forces, by providing additional surface sections for interaction in this condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the surface section of the bearing bracket that contacts the stopper is moved away from the longitudinal axis in normal driving condition, then the rectifying momentum is increased, but the pivot angle that the end section can achieve is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing bracket is designed with a recess that changes the contact geometry dynamically based on the pivot angle. In normal driving condition (small pivot angles), the surface section is positioned to create substantial rectifying momentum. When the pivot angle increases beyond a threshold, the end section pivots into the recess, allowing the surface section to move past the bearing bracket and eliminating rectifying momentum. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maximizing rectifying momentum and maintaining large pivot angles for curve negotiation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surface section of the bearing bracket that contacts the stopper is placed closer towards the longitudinal axis, then the pivot angle is increased, but the rectifying momentum is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The recess creates a dynamic transition in contact geometry. For small pivot angles (normal driving), the surface section maintains its position to generate rectifying momentum. When the pivot angle exceeds the threshold, the end section rotates into the recess, causing the surface section to pass the bearing bracket and eliminating rectifying momentum. This allows large pivot angles without unwanted rectifying forces during curve negotiation.
3Force
If the distance between the longitudinal axis and the contact surface section is increased, then the rectifying momentum is enhanced, but the device cannot accommodate tracks with small radii of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The recess enables the connection device to adapt its geometry dynamically. During straight-line travel, the surface section is positioned far from the longitudinal axis to maximize rectifying momentum. When navigating curves with small radii of curvature, the end section pivots into the recess, allowing the surface section to move past the bearing bracket and eliminating rectifying momentum that would otherwise resist the pivot. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to accommodate both straight-line stability and curve negotiation requirements.
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
This design allows for increased pivot angles without generating rectifying momentum in curved conditions, enhancing the vehicle's ability to navigate small-radius curves while maintaining substantial rectifying momentum in straight-line conditions, thus improving the vehicle's operational flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged between the stopper and the bearing bracket, whereby upon application of force along the longitudinal axis of the end section of the connection rod or coupler rod the elastic element is compressed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (1) suitable to connect a coupler rod or a connection rod to a car of a multi-car vehicle, whereby the connection device has a bearing bracket (2), an end section (3) of a coupler rod or a connection rod, whereby the end section (3) is pivotably connected to the bearing bracket (2) in such a manner that the end section (3) can pivot relative to the bearing bracket (2) about a pivot axis (C-C) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the end section (3) of the coupler rod or connection rod, a stopper (5) fixedly or pivotably connected to the end section, an elastic element, whereby upon application of force along the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the end section (3) of the coupler rod or connection rod the elastic element is compressed, whereby in a first driving condition, which is defined by a first position of the end section relative to the bearing bracket (2), a surface section (10) of the stopper (5) comes into contact with a surface section (11) of the bearing bracket (2), if the application of force along the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the end section (3) of the connection rod or coupler rod deforms the elastic element, wherein the bearing bracket (2) and/or the stopper (5) has a recess (12) such that in a second driving condition that is different from the first driving condition in that the end section (3) has a second position relative to the bearing bracket (2), the surface section (10) of the stopper (5) moves passed the surface section (11) of the bearing bracket (2), if a force along the longitudinal axis (B-B) of the end section (3) of the coupler rod or connection rod is applied and the elastic element is deformed.