Automatic Train Coupling Feedback Control for Detent Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic train couplings, particularly for freight wagons, face issues where unavoidable play in the train coupling joint leads to the passive coupling head not being locked in the detent position during uncoupling, causing difficulty in subsequent coupling.
Innovation Solution
An automatic train coupling system with a sensor system that detects the movement of the coupling lock relative to the coupling head housing and controls an actuator to ensure the coupling is automatically moved into the uncoupled position, regardless of external commands, by detecting deviations from the coupled position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the coupling lock is designed as a rotary lock with spring accumulator for automatic coupling, then the coupling process is simplified and automated, but unavoidable play in the coupling joint causes the passive coupling head to fail locking in the detent position during uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system detects the rotational position of the frog in the passive coupling head and provides feedback to a control unit. When the sensor detects that the frog has rotated to a position indicating uncoupling initiation, the control unit automatically activates the uncoupling device to ensure the frog returns to the detent position, thereby maintaining reliable locking despite play in the coupling joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive coupling head is equipped with its own sensor system and control unit that automatically detect and respond to uncoupling initiation. Instead of relying solely on the active coupling head, the passive coupling head monitors its own state and self-corrects by activating its uncoupling device to return the frog to the proper detent position, ensuring reliable locking.
2Device complexity
If the uncoupling device is manually operated or externally controlled, then the device complexity is reduced, but the passive coupling head cannot automatically return to the coupled position after uncoupling initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors the frog's rotational position and provides feedback to the control unit. When uncoupling is initiated and the frog moves away from the detent position, the sensor detects this change and triggers the control unit to automatically activate the uncoupling device, ensuring the frog returns to the correct position for subsequent coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect the frog's position and control units automatically activate the uncoupling device, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring the frog returns to the proper detent position for reliable subsequent coupling.
3Productivity
If the frog rotates beyond the detent position during uncoupling, then the coupling eyes can be released, but the passive coupling head fails to lock back into the detent position due to play in the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system detects when the frog rotates beyond the detent position during uncoupling and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit then activates the uncoupling device to ensure the frog returns to and locks in the correct detent position, maintaining position accuracy despite the rapid uncoupling motion and play in the coupling joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is positioned to detect the frog's rotational position before it completes its full rotation. This allows the control unit to activate the uncoupling device in advance to ensure the frog returns to the detent position, preventing position inaccuracies before they occur during the uncoupling process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic train coupling (100, 100'), in particular for a freight car of a track-guided vehicle. The automatic train coupling (100, 100') has a coupling head (1, 1') with a coupling closure (3, 3') which has a lock, and the coupling closure (3, 3') is designed as a rotary lock with a coupling link (5, 5') and a core (6, 6') which can be rotated between a coupled position and a decoupled position. The train coupling (100, 100') according to the invention additionally has a decoupling device (11, 11') with an actuator (12, 12') which is operatively connected to the core (6, 6') and which is designed to act on the core (6, 6') upon demand in order to rotate the core (6, 6') from the coupled position into the decoupled position. The train coupling (100, 100') according to the invention has a sensor system (18, 18') which is designed to directly or indirectly detect a movement of the coupling closure (3, 3') and output a corresponding signal to a controller which actuates the actuator (12, 12') of the decoupling device (11, 11') on the basis of the signal output by the sensor system (18, 18').