Train Front Hatch Mounting with Rotating Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mountings for train front hatches are complex and require significant space when open, due to the need for two separable sections to move around the coupler, limiting design simplicity and clearance.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system where the front hatch is connected to an actuator that can rotate relative to the car, allowing the hatch to increase its rotational path radius around a point of contact, facilitated by a ball joint or hinged connection, and guided by a path that adjusts the distance between connection points to prevent collision with the coupler head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If two separable hatch sections are used to move around the coupler, then the hatch can clear the coupler head, but the device complexity increases and more space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch is divided into two separable sections that can be independently positioned. This allows each section to follow a different trajectory during rotation, enabling the hatch to clear the coupler head without requiring a complex multi-stage rotation mechanism. The first section rotates along a first path while the second section rotates along a second path, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to a single complex rotating assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the rotation paths by using a cantilever beam that extends upward from the chassis. The hatch sections rotate in vertical planes rather than horizontal planes, creating three-dimensional rotation paths that clear the coupler head more effectively. This dimensional change allows the hatch to achieve the necessary clearance without increasing the horizontal footprint or device complexity.
2Length of moving object
If two separable hatch sections are used to move around the coupler, then the hatch can clear the coupler head, but the space required behind the coupler increases
Solution Approach 1:
By rotating the hatch sections in vertical planes along the cantilever beam rather than horizontal planes, the patent achieves the necessary rotational path radius without requiring additional horizontal space behind the coupler. The vertical dimension provides the clearance needed for the hatch sections to move around the coupler head while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The two hatch sections can be positioned nested against each other when not in use, and can be sequentially positioned during rotation. This nesting capability allows the hatch sections to occupy minimal space when retracted, reducing the volume required behind the coupler while still enabling the full rotational motion needed to clear the coupler head.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is connected rigidly to the car, then the actuator positioning is fixed, but the hatch cannot adjust its rotational path to clear the coupler head
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator connection to the car is made dynamic through a ball joint at the first end of the actuator. This ball joint allows the actuator to pivot and adjust its orientation relative to the car chassis, enabling the hatch to follow adjusted rotational paths that clear the coupler head. The dynamic connection provides adaptability without requiring complex adjustable mounting mechanisms, as the ball joint naturally accommodates the required motion ranges.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting for a front hatch of a car of train, which front hatch is intended to move relative to a point of contact that forms part of the car, which mounting comprises an actuator that can be connected to the point of contact of the car in a manner that allows the actuator to rotate relative to the point of contact, thereby defining a first point of connection of the actuator and can be connected to the front hatch, thereby defining a second point of connection of the actuator, whereby in a first operational state of the mounting the first point and the second point are distanced apart by a first distance and whereby in this first operational state the actuator can be actuated to increase the distance between the first point of connection and a second point of connection, a guide that guides the movement of the second point of connection along a path when the actuator is actuated in the first operational state to increase the distance between the first point of connection and a second point of connection, whereby a releasable lock that in the locked state holds a part of the guide in a predetermined position relative to the first point of connection and in the unlocked state allows the part of the guide to move relative to first point of connection, and/or a further guide that guides the movement of the second point of connection along a further path after the actuator has increased the distance between the first point of connection and a second point of connection to a second distance and while the distance between the first point of connection and a second point of connection is kept constant or is decreased.