Trainline Support Assembly for Rail Car Air Brake Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unintended uncouplings of the trainline in rail car air brake systems lead to unnecessary train stoppages, causing significant financial losses due to violent forces affecting the brake system during operation.
Innovation Solution
A rail car air brake end hose support assembly that includes a rigid metallic rear support bracket, a front support bracket, and a tray to constrain lateral and vertical movement of the trainline while allowing longitudinal movement, thereby reducing the likelihood of uncouplings by mimicking the motion of the Y-47 pin and coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trainline is allowed to move freely to accommodate train motion, then the trainline can negotiate turns and travel down the track, but violent forces can cause unintended uncouplings at the glad hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible hoses as part of the trainline assembly to provide necessary movement accommodation while maintaining connection integrity. The flexible hose allows the trainline to negotiate turns and accommodate train motion without rigid constraints that would cause uncoupling under violent forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly includes movable mounting mechanisms that allow the trainline to move dynamically with the train while maintaining controlled positioning. The support structure transitions from static to dynamic, enabling the trainline to adapt to train motion while preventing excessive movement that would cause uncoupling.
2Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to prevent trainline movement, then uncoupling is reduced, but the trainline cannot negotiate turns and train motion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The trainline support system is divided into multiple segments including rigid support brackets, flexible hose sections, and movable mounting components. This segmentation allows different parts to perform specialized functions - rigid sections provide stability while flexible sections accommodate motion and turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines rigid support structures with flexible hose assemblies into an integrated trainline support system. The rigid brackets provide stable mounting while the flexible hose portions enable movement and negotiation of turns, merging the advantages of both rigid and flexible elements.
3Reliability
If complex support assemblies are used to prevent uncoupling, then reliability increases, but installation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is pre-configured and pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation on the train. The rigid brackets, flexible hoses, and mounting components are prepared in advance, allowing for quick installation by simply mounting the complete assembly rather than assembling multiple individual components during maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
An end hose support assembly for a rail car is disclosed. The end hose support assembly may include a rear support bracket configured to be removably engaged within a yoke and the support assembly may constrain the lateral and vertical movement of a portion of the trainline.