Willison Coupler Mounting System for Electrical Pneumatic Modules

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current railway couplers, particularly those based on the Willison profile like the SA-3, face challenges in integrating electrical and pneumatic modules due to mechanical features that cause damage to connections during operation, leading to increased manual operations, wear, and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system that incorporates electrical and pneumatic modules into a Willison-type coupler head with a guided carriage mechanism using elastic means for safe and secure movement, incorporating a pneumatic shut-off valve and electrical keypad, allowing for automatic connection and disconnection while maintaining connection integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrical and pneumatic modules are integrated into Willison-type coupler heads, then connection automation and efficiency are improved, but mechanical features of the coupler cause damage to connections during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection automationVSAvoidconnection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the coupler into separate functional modules: a mechanical coupling module (Willison-type coupler head) and an electrical/pneumatic module mounted on a carriage. This segmentation allows the mechanical coupler to perform its coupling function while the electrical/pneumatic modules are carried along separately, preventing mechanical damage to connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A carriage acts as an intermediary carrier that transports the electrical and pneumatic modules between coupler heads. The carriage is coupled to the mechanical coupler but maintains separate movement, serving as a mediator that protects the delicate electrical/pneumatic connections from the rough mechanical coupling forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual operations are performed for coupling and uncoupling, then connection control is maintained, but operational time and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection controlVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical and pneumatic modules are pre-mounted on the carriage, which is automatically coupled to the Willison-type coupler head. This preliminary arrangement allows automatic connection during coupling operations, eliminating the need for manual connection of electrical and pneumatic components while maintaining control through the automated coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If Willison-type coupler mechanical features are used, then coupling strength is maintained, but wear and stress on track and wheels increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidwear and stress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic elements through the carriage mechanism that can move independently relative to the coupler head. This dynamic arrangement allows the electrical/pneumatic modules to accommodate movements and reduce stress transmission to the track and wheels, while the Willison-type coupler head maintains its strength for mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables safe and efficient integration of electrical and pneumatic modules into Willison-type couplers, reducing manual operations, wear, and safety risks, while maintaining connection integrity and reducing operational stress on the couplers.

Implementation Method 1

a mounting system that incorporates electrical and pneumatic modules into a Willison-type coupler head with a guided carriage mechanism using elastic means for safe and secure movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20230257006A1Mounting system of a pneumatic module and of an electrical module, in a coupler head of a goods wagon

Publication Date: 2023.08.17 DELLNER COUPLERS AB

AI summary

A mounting system of a pneumatic module and of an electrical module, in a coupler head of a wagon or coach of a goods railway vehicle wherein both the module integrating the pneumatic connection, with the isolation or shut-off valve thereof, and the module corresponding to the electrical and data connection, are incorporated into a carriage coupled to the coupler head such that this carriage can perform a guided approach or connection movement by means of the action of an elastic means.