Railway bogie assembly with compressible side bearings

Abstract

A side bearing assembly for a truck assembly of a railway vehicle includes a base, a cap movably coupled to the base, and one or more elastomeric springs disposed between the base and the cap. The one or more elastomeric springs include a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 079,812, filed on October 26, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to bogie assemblies for rail vehicles, such as railcars, and more particularly to bogie assemblies including one or more compressible side bearings configured to stabilize the railcar during travel. Background Art

[0004] A rail vehicle travels along a railway having a track including guide rails. The rail vehicle includes one or more bogie assemblies supporting one or more vehicle bodies. Each bogie assembly includes two side frames and a bolster. Friction shoes are disposed between the bolster and the side frames. The friction shoes are configured to provide damping for the suspension.

[0005] Freight railcars typically include a vehicle body that carries bulk goods, finished goods, and the like. The vehicle body includes a center sill extending from a first end to an opposite second end beneath the vehicle body. A coupling system is attached to the ends of the center sill. The coupling system couples the railcar to adjacent railcars.

[0006] The bolsters are located near the ends of the center sill. They extend laterally across the vehicle body and underneath it. Bolsters extend from both sides and attach to the center sill. The center panel is centered on the body bolsters and positioned below the center sill.

[0007] The bogie assembly typically has a centrally located hub or bowl. The center plate of the vehicle body typically sits on the hub or bowl of the bogie assembly. Vertical loads from the vehicle body are transferred from the center plate to the hub or bowl of the bogie assembly. Typically, the bogie assembly is configured to rotate about the interface between the hub or bowl.

[0008] A typical bogie assembly also includes side bearings located outboard of the center bowl. The side bearings are configured to limit the body roll and ensure that the body does not roll over.

[0009] Known side bearings include compression springs or elastic elements to damp the roll loads exerted by the vehicle body on the bogie assembly. The side bearings also damp the rotational inertia of the bogie assembly, thereby increasing the stability of the rail vehicle.

[0010] However, known side bearings for rail vehicles can be subject to inherent instabilities. While such instabilities have been known and present, they are becoming more pronounced with increasing freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and stricter safety standards. Summary of the Invention

[0011] There is a need for a side bearing that provides improved stability for a rail vehicle. Further, there is a need for a side bearing that provides improved control of roll, yaw, etc.

[0012] With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle. The side bearing assembly includes a base, a cap movably coupled to the base, and one or more elastomeric springs disposed between the base and the cap. The one or more elastomeric springs include a foam material having an air pocket configured to be compressed. In at least one embodiment, the air pocket forms at least half of the one or more elastomeric springs.

[0013] As an example, the one or more elastomeric springs include a head having a first width and a neck having a second width less than the first width. As a further example, the one or more elastomeric springs further include a foot having a third width greater than the second width.

[0014] As an example, the base includes a central support and the elastomeric spring is accommodated between the cap and the central support.

[0015] As an example, the base includes a collar having an alignment rim. The alignment rim extends inwardly toward the cap.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, one or more friction adjusters are disposed between the collar of the base and the wall of the cap.

[0017] As one example, the cap includes a lower protruding portion and the base includes a collar having an upper ridge. The cap is positioned below the upper ridge.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the one or more elastomeric springs include a first elastomeric spring and a second elastomeric spring. As a further example, the first elastomeric spring has a first density, and the second elastomeric spring has a second density different from the first density.

[0019] In at least one embodiment, the one or more elastomeric springs include one or more recesses.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, an alignment plate secures the one or more elastomeric springs to the base.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for forming a side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle. The method includes movably coupling a cap to a base and disposing one or more elastomeric springs between the base and the cap. The one or more elastomeric springs include a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed.

[0022] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a truck assembly configured to travel along a track having guide rails. The truck assembly includes a first side frame, a second side frame, a bolster extending between the first and second side frames, a first wheel set coupled to the first and second side frames, a second wheel set coupled to the first and second side frames, a first side bearing assembly coupled to the bolster, and a second side bearing assembly coupled to the bolster. The first side bearing assembly is mounted on a top surface of the bolster between the bolster bowl and the first end. The second side bearing assembly is mounted on a top surface of the bolster between the bolster bowl and the second end. One or both of the first side bearing assembly and the second side bearing assembly can be configured as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective top view of a truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A perspective top view of a side bearing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Top view of the side bearing.

[0026] Figure 4 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0027] Figure 5 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0028] Figure 6 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0029] Figure 7 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0030] Figure 8 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0031] Figure 9 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0032] Figure 10 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0033] Figure 11 A flow chart illustrating a method of forming a side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood. As used herein, elements or steps recorded in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the described features. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "include" or "have" one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements without the particular condition.

[0035] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a side bearing assembly comprising an elastomeric spring configured for use in volumetric compression to dampen vehicle body roll energy. When the elastomeric spring is used in volumetric compression, the maximum load the spring can carry increases, while also significantly increasing the hysteresis, or energy absorption, of the elastomer. For certain elastomers, energy absorption in volumetric compression can be at least six times greater than that of the same elastomer used in free compression.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric spring is or includes a foam material, such as microcellular polyurethane, within a defined volume or space. In at least one embodiment, the foam material is an open-cell foam material, wherein the cells collapse toward each other during compression. The cells (e.g., air pockets) within the foam material are compressible, which enables increased, controlled compression of the elastomeric spring.

[0037] The elastomeric spring is configured for volumetric compression. The elastomeric spring is disposed within a defined space that constrains or otherwise limits outward expansion of the elastomeric spring during compression. Because the elastomeric spring comprises a foam material (e.g., is formed at least partially of a foam material), there is the advantage of applying greater force with travel due to compression of the air voids rather than the material. For example, if the foam material is at least half air (e.g., at least half of the foam material is formed of air pockets), the material can compress by nearly 50% before the force characteristics begin to show signs of incompressibility.

[0038] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle. The side bearing assembly includes a base, a cap movably coupled to the base, and at least one elastomeric spring positioned between the base and the cap. The elastomeric spring (or springs) includes a foam material having one or more openings, such as air pockets configured to be compressed. The foam material is configured to allow the elastomeric spring to compress. For example, the foam material may include hundreds, thousands, or even millions of openings.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective top view of a truck assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The truck assembly 100 is configured to travel along a track 102 having a guide rail 104. The truck assembly 100 includes a first side frame 106 and a second side frame 108 spaced apart from each other. A bolster 110 extends between the first side frame 106 and the second side frame 108 and couples the first side frame 106 to the second side frame 108.

[0040] A first wheel set 112 is rotatably coupled to a first end 114 of the first side frame 106 and a first end 116 of the second side frame 108, and a second wheel set 118 is rotatably coupled to a second end 120 of the first side frame 106 and a second end 122 of the second side frame 108. Each of the first wheel set 112 and the second wheel set 118 includes an axle 124 connected to a wheel 126. The wheel 126 is supported on the rail 104 and is configured to travel on the rail as the axle 124 rotates relative to the first side frame 106 and the second side frame 108.

[0041] The first side frame 106 and the second side frame 108 include a damping system 128. For example, the damping system 128 includes one or more springs, friction shoes, or the like, which are configured to dampen forces applied to and / or by the truck assembly 100 as it travels along the guide rail 102.

[0042] The bolster 110 includes ends 130 and 132 (e.g., a first end 130 and an opposing second end 132) that extend through openings 134 of the side frames 106 and 108. The bolster 110 also includes a bolster bowl 136 that extends outwardly from an upper surface 138. As shown, the bolster bowl 136 is centrally located on the upper surface 138 of the bolster 110 between the ends 130 and 132.

[0043] The ends of axle 124 are rotatably held by bearings 140, which are coupled to side frames 106 and 108. Specifically, wheel sets 112 and 118 are coupled to side frames 106 and 108 at pedestals 142 of side frames 106 and 108. Pedestals 142 are coupled to bearing adapters 144, which are coupled to bearings 140.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the damping system 128 includes a spring pack 146 supported within the openings 134 of the side frames 106 and 108. The spring pack 146 includes a load coil 148 and a control coil 150. The load coil 148 supports the bolster 110 at the ends 130 and 132. The control coil 150 supports the friction shoe 152.

[0045] A first side bearing assembly 200 is mounted on the top surface 138 of the bolster 110 between the bolster bowl 136 and the end 130. A second side bearing assembly 200 is mounted on the top surface 138 of the bolster 110 between the bolster bowl 136 and the end 132. The first and second side bearing assemblies 200 can be aligned along a central longitudinal plane 161 of the bolster 110, which passes through a center 163 of the bolster bowl 136. Each side bearing assembly 200 can be spaced the same distance from the center 163, but in opposite directions.

[0046] Figure 2 A side bearing 200 (eg, Figure 1 ) is a perspective top view. Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A top view of the side bearing 200. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The side bearing 200 includes a base 202, a cap 204 movably fixed to the base 202, and a compressible elastic spring ( Figure 2 not shown).

[0047] The base 202 includes a mounting flange 206 and a collar 208 (e.g., a tube) extending upwardly from the mounting flange 206. The mounting flange 206 may include one or more fastener through-holes 210 configured to receive and retain fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, or the like) configured to securely fasten the base 202 to the bolster 110 ( Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the mounting flange 206 may be secured to the bolster 110 by bonding, welding, adhesives, and / or the like in place of or in addition to separate fasteners.

[0048] refer to Figure 1-3The mounting flange 206 is mounted on the top surface 138 of the bolster 110 between the bolster bowl 136 and the end 130. The side bearing assembly 200 is configured to limit the roll of the vehicle body supported by the bogie assembly 100, thereby increasing the stability of the vehicle body and bogie assembly 100, as well as the rail vehicle including the vehicle body and bogie assembly 100. The top surface 212 of the cap 204 is configured to abut against the wear plate of the vehicle body. As described herein, the side bearing assembly 200 includes an elastomeric spring comprising a foam material, such as an open-cell foam material having a plurality of air pockets. For example, the elastomeric spring is formed from a foam material having air pockets. The elastomeric spring is configured to be compressed. The compression is confined to a defined spatial volume.

[0049] When a rail vehicle, including a truck assembly 100 and a car body supported on the truck assembly 100, travels along guide rails 102, disturbances in the guide rails 102 are transferred to the rail vehicle in the form of displacement. The displacement of the car body's center of gravity on the truck assembly 100 generates roll energy, which changes the weight distribution of the car body and / or truck assembly 100 on the wheel sets 112 and 118. The center of gravity of the rail vehicle is the point at which the weight of the car body and cargo acts. This weight acts around the center bowl 136 and side bearing assemblies 200, damping roll forces and preventing rollover.

[0050] The size and shape of the side bearing assembly 200 can vary. As shown, the collar 208 can be tubular. However, the collar 208 can have a different shape, such as a block, and the cap 204 can have an axial cross-section different from that shown. Furthermore, the mounting flange 206 can include more or fewer fastener holes 210 than shown.

[0051] Figure 4 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side support is through Figure 3 The base 202 includes an interior chamber 214 defined between an inner surface 216 of the collar 208 and an upper surface 218 of a rim 219 of the mounting flange 206. An opening 220 may be formed through the rim 219 of the mounting flange 206.

[0052] The cap 204 includes a circumferential or perimeter wall 222 extending downwardly from the top surface 212. The wall 222 can slope inwardly from the top surface 212 to the lower edge 213. A retaining chamber 226 is defined between the top surface 212 and the wall 222.

[0053] An elastomeric spring 230 is retained between the cap 204 and the base 202. The elastomeric spring 230 includes a foam material 232 having a plurality of open cells, such as air pockets 234. For example, the elastomeric spring 230 is an open-cell foam material having the air pockets 234. In at least one embodiment, the air pockets 234 form at least half of the entire body of the elastomeric spring 230. Alternatively, the air pockets 234 may form less than half of the entire body of the elastomeric spring 230.

[0054] The elastomeric spring 230 includes an hourglass shape. For example, the elastomeric spring 230 includes an expanded head 236 that is housed within the cap 204 proximal to the top surface 212. The width of the elastomeric spring 230 decreases from the head 236 to a reduced neck 238. The neck 238 has a reduced diameter or width compared to the head 236. For example, the width 239 of the head 236 is greater than the width 241 of the neck 238. The width of the elastomeric spring 230 can gradually and continuously decrease from the head 236 to the neck 238. The foot 240 of the elastomeric spring 230 can be wider than the neck 238. For example, the width 243 of the foot 240 is greater than the width 241. The width 243 can be greater than, less than, or equal to the width 239. In at least one embodiment, the foot 240 extends through the opening 220 of the mounting flange 206 and is configured to rest against the top surface of the bolster 110 ( Figure 1 ). Alternatively, the mounting flange 206 may not include the opening 220 , in which case the standoffs 240 rest into the top surface of the mounting flange 206 below the cap 204 .

[0055] In at least one embodiment, the width of the elastomeric spring 230 can decrease from the head 236 to the foot 240, rather than the foot 240 being wider than the neck 238. The reduced diameter of the neck 238 relative to the head 236 ensures that the elastomeric spring 230 remains contained and restrained beneath the cap 204 during compression.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the elastomeric spring 230 is in a resting state such that no force is applied downwardly to the top surface 212 of the cap in the direction of arrow B. As force is applied to the top surface 212 in the direction of arrow B, for example, through a wear plate of the vehicle body, the air pockets 234 compress and move toward each other, thereby allowing the elastomeric spring 230 to compress. The reduced width of the neck 238 prevents the elastomeric spring 230 from expanding outwardly between the lower edge 213 of the cap 204 and the rim 219 of the mounting flange 206, thereby allowing the cap 204 to bottom out on the base 202.

[0057] The head 236 is retained within the cap 204. Thus, when the elastomeric spring 230 is compressed, the head 236 is constrained from moving out of the cap 204. The neck 238 has a reduced width compared to the head 236, thereby constraining outward expansion. In particular, the neck 238 has a smaller width than the head 236 and is therefore prevented from expanding outward into the space between the lower edge 213 of the cap 204 and the rim 219 during compression. Further, the legs 240 are constrained between the rim 219 and the top surface of the bolster 110 (e.g., Figure 1 The edge 219 ensures that the elastomeric spring 230 is correctly oriented relative to the base 202, for example, centered.

[0058] The elastomeric spring 230 is compressed within the volume defined between the cap 204, the rim 219, and the bolster 110. The compression of the elastomeric spring 230 is constrained between the inner surface 246 of the cap 204, the inner edge surface 248 of the rim 219, and the top surface of the bolster 110. The reduced width of the neck 238 ensures that the elastomeric spring 230 does not expand outward between the lower edge 213 and the rim 219 during compression.

[0059] The elastic body spring 230 is used in volume compression to damp the roll energy of the vehicle body. When the elastic body spring 230 is used in volume compression, the maximum load that the elastic body spring 230 can bear increases, and at the same time, the hysteresis or energy absorption of the elastic body spring 230 also greatly increases.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric spring 230 is formed from a foam material 232 having air pockets 234. In at least one example, the foam material 232 is a microcellular polyurethane foam material having air pockets 234. The air pockets 234 provide pores that collapse toward each other during compression.

[0061] As noted, the wear plate 260 of the body 262 contacts the top surface 212 of the cap 204. In the nominal rest position, the mass of the body 262 exerts a force on the cap 204 and into the elastomeric spring 230. This compressed nominal height is referred to as the set height of the side bearing assembly 200. The force into the elastomeric spring 230 reacts against the top surface of the bolster 110 (e.g., Figure 1) or on the top surface of the base 202 (e.g., the top of the bracket). When the elastomeric spring 230 is compressed, the outer surface of the head 236 of the elastomeric spring 230 tends to expand outward but is constrained by the cap 204. As the elastomeric spring 230 expands outward (i.e., expands away from the central longitudinal axis 270 of the elastomeric spring 230 in the rest state), the head 236 exerts a force on the inner surface 246 of the cap 204. When the elastomeric spring 230 contacts the inner surface 246 and continues to be vertically compressed in the direction of arrow B, the sliding of the outer surface of the head 236 on the inner surface 246 of the cap 204 generates a friction force. This friction force greatly increases the damping capacity of the elastomeric spring 230, exceeding that achievable through free compression alone.

[0062] As the vehicle body 262 experiences roll and other dynamic motions, the elastomeric springs 230 compress and expand above and below a set height at opposite rates on either end of the bolster 110. When the vehicle body 262 experiences significant roll, the elastomeric springs 230 compress on one side of the bolster 110 until the lower edge 213 of the cap 204 contacts the rim 219, which provides a hard stop on the base 202.

[0063] Figure 5 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3 In this embodiment, the elastomeric spring 230 is supported on a central bracket 280 extending upward from the mounting flange 206. A channel 282 is defined between the bracket 280 and the collar 208. The elastomeric spring 230 can be in a rest position (e.g., Figure 5 2 and a fully compressed position. As the cap 204 moves downward in the direction of arrow B or upward in the direction of arrow B', the cap 204 is guided between an inner surface 284 of the collar 208 and an outer surface 286 of the bracket 280.

[0064] The elastic spring 230 may have a block shape or a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the elastic spring 230 may have an hourglass shape, such as Figure 4 shown.

[0065] Figure 6 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 6 The embodiment shown is similar to Figure 5The embodiment shown differs in that a bracket 280 is used and an alignment rim 300 extends inwardly from an upper edge 302 of the collar 208. The alignment rim 300 prevents or otherwise reduces the likelihood of the cap 204 rolling and binding about the bracket 280, for example by reducing moments generated by side loads from the vehicle body. The alignment rim 300 extends inwardly from the upper edge 302 of the collar 208 toward the outer surface of the wall 222 of the cap 204. The alignment rim 300 can be used with any of the embodiments described herein, such as Figure 4 The embodiment shown in .

[0066] Figure 7 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 7 The embodiment shown is similar to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiment shown differs in that one or more friction adjusters 310 (e.g., blocks, beams, sheaths, rings, or the like) may be disposed within the channel 282 between the collar 208 and the wall 222 of the cap 204. The friction adjusters 310 align the cap 204 relative to the base 202, similar to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. Figure 6 The alignment edge 300 is shown and described. The sliding surface 312 of the friction adjuster 310 that contacts the wall 222 provides a low coefficient of friction, which allows the cap 204 to slide smoothly while reducing the moment generated by the side load from the vehicle body. The friction adjuster 310 can be formed of a low friction material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The friction adjuster 310 can be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

[0067] Figure 8 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3 2. A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the cap 204 includes a lower protrusion 330 positioned below an upper ridge 332 of the collar 208. The upper ridge 332 prevents the cap 204 from popping away from the collar 208, for example by abutting against the lower protrusion 330. The elastomeric spring 230 may be completely contained between the mounting flange 206, the collar 208, and the cap 204.

[0068] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the cap 204 provides a plunger that rests on an elastomeric spring 230. An upper ridge 332 of the collar 208 provides a plunger stop.

[0069] Figure 9 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3sectional view taken along line AA. In this embodiment, the side bearing 200 includes a first elastomeric spring 230a and a second elastomeric spring 230b, which is different from the first elastomeric spring 230a. The first and second elastomeric springs 230a, 230b may have different properties. As shown in the figure, the second elastomeric spring 230b may be stacked on the first elastomeric spring 230a.

[0070] The first elastomeric spring 230a can have a first density and a first stiffness. The second elastomeric spring 230b can have a second density and a second stiffness. The first density and the second density can be different. The first stiffness and the second stiffness can be different. In at least one embodiment, additional elastomeric springs can be used, which can also have different densities and stiffnesses.

[0071] The first elastomeric spring 230a can have a higher density than the second elastomeric spring 230b. Alternatively, the first elastomeric spring 230a can have a lower density than the second elastomeric spring 230b. Any of the embodiments described herein can have multiple elastomeric springs that may or may not have different densities and / or stiffnesses.

[0072] Figure 10 An embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown Figure 3 The side bearing 200 passed Figure 3 2. In this embodiment, one or more recesses 400 may be formed into the outer surface of the elastomeric spring 230. The recess 400 may be a pocket, a recessed area, a cutout, or the like. The recess 400 may be multiple features, or may be a continuous annular structure.

[0073] After the air voids (e.g., air pockets 234) have been sufficiently compressed and the material is in volumetric compression, the recess 400 helps to further compress the elastomeric spring 230. Because the material of the elastomeric spring 230, other than the air pockets 234, may be incompressible, the elastomeric spring 230 tends to find voids in the side bearing assembly 200 into which it squeezes as more load is applied. Figure 10 As shown, such a gap may be a tolerance clearance between the cap 204, the bracket 280, and the collar 208. The recess 400 provides reduced material, thereby reducing the likelihood of the elastomeric spring 230 squeezing into the gap.

[0074] like Figure 10 As shown, the elastomeric spring 230 can be coupled to an alignment plate 402. The alignment plate 402 can be held within tighter tolerances to keep the elastomeric spring 230 centered under the cap 204. Alternatively, the side bearing assembly 200 can exclude the alignment plate 402.

[0075] Any of the embodiments described herein can include an alignment plate 402 . Further, the elastomeric spring 230 of any of the embodiments described herein can include one or more recesses 400 .

[0076] Figure 11 A flow chart illustrating a method for forming a side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The method includes: at 500, movably coupling a cap to a base; and at 502, disposing one or more elastomeric springs between the base and the cap. The one or more elastomeric springs include a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed. In at least one embodiment, the method further includes forming at least half of the one or more elastomeric springs with air pockets.

[0077] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide side bearing assemblies that provide increased stability for rail vehicles. Further, the side bearing assemblies provide enhanced control of roll, yaw, and the like.

[0078] Although various spatial and directional terms (e.g., top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that an upper portion is a lower portion, vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0079] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally formed, configured, or adjusted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with one another. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Although the sizes and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are by no means limiting, but rather exemplary embodiments. Upon reviewing the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the following claim limitations are not drafted in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for..." followed by a functional description without further structure.

[0081] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A side bearing assembly for a bogie assembly of a rail vehicle, the side bearing assembly comprising: a base, the base comprising an interior chamber; a cap movably coupled to the base, wherein the cap includes a perimeter wall extending from a top surface, and wherein a holding chamber is defined between the top surface and the perimeter wall; and one or more elastomeric springs disposed between the base and the cap, wherein at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric springs is contained within the retention chamber between the top surface and the peripheral wall, and Wherein, the one or more elastic springs include: a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed; a head portion having a first width, wherein the at least a portion received within the holding chamber comprises the head portion; and A neck having a second width that is less than the first width, wherein the neck is located within the interior chamber and outside the cap, and wherein an intermediate width between the first width and the second width gradually and continuously decreases from the first width to the second width.

2. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The air bag forms at least half of the one or more elastomeric springs.

3. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs further include a leg having a third width, the third width being greater than the second width.

4. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a central support, and wherein the elastomeric spring is received between the cap and the central support.

5. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The base includes a collar having an alignment rim, and wherein the alignment rim extends inwardly toward the cap.

6. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The side bearing assembly further includes one or more friction adjusters disposed between the collar of the base and the wall of the cap.

7. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The cap includes a lower protruding portion, and wherein the base includes a collar having an upper ridge, wherein the cap is below the upper ridge.

8. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs include a first elastomeric spring and a second elastomeric spring.

9. The side bearing assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first elastomeric spring has a first density, and wherein the second elastomeric spring has a second density different than the first density.

10. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs include one or more recesses.

11. The side bearing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The side bearing assembly further includes an alignment plate securing the one or more elastomeric springs to the base.

12. A method of forming a side bearing assembly for a truck assembly of a railway vehicle, the method comprising: movably coupling a cap to a base, wherein the cap includes a perimeter wall extending from a top surface, wherein a retaining chamber is defined between the top surface and the perimeter wall, and wherein the base includes an interior chamber; and one or more elastomeric springs are disposed between the base and the cap, wherein at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric springs is contained within the retaining chamber, and Wherein, the one or more elastic springs include: a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed; a head portion having a first width, wherein the at least a portion received within the holding chamber comprises the head portion; and A neck having a second width that is less than the first width, wherein the neck is located within the interior chamber and outside the cap, and wherein an intermediate width between the first width and the second width gradually and continuously decreases from the first width to the second width.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further includes forming at least half of the one or more elastomeric springs with the air bag.

14. A truck assembly configured to travel along a track having guide rails, the truck assembly comprising: a first side frame; a second side frame; a bolster extending between the first side frame and the second side frame; a first wheel set coupled to the first side frame and the second side frame; a second wheel set coupled to the first side frame and the second side frame; a first side bearing assembly coupled to the bolster; and a second side bearing assembly coupled to the bolster, wherein the first side bearing assembly is mounted on a top surface of the bolster between a bolster bowl and a first end, and wherein the second side bearing assembly is mounted on the top surface of the bolster between the bolster bowl and a second end, wherein each of the first and second side bearing assemblies comprises: a base, the base comprising an interior chamber; a cap movably coupled to the base, wherein the cap includes a perimeter wall extending from a top surface, and wherein a holding chamber is defined between the top surface and the perimeter wall; and one or more elastomeric springs disposed between the base and the cap, wherein at least a portion of the one or more elastomeric springs is contained within the retention chamber between the top surface and the peripheral wall, and Wherein, the one or more elastic springs include: a foam material having air pockets configured to be compressed; a head portion having a first width, wherein the at least a portion received within the holding chamber comprises the head portion; and A neck having a second width that is less than the first width, wherein the neck is located within the interior chamber and outside the cap, and wherein an intermediate width between the first width and the second width gradually and continuously decreases from the first width to the second width.

15. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The air bag forms at least half of the one or more elastomeric springs.

16. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs also include a leg having a third width, the third width being greater than the second width.

17. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The base includes a collar having an alignment rim, and wherein the alignment rim extends inwardly toward the cap.

18. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the first side bearing assembly and the second side bearing assembly further includes one or more friction adjusters disposed between the collar of the base and the wall of the cap.

19. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The cap includes a lower protruding portion, and wherein the base includes a collar having an upper ridge, wherein the cap is below the upper ridge.

20. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs include a first elastomeric spring and a second elastomeric spring, wherein the first elastomeric spring has a first density, and wherein the second elastomeric spring has a second density different from the first density.

21. The truck assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The one or more elastomeric springs include one or more recesses.

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