Rail Bogie Eccentric Wheelset Steering With Fail-Safe Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active wheelset steering systems for rail vehicles face challenges with large space requirements and low reliability, necessitating a compact and redundant wheelset positioning device.

Innovation Solution

A chassis design incorporating an eccentric shaft as a guide pin that acts as a reset mechanism and force transmitter, coupled with an actuator, ensuring stability even when the actuator is deactivated, using a coupling force dependent on the relative motion between the eccentric and the support structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an active wheelset steering system is installed to improve driving safety and ride comfort, then wheelset positioning capability is improved, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the actuator and elastic bearing into a single integrated unit that performs both positioning and cushioning functions. The actuator is directly connected to the wheelset while the elastic bearing absorbs dynamic disturbances, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing installation space in the bogie

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic bearing serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical element that transmits forces, provides cushioning against dynamic disturbances from wheel-rail contact, and maintains structural connectivity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If actuators are dimensioned to exert large forces for wheelset positioning, then positioning capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator forceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic bearing acts as an intermediary element between the actuator and the wheelset guidance system. It transmits forces while providing mechanical cushioning, allowing the actuator to operate with reduced force requirements while maintaining effective wheelset positioning capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Force

If a force multiplier is added between the actuator and swing arm to reduce actuator force, then force requirements are reduced, but installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator forceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuator and elastic bearing into a compact integrated unit that directly connects to the wheelset guidance mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for separate force multiplication mechanisms while achieving effective force transmission through the combined action of the actuator and elastic element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides stable running characteristics at high speeds, reduces installation space requirements, and ensures redundancy and safety by maintaining coupling forces when the actuator is off, allowing easy replacement of components.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic bearing (14), wherein the guide pin of at least one guide device is designed as an eccentric shaft (13), wherein a first actuator (10) is connected to an eccentric (15) of the guide pin and to the support structure (1), and wherein the first actuator (10) is connected in series with the elastic bearing (14) of the first guide device (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the eccentric (15) and the support structure (1) are coupled to each other even when the first actuator (10) is switched off, via at least one coupling force transmitted by means of the eccentric (15), which depends on a relative motion state between the eccentric (15) and the support structure (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4308431B1Bogie for a rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP4308431B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4308431B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4308431B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a bogie for a rail vehicle, comprising a support structure (1), and comprising at least a first wheelset (2) or at least one wheel pair, wherein the at least first wheelset (2) or the at least one wheel pair on each bogie side is coupled to the support structure (1) by means of a guide device; wherein a first actuator (10) is connected to an eccentric (15) of a guide bolt (13), in the form of an eccentric shaft, of a first guide device and is connected to the support structure (1); and wherein the first actuator (10) is connected to a resilient bearing (14) of the first guide device in series. According to the invention, the eccentric (15) and the support structure (1) are coupled together, even when the first actuator (10) is switched off, by means of at least one coupling force transmitted by the eccentric (15), which coupling force is dependent on a relative movement state between the eccentric (15) and the support structure (1). This results in a compact wheelset adjustment device or wheel adjustment device having a high level of safety.