Bogie Frame Auxiliary Beam Air Chambers for Simpler Rail Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle bogie frames have complex structures due to the use of metal materials and additional air chambers, which complicates the design and may not adequately address volume requirements for air springs.

Innovation Solution

The bogie frame incorporates a frame design with two side sills and cross beams connected by auxiliary beams, where the auxiliary beams are divided into first and second cavities that serve as additional air chambers, and are equipped with differential pressure valve ports for communication and regulation, using fiber composite materials to enhance strength and simplify the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional bolted connections are used for assembling frame parts, then assembly is straightforward, but gap formation and corrosion risk occur at connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame parts by integrating connection elements directly into the profile tubes through insertion and bonding, eliminating separate fasteners and joint interfaces. This combining approach prevents gap formation and corrosion while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary bonding agent and insertion mechanism that joins frame parts without mechanical fasteners. This intermediary approach creates a seamless connection that eliminates corrosion pathways while preserving structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If frame parts are designed for easy assembly, then manufacturing efficiency increases, but achieving gap-free connections becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidconnection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection process into standardized insertion and bonding steps that can be performed efficiently while ensuring precise, gap-free joints. The modular approach allows repeatable precision through consistent procedural steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding parameters and insertion tolerances to achieve gap-free connections without compromising assembly efficiency. By optimizing these parameters, the process maintains high productivity while attaining precise, seamless joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If complex connection systems are used to eliminate gaps, then connection reliability improves, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-aligning and self-bonding mechanisms where the frame parts automatically position and join without requiring complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps. This self-service approach ensures reliable, gap-free connections while minimizing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary positioning features and pre-applied bonding agents that prepare the connection interface in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and bonding adjustments during final assembly, achieving both reliability and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4406809B1Frame, bogie, and rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO LTD
  • EP4406809B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4406809B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4406809B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A frame, a bogie, and a rail vehicle. The frame comprises two side beams and two cross beams connected between the two side beams; air springs of the bogie are mounted on the side beams; at least one auxiliary beam is connected between the two cross beams; the inner cavity of the auxiliary beam is divided into a first cavity and a second cavity; the first cavity is communicated with the inner cavity of one of the cross beams so as to jointly serve as an additional air chamber of one of the air springs, and the second cavity is communicated with the inner cavity of the other of the cross beams so as to jointly serve as an additional air chamber of the other of the air springs. In the present solution, the auxiliary beam of the bogie frame is used as a connecting member for connecting the front and rear two cross beams and is also divided into the first cavity and the second cavity, and the first cavity and the second cavity can be communicated with the inner cavities of the cross beams so as to serve as the additional air chambers of the air springs mounted on the bogie frame, such that the volume of the additional air chambers is increased, and the structure of the frame is simplified.