Central Suspension Apparatus with Adjustable Rigidity for Railway Bogies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The central suspension device in express railway wagons experiences instability during light loading due to high transverse rigidity and low vertical deflection, leading to reduced adaptability and increased risk of derailment at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A central suspension device with a rubber-metal pad spring group comprising multiple rubber-metal pad springs of varying free heights, allowing for adjustable rigidity in both vertical and transverse directions, and a longitudinal traction connecting rod device with spherical hinge assemblies to reduce transverse shearing deformation and facilitate force transmission between the bolster and frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the transverse rigidity of the rubber-metal pad spring is increased to guarantee vertical carrying capacity, then the vertical load-bearing capability is improved, but the running stability of empty vehicle is affected and the vertical deflection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical carrying capacityVSAvoidadaptability to tracks
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transverse rigidity of the rubber-metal pad spring adjustable through a locking mechanism. The transverse rigidity can be switched between a first value (when locked) and a second value (when unlocked), allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high transverse rigidity when vertical carrying capacity is needed while allowing low transverse rigidity when adaptability to tracks is required for high-speed running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of transverse rigidity from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted between two states. By using a locking mechanism that can lock or unlock the rubber-metal pad spring in the transverse direction, the system dynamically changes the rigidity parameter to match different operational requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between vertical carrying capacity and adaptability to tracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the transverse rigidity of the rubber-metal pad spring is increased, then the vertical deflection decreases, but the vehicle derails easily during high-speed running

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical carrying capacityVSAvoidderailment risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the transverse rigidity based on operational conditions. When high vertical carrying capacity is needed, the locking mechanism locks to provide high transverse rigidity. When high-speed running requires better adaptability to tracks, the mechanism unlocks to reduce transverse rigidity, thereby preventing derailment while maintaining vertical load-bearing capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transverse rigidity parameter from fixed to variable by implementing a locking mechanism. This allows the system to switch between high rigidity (reducing vertical deflection for load-bearing) and low rigidity (increasing vertical deflection for track adaptability and preventing derailment), thus resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a rubber-metal pad spring with larger rigidity structure is used, then the vertical carrying capacity is guaranteed, but the running stability of empty vehicle is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical carrying capacityVSAvoidrunning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic rigidity adjustment system where the transverse rigidity of the rubber-metal pad spring can be changed based on loading conditions. The locking mechanism allows the system to provide high transverse rigidity when vertical carrying capacity is required, while allowing low transverse rigidity when running stability of empty vehicle is prioritized, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and stability.

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

The solution provides improved vertical deflection and adaptability at light loads, enhanced transverse rigidity and carrying capacity at heavy loads, and increased maximum running speed, thereby enhancing the stability and safety of the vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

the rubber-metal pad spring is subjected to compression deformation under the action of vertical load and is subjected to shearing deformation under the action of transverse load, therefore, the vertical vibration and the transverse impact can be buffered so as to reduce the dynamic stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rubber-metal pad spring is subjected to compression deformation under the action of vertical load and is subjected to shearing deformation under the action of transverse load, therefore, the vertical vibration and the transverse impact can be buffered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

a longitudinal traction connecting rod device with spherical hinge assemblies to reduce transverse shearing deformation and facilitate force transmission between the bolster and frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical hinge articulation: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP2647541B1Central suspension apparatus, goods wagon bogie and express railroad goods wagon
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 CRRC QIQIHAR ROLLING CO LTD
  • EP2647541B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2647541B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2647541B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are a central suspension device, a wagon bogie comprising the central suspension device and an express railway wagon, wherein the central suspension device comprises a frame (3), a bolster (2) and a longitudinal traction connecting rod device (4). One end of the longitudinal traction rod (4) is connected to the frame (3), and the other end is connected to the bolster (2). The central suspension device further comprises a rubber-metal pad spring group (10) comprised of at least two rubber-metal springs (11, 12), the bottom end of each rubber-metal spring is connected with the frame (3) respectively. The top end of at least one rubber-metal pad spring of the rubber-metal pad spring group (10) is connected to the bolster (2) and a gap exists between the top end of at least one rubber-metal pad spring (11, 12) and the bolster (2). The central suspension device has multiple stages of rigidity horizontally and vertically, facilitating the transition between different rigidity when the vehicle is empty or loaded, thus allowing the express railway wagon to run safely and stably.