Energy Dissipating Device Using Deformable Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy dissipating devices for multi-car vehicle connection systems are heavy due to the design of deformation tubes, which adds substantial weight to the connection device and requires additional components for energy dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a plug with protruding ribs that deform when moved relative to a mandrel, allowing energy dissipation without the need to cut or sever material, thereby reducing weight and implementing energy dissipation using existing components like gas hydraulic dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If deformation tubes are used for energy dissipation in connection devices, then energy dissipation function is achieved, but weight of the connection device increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy dissipation function with existing connection device components (coupler rod, piston, tubular member) that are already present in the coupling system. Instead of adding separate deformation tubes, the energy dissipation mechanism is integrated into the hydraulic damper components, where the piston moving through the tubular member with protruding ribs creates energy dissipation through material deformation without requiring additional dedicated energy dissipation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing components serve multiple functions: the piston and tubular member that originally served only for hydraulic damping now also provide energy dissipation through the deformation of protruding ribs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deformation tubes while maintaining both the damping and energy dissipation functions in the connection device.
2Loss of energy
If deformation tubes are added to connection devices for energy dissipation, then energy dissipation capability is provided, but the connection device requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy dissipation function with existing connection device components (coupler rod, piston, tubular member) that are already present in the coupling system. Instead of adding separate deformation tubes, the energy dissipation mechanism is integrated into the hydraulic damper components, where the piston moving through the tubular member with protruding ribs creates energy dissipation through material deformation without requiring additional dedicated energy dissipation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing components serve multiple functions: the piston and tubular member that originally served only for hydraulic damping now also provide energy dissipation through the deformation of protruding ribs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deformation tubes while maintaining both the damping and energy dissipation functions in the connection device.
3Loss of energy
If traditional deformation tubes are used for energy dissipation, then energy dissipation is achieved, but the device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy dissipation function with existing connection device components (coupler rod, piston, tubular member) that are already present in the coupling system. Instead of adding separate deformation tubes, the energy dissipation mechanism is integrated into the hydraulic damper components, where the piston moving through the tubular member with protruding ribs creates energy dissipation through material deformation without requiring additional dedicated energy dissipation components.
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
This approach results in a lightweight energy dissipating device that integrates energy dissipation into existing connection system components, reducing the overall weight and length of the connection device while maintaining effective energy dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the plug and/or at least a part of the mandrel is deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an energy dissipating device suitable to be used as part of a connection device that connects a first car of a multi-car vehicle with a second car of the multi-car vehicle, comprising a plug that has a longitudinal axis and a mandrel that has an opening, whereby the plug is arranged to be moved at least partially through the opening, if a force pointing in the longitudinal axis is applied to the plug, and whereby at least a part of the plug and/or at least a part of the mandrel is deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening, whereby the outer surface of the plug has at least one protruding rib that extends in the direction of or parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis, said rib being at least partially deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening and/or the surface of the mandrel that surrounds the opening has at least one protruding rib that extends in the direction of or parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis, said rib being at least partially deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening.