Elastomer Coupling Rod Joint for Rail Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated connection devices for coupling rods in rail vehicles suffer from material wear and unacceptable driving comfort due to idle travel during reversing tensile to compressive loading, which can lead to destabilization and increased risk of derailment, especially under high longitudinal forces.
Innovation Solution
The contact body is movably arranged at an axial distance from the bearing block or coupling rod with elastic mounting, allowing contact only under predetermined compressive forces or angular deflections, reducing idle travel and material wear by utilizing elastomer springs for progressive stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If metallic contact surfaces are used for stabilizing joints, then compressive forces can be transmitted in the longitudinal direction, but idle travel occurs during tensile to compressive loading reversal causing hard hitting and material wear
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomer element is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second contact surfaces. This elastomer element absorbs the idle travel and prevents direct metallic contact during loading reversals, thereby eliminating hard hitting and material wear while still allowing compressive force transmission when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces are designed with different friction characteristics - the first contact surface has high friction to prevent sliding, while the second contact surface has low friction to allow controlled movement. This parameter differentiation enables the system to transmit compressive forces effectively while accommodating the elastomer's deformation during loading cycles
2Force
If metallic contact surfaces are used for stabilizing joints, then compressive forces can be transmitted, but idle travel impairs driving comfort in modern passenger cars
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer element serves as a mediator that eliminates idle travel between metallic contact surfaces. By absorbing the clearance through its elastic deformation, it prevents the hard hitting that impairs driving comfort, making the coupling suitable for modern passenger cars while maintaining compressive force transmission capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If contact body is fixed to bearing block, then stabilizing effect is achieved, but significant material wear occurs at contact points
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer element is positioned between the contact body and the bearing block, acting as a mediator that eliminates direct metallic contact at the stabilizing joint. This prevents material wear at the contact points while maintaining the stabilizing effect through the elastomer's elastic properties
4Loss of substance
If elastic intermediate layers are used to achieve spring effect, then idle travel is avoided, but stabilizing effect is insufficient in vertical direction
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces are designed with differentiated friction parameters - the first contact surface has high friction to prevent sliding and provide stabilizing effect, while the second contact surface has low friction to allow controlled movement. This parameter optimization enables the elastomer spring to provide sufficient vertical stabilization without excessive material wear
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 solution effectively reduces material wear and maintains driving comfort by minimizing contact between the contact body and contact section during normal operation, providing enhanced stabilization through elastomer springs that counteract angular deflections and compressive forces, thereby reducing the risk of derailment.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring force can be exerted on the coupling rod when the coupling rod is angularly deflected relative to its initial position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The device has a contact body (3) arranged in rotary manner either at an axial distance to bearing block (2), where a flexible storage of the contact body is provided opposite to the bearing block, or at an axial distance to coupling rod (1), where flexible storage of the contact body is provided opposite to the coupling rod. The axial distance of the contact body and the elasticity of its suspension are measured, such that it is attached to the coupling rod or angular deflections of the coupling rod with a block (5) of the bearing block.