Compressible Elastomeric Spring Lateral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compressible elastomeric springs used in railcar applications require guidance during compression and extension to ensure lateral stability, which increases manufacturing and maintenance costs and weight, limiting their ability to absorb dynamic impact loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compressible spring design that eliminates the need for a metal rod or housing by using a series of elastomeric pads and plate-like members with integral prongs that attach to each other, allowing for axial movement and energy absorption without external guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If metal rods or housings are used to provide guidance for the compressible elastomeric spring, then lateral stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal rod and housing guidance structures from the conventional design, extracting only the essential function of providing lateral stability. This is achieved through the elastomeric pad's own geometric configuration and material properties, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining the required stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric pad is designed to provide its own lateral stability through its shape factor and material characteristics without requiring external guidance structures. The pad's geometry and elastic properties enable it to self-center and maintain stability during compression and extension movements, making the system self-sufficient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal rods or housings are used for guidance, then lateral stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates metal rods and housings from the spring assembly, removing their weight contribution entirely. The lateral stability function is transferred to the elastomeric pad itself, which provides sufficient stability without the additional weight of metallic guidance components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach to achieving lateral stability from structural (metal rods/housings) to material-based (elastomeric properties). By optimizing the shape factor and material characteristics of the elastomeric pad, the system achieves the required stability with significantly reduced weight.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal rods or housings are used for guidance, then lateral stability is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal rods and housings from the design, eliminating their manufacturing and maintenance costs. The simplified elastomeric pad design requires fewer parts, less complex assembly procedures, and reduced maintenance interventions compared to conventional guided spring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric pad is designed as a cost-effective, maintenance-friendly component that can be easily replaced when worn. This approach trades the high cost of metal guidance structures for a more economical elastomeric component with simpler manufacturing and lower lifecycle costs.
4Strength
If the elastomeric pad is designed to absorb loads exceeding 130% of ultimate tensile strength, then energy absorption capability is improved, but reliability becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the elastomeric pad by designing it to withstand loads exceeding 130% of its ultimate tensile strength. This is achieved through careful selection of material properties, optimization of the shape factor, and design of the pad geometry to distribute stresses uniformly, enabling reliable operation under extreme dynamic impact loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastomeric materials with specific composite properties that combine high energy absorption capability with reliability under extreme loads. The material selection and formulation enable the pad to dissipate energy effectively while maintaining structural integrity beyond conventional strength limits.
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 design enhances the ability to absorb and dissipate dynamic impact loads beyond 130% of the material's ultimate tensile strength, reducing weight and costs while maintaining lateral stability, thus improving the loading capacity and reliability of energy absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a predetermined shape factor enabling repetitive absorption and dissipation of dynamic impact loads in excess of about one hundred thirty percent (130%) of ultimate tensile strength of the predetermined material
Implementation Method 2
compressible elastomeric pad manufactured from a predetermined thermoplastic elastomer material and having a predetermined shape factor enabling repetitive absorption and dissipation of dynamic impact loads
Implementation Method 3
compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy from a dynamic impact load applied to the compressible spring
Implementation Method 4
compressible elastomeric pad manufactured from a predetermined thermoplastic elastomer material enabling repetitive absorption and dissipation of dynamic impact loads
Data Source
AI summary
A compressible spring for at least absorbing and dissipating energy includes a plurality of elastomeric pads disposed coaxially and in series with each other and a plurality of separator plates, with each plate being disposed between a pair of the adjacent pads. A plurality of first prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a first surface of each separator plate for attaching the plate to one pad and a plurality of second prongs are formed integrally with or secured to a second surface for attaching the plate to an opposed pad. An axial aperture is also formed through each plate with prongs positioned in an alternating manner on a peripheral edge of the axial aperture. Projections may be also provided on each surface of the plate and adapted with an axial aperture that continues through the plate for additional attachment of the plate to the pair of pads.