Emergency Spring Sliding Surface Design for Rail Vehicle Suspension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency spring systems for vehicle suspensions are complex, prone to component detachment under high loads, and exhibit high wear due to excessive friction, especially when the system is inclined, often requiring multiple separate sliding elements and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated convex and curved sliding surface is designed within the emergency spring, which acts as both a bearing and sliding surface, reducing friction by incorporating lubricant recesses and allowing for precise adaptation under load, and can be made as a rubber-metal element for enhanced durability and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sliding elements and multiple components are used to reduce friction, then sliding function is improved, but device complexity increases and connections may detach under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sliding surface directly into the additional spring component itself, merging the spring function with the sliding function. This eliminates the need for separate sliding elements and reduces the number of components while maintaining the sliding capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The additional spring is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides emergency suspension support and simultaneously serves as a sliding element through its integrated sliding surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sliding components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sliding function
2Ease of manufacture
If block spring made of elastomeric material is used for emergency spring, then cost-effective production is achieved, but wear increases due to high friction especially in inclined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a specific surface treatment or material modification only to the sliding surface of the elastomeric block spring, while the rest of the spring maintains its cost-effective elastomeric construction. This local enhancement of the sliding surface reduces friction and wear without compromising the overall cost-effectiveness of using elastomeric material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the elastomeric material at the sliding interface through treatment or coating, changing the friction characteristics locally. This allows the spring to maintain its economical elastomeric construction while achieving reduced wear and friction in the critical sliding area
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 design simplifies assembly, reduces component count, minimizes friction, and maintains low sliding friction coefficients, effectively supporting the vehicle body with improved safety and comfort, especially in rail vehicles under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
reducing friction by incorporating lubricant recesses and allowing for precise adaptation under load
Implementation Method 2
maintains low sliding friction coefficients
Implementation Method 3
with the given elasticity of the spring, the bearing surface that occurs in the case of a load can be specified and adapted very precisely
Data Source
AI summary
Auxiliary or emergency spring of a vehicle suspension system comprising a main spring and emergency spring, wherein the auxiliary or emergency spring has a surface designed as a bearing or sliding surface which is opposite the bearing or sliding surface of the respective vehicle part to be supported and which interacts with the latter, the surface of the auxiliary or emergency spring is shaped under load parallel to the opposite bearing and sliding surface.