Bidirectional Guidance System with Lateral Oscillation Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bidirectional guidance systems for road vehicles guided by rails face challenges in withstanding significant lateral forces, particularly in curves, crosswinds, or slippery conditions, leading to heavy construction requirements and potential tire overload.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional guidance system with two-state guide devices, featuring a deformable connection interface and a jack with independent rods that switch between rigid and floating configurations, allowing the axle to orient and move laterally, and incorporating damping means to limit lateral displacement within authorized limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the guide devices are rigidly secured to the axle to ensure precise guidance, then the guidance precision is improved, but the guide devices must withstand significant lateral forces requiring heavy construction
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can switch between rigid and floating states. The deformable connection interface allows the system to adapt its stiffness based on operational requirements, providing rigid guidance when needed and flexibility to absorb lateral forces when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between the guide device and axle changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, rigidity) based on the operational state. By modifying the connection characteristics, the system can provide precise guidance when lateral forces are minimal and absorb forces when lateral movement is required.
2Weight of stationary object
If the guide devices are made lighter to reduce construction weight, then the weight is reduced, but the ability to withstand lateral forces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic connection interface that can switch between rigid and flexible states. This allows the guide device to be lighter on average while maintaining the capability to withstand lateral forces when needed, as the full rigidity is only required during specific operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable connection interface acts as a pre-designed cushioning mechanism that absorbs lateral forces before they can damage the guide device or tire. This cushioning capability is built into the connection design, allowing lighter construction while maintaining force resistance.
3Force
If the axle is allowed to move laterally to absorb forces, then the tire load is reduced, but the lateral displacement must be limited within authorized ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable connection interface serves as an intermediary element between the guide device and the axle. It mediates the interaction by allowing controlled lateral movement while limiting displacement within authorized ranges, thus protecting the tire from excessive loads without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface changes its mechanical parameters to allow lateral movement when beneficial for force absorption, while automatically limiting displacement through its deformable characteristics. This passive parameter adjustment eliminates the need for complex active control mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If the guide device is placed in rigid configuration to orient the axle, then the guidance is precise, but the lateral movement capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface dynamically adjusts its stiffness based on operational needs. During normal guidance operations, it provides rigid connection for precise axle orientation. During lateral movement events, it transitions to a flexible state to allow the axle to adapt to route variations and external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface periodically switches between rigid and flexible states based on the operational phase. It provides rigid orientation during straight-line guidance, then transitions to flexible mode during lateral movement phases, creating a periodic action that satisfies both precision and adaptability requirements.
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 system reduces the need for heavy construction by allowing the guide devices to absorb lateral forces, ensuring precise guidance while limiting axle displacement, thus reducing tire load and maintaining vehicle stability under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a jack with two independent and opposed rods (30, 31) having two characteristic positions: an 'extended rods' position placing the guide device in a rigid state, a position in which its two rods are extended to the maximum and block the connection interface... and a 'retracted rods' position placing the guide device in the floating state
Implementation Method 2
a deformable connection interface between the axle and the guide arm, which allows by its deformable nature a lateral movement of the axle relative to the guide rail
Implementation Method 3
the bidirectional guidance system according to the invention may advantageously further comprise a means for damping the lateral displacement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The guidance system comprises two guidance devices (16) mounted in opposite directions either side of the axle (2) and each comprising: a guidance arm (17) terminated by at least one guidance roller (18); a set of articulated connecting rods serving as a deformable link interface (23) between the axle and the guidance arm; and a jack (29) with two independent and opposing rods (30, 31), having a “rods extended” position in which its two rods lock the set of connecting rods to render it rigid and orient the axle, and a “rods retracted” position in which the set of connecting rods is free and allows a lateral oscillation. Preferably, the jack (29) offers an additional function for damping the lateral oscillation. This invention is of interest in the field of the guidance of public transport road vehicles by a rail.