Guide Wheel Shock Absorber With Multi-Rigidity Elastic Bodies

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing guide wheel shock absorbing devices have limited maximum displacement, leading to a decline in shock absorption capacity and ride comfort due to the hardening of elastic components to absorb large forces, resulting in deteriorated ride comfort.

Innovation Solution

A guide wheel shock absorbing device with a shock absorbing elastic portion comprising multiple bodies with different displacement and speed characteristics to absorb loads, featuring a combination of tubular members, shaft bodies, elastic bodies, and damping mechanisms to manage loads effectively, including liquid sealing chambers and flow paths to enhance damping and absorption capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the second elastic bush is hardened to absorb large forces within limited displacement range, then the shock absorption capacity for large loads is improved, but the ride comfort deteriorates due to decline in shock absorption capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock absorption capacityVSAvoidride comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorbing elastic portion is divided into multiple shock absorbing bodies (first elastic body, second elastic body, third elastic body) with different displacement characteristics. Each body handles different load ranges, allowing the system to provide appropriate shock absorption for both small and large loads without compromising ride comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different shock absorbing bodies are assigned different local qualities (rigidity characteristics). The first elastic body has higher rigidity for large load absorption, while the second and third elastic bodies have lower rigidity for small load absorption, ensuring optimal ride comfort across various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the maximum displacement is limited due to the configuration of the guide wheel shock absorbing device, then the structural compactness is improved, but the shock absorption capacity for large forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement rangeVSAvoidshock absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the rigidity parameter of different shock absorbing bodies to handle various load conditions within the same displacement range. By using multiple elastic bodies with different rigidity characteristics, the device maintains limited displacement while achieving adequate shock absorption capacity for large forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple shock absorbing bodies with different displacement characteristics are introduced, then the ability to absorb both small and large loads is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload absorption capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple shock absorbing bodies are merged into a single integrated shock absorbing elastic portion that operates as a unified system. This combining approach allows the device to handle various load conditions while maintaining a relatively compact and manageable structure, balancing versatility with complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution improves ride comfort by effectively absorbing both small and large loads, reducing vibration transmissibility and resonance, and maintaining displacement control within desired ranges, thereby enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorbing elastic portion elastically supporting the shock absorbing link with respect to the attachment arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a guide wheel receiving a frictional force and rolling by coming into contact with a guide rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11591007B2Guide wheel shock absorbing device, carriage, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND ENG LTD

AI summary

A guide wheel shock absorbing device includes an attachment arm, a shock absorbing link provided on the attachment arm and extending in one direction, a shock absorbing link support portion provided on the shock absorbing link and supporting the shock absorbing link in a state of being oscillatable with respect to the attachment arm, a guide wheel coming into contact with a guide rail laid on a traveling track of a vehicle, a guide wheel support portion provided on the shock absorbing link and supporting the guide wheel in a rotatable state, and a shock absorbing elastic portion elastically supporting the shock absorbing link with respect to the attachment arm. The shock absorbing elastic portion has first and second elastic bodies different in displacement with respect to a guide wheel load.