Jacobs Bogie Spherical Joint for Rail Vehicle Movement Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicles with Jakobs bogies have restricted pitching, buckling, rolling, and offsetting movements due to a rigid connection between car bodies, limiting their ability to absorb movements at larger angles, especially when driving over points.

Innovation Solution

A double-spherical joint device with a common pivot point is introduced, comprising two ball segments with a connecting link to the cradle and a saddle for connection to each car body, allowing for enhanced movement absorption while maintaining a space-saving design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection between car bodies is used, then structural stability is improved, but movement absorption capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmovement absorption capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the rigid connection with a dynamic spherical joint device that allows controlled movements. The spherical joint bearings enable the car bodies to perform pitching, rolling, and buckling movements while maintaining connection, thus adapting to various movement conditions without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid to articulated by introducing spherical joint bearings with specific geometric parameters. The joint device allows angular deviations and positional adjustments, transforming the connection characteristics to simultaneously provide stability and movement absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pivot point is positioned at a distance from the cradle surface, then movement freedom is improved, but moment-induced deflection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidcradle resistance to deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element - the spherical joint device with bearing shell - that mediates between the pivot point and the cradle. This intermediary absorbs and distributes the moments generated by horizontal forces, preventing direct transmission to the cradle and thus reducing deflection while maintaining movement freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the moment-generating function from the cradle structure by positioning the pivot point away from the cradle surface. The spherical joint device is designed to handle the moments independently, allowing the cradle to focus on its primary support function without being subjected to excessive bending moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3686078B1Rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 HUBNER GMBH
  • EP3686078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3686078B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3686078B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a rail vehicle with a plurality of car bodies (14, 16), wherein a first and a second car body (14, 16) are mounted on the cradle (10) of a Jacobs bogie (1), wherein the car bodies (14, 16) are connected to each other by a spherical joint assembly (20), wherein the joint assembly (20) is arranged on the cradle (10), wherein the joint assembly (20) has at least two spherical joint bearings (24, 26), wherein the at least two spherical joint bearings (24, 26) are arranged in one plane to each other, wherein the at least two spherical joint bearings (24, 26) have a common pivot point (32).