Light Transit Bogie Layout for Low Weight and NVH Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bogies for light mass transit vehicles are high in mass and weight, leading to inefficiencies in space, energy consumption, and stability, while also failing to provide adequate isolation from noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) and collision avoidance.

Innovation Solution

A bogie design with a flexible coupling, centrally mounted transmission, and brake assembly, incorporating a suspension system with air springs and electrical induction brakes, along with geo-positional determination and LIDAR for autonomous operation and collision avoidance, allowing for reduced size, weight, and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high-mass components are used to provide structural strength and support, then the bogie can support the vehicle body and provide stability, but the weight of the bogie increases leading to energy inefficiency and reduced space efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbogie weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bogie frame is constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to support vehicle body loads while significantly reducing overall bogie weight compared to traditional solid metal constructions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The bogie is divided into modular functional portions (first portion for drive system, second portion for brake system) that can be independently optimized and mounted, allowing selective placement of mass-critical components while maintaining overall structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If components are densely packaged within the bogie frame, then space efficiency is improved, but isolation of functional parts from NVH and damage becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebogie footprintVSAvoidNVH exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bogie is segmented into distinct functional portions with the drive system in the first portion and brake system in the second portion, spaced apart by the suspension system which acts as a physical barrier to NVH transmission between components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system serves as an intermediary element between the drive system and brake system portions, providing both mechanical connection for structural support and acoustic/vibration isolation to protect functional parts from NVH

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If traditional bogie designs are used, then basic tractive function is provided, but autonomous operation, geo-positioning and collision avoidance capabilities are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetractive forceVSAvoidautonomous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bogie is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines traditional tractive power delivery with integrated autonomous operation systems including geo-positioning receivers, LIDAR sensors, and control systems, enabling both propulsion and autonomous navigation functions from a single integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bogie incorporates preliminary positioning systems (geo-positioning receivers and LIDAR) that continuously gather environmental and positional data before autonomous decision-making is required, enabling proactive collision avoidance and precise positioning actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 achieves a more space-efficient, durable, and energy-efficient bogie with enhanced stability and NVH reduction, enabling autonomous operation and precise positioning for self-driven movement and collision avoidance.

Implementation Method 1

A bogie design with a flexible coupling, centrally mounted transmission, and brake assembly, incorporating a suspension system with air springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The bogie may have means for LIDAR ranging and positioning relative to the vehicle and/or other bogie along with collision avoidance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 3

The second portion of the bogie support frame may include an electrical induction brake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4405228B1A bogie and a vehicle with such bogie
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 VLR TECH LTD
  • EP4405228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4405228B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4405228B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An aspect provides a bogie for a vehicle, including: a bogie support frame including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being mountable to the vehicle body; a suspension system connecting the first portion and second portion; at least one wheelset mounted on the second portion, each wheelset including two or more wheels mounted on a wheel axle; and an actuator for providing torque to the two or more wheels, wherein upon the first portion of the bogie support frame the actuator. The bogie allowing independent operation in terms of movement as well as positioning and collision avoidance with sensors for macro positioning such as GPS, micro positioning such as by LIDAR and for dynamic anti-collision monitoring such as RADAR. i