Maglev Suspension Frame Layout for More Underbody Equipment Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing suspension frames of maglev trains occupy valuable space, complicating the installation of under-vehicle apparatus and increasing costs due to their complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A pre-assembled suspension frame with a two-stage suspension device and cross-beam frame assembly that integrates guide electromagnet box bodies, utilizing transverse displacement of capsule air springs to replace swing rod mechanisms, reducing the need for longitudinal beams and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional suspension frame with longitudinal beam is used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the space for under-vehicle apparatus is reduced and installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension frame is divided into multiple independent components: cross-beam frames, support arms, and electromagnet modules. These segmented components can be manufactured separately and assembled through pre-assembly processes, reducing installation difficulty while maintaining structural strength through optimized connection designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design transitions from a traditional longitudinal beam structure to a transverse cross-beam frame configuration. This dimensional change reorganizes the load-bearing structure along the transverse direction rather than the longitudinal direction, freeing up longitudinal space for under-vehicle apparatus while maintaining structural integrity through the cross-beam architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a complex suspension frame structure with multiple components is used, then the suspension and guidance functions are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension functionVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into integrated components. The cross-beam frames serve both as structural load-bearing elements and as mounting bases for electromagnets and support arms. The support arms integrate both suspension and guidance functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension frame components are designed for pre-assembly, where sub-assemblies such as electromagnet modules and support arm assemblies are prepared in advance as integrated units. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly complexity and allows for quality control to be performed on standardized pre-assembled modules rather than individual components.

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

This design simplifies assembly, reduces part count, lowers self-weight, and increases available space for under-vehicle apparatus while maintaining stability and maneuverability, thus reducing installation difficulty and manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the two-stage suspension device includes an air spring and an additional air chamber which are arranged at a top of each end of each cross-beam frame, and the additional air chamber is arranged between a bottom of the corresponding air spring and the top of the cross-beam frame to provide a gas medium to the air spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression and expansion: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the electromagnet module includes two guide electromagnets and two suspension electromagnets; the two guide electromagnets are arranged in parallel between a first support arm and a second support arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP4678460A1Narrow vehicle body high-speed maglev train and suspension frame therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO LTD
  • EP4678460A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4678460A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4678460A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A suspension frame, comprising a secondary suspension device (B), a cross-beam frame assembly (A) and an electromagnet module (C), wherein the cross-beam frame assembly comprises two cross-beam frames (1), which are transversely arranged for transverse carrying; guide electromagnet box bodes (7) on two sides of the electromagnet module are respectively positioned at two side ends of the two cross-beam frames, and each guide electromagnet box body is fixed to two cross-beam frames on corresponding sides for longitudinal carrying; and the secondary suspension device is arranged on the two cross-beam frames, so as to be connected to a vehicle body. Further provided is a narrow vehicle body high-speed maglev train with a suspension frame. By means of optimizing the structure of the suspension frame, it is not required to arranged longitudinal beams, such that the available space of the apparatus under a vehicle is greatly increased, and thus the mounting difficulty of the apparatus under the vehicle is effectively reduced.