Modular Elastic Element with Fluid Channel Plates for Adjustable Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic elements for rail vehicles lack flexibility in adjusting damping and stiffness characteristics, particularly at varying frequencies, which affects comfort and safety, especially at higher speeds due to increased dynamic reactions from track geometry errors.
Innovation Solution
An elastic element with a modular design featuring a housing comprising two parts connected by a plate with fluid channels, allowing for detachable connection and multiple plates to be used between housing parts, enabling adjustable damping and rigidity properties through the geometric design of fluid channels and the inclusion of elastic rings for enhanced springing and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed design of elastic elements is used, then manufacturing and installation is simplified, but adaptability to different damping and stiffness requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is divided into modular components: a housing, removable plates with different fluid channel configurations, and buffers. These segments can be combined in different ways to create elastic elements with varying damping and stiffness characteristics, allowing customization without complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by providing plates with different fluid channel geometries (different numbers, sizes, and arrangements of channels). By selecting and installing appropriate plates, the damping and stiffness parameters of the elastic element can be adjusted to match specific application requirements while maintaining a standardized housing and buffer design.
2Reliability
If elastic elements with frequency-dependent stiffness are implemented, then dynamic reactions at different speeds are better managed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element uses hydraulic principles with fluid chambers and fluid channels to achieve frequency-dependent stiffness. The fluid flow resistance through different channel configurations provides passive damping that naturally varies with frequency, eliminating the need for active control systems or complex mechanical mechanisms while improving performance at varying speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plates with different fluid channels are used, then damping and stiffness characteristics become more adjustable, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid chambers, provides mounting locations for different plate configurations, and integrates buffer mounting. This universal housing structure can accommodate various plate types without requiring changes to the basic assembly architecture, allowing high adaptability while controlling overall device complexity through standardized interfaces.
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 solution provides a high level of flexibility in adjusting damping and stiffness characteristics, effectively managing dynamic reactions across a range of frequencies, reducing wheel and rail wear at low speeds and ensuring high running stability at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid channel, through which a hydraulic fluid can flow, is arranged in the plate
Implementation Method 2
at least one first buffer (22) which is elastically connected to the housing (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an elastic element for a vehicle, comprising a housing (1) and at least one first buffer (22) elastically connected to the housing (1), as well as at least one first fluid chamber (18) and a second fluid chamber (19), which are enclosed by the housing (1). It is proposed that the housing (1) comprises at least one first housing part (2) and a second housing part (3), which are connected to each other, wherein at least one plate (4) with at least one fluid channel, which penetrates the at least one plate (4) and connects the at least first fluid chamber (18) with the second fluid chamber (19), is arranged between the at least first housing part (2) and the second housing part (3) and is detachably connected to the housing (1), and wherein the at least first buffer (22) is arranged adjacent to the at least first fluid chamber (18).This results in a modular coupling element with subsequently modifiable damping and stiffness properties.