Modular Freight Train Chassis Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Freight trains with fixed chassis sizes face inefficiencies in transporting goods of varying sizes, leading to wasted space or inability to load containers, which affects transportation efficiency and volume in railway transportation.

Innovation Solution

A modular freight train chassis system comprising a first chassis module, connecting modules, and adjustable second chassis modules, allowing for flexible adjustment of length to accommodate different container sizes through connecting members, tensioners, and adjusting plates, enhancing adaptability and space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed size chassis is used for freight train, then the manufacturing process is simple and production is efficient, but the adaptability to different sizes of containers is poor leading to wasted space or inability to load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidchassis structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is divided into multiple independent modules (first chassis module, second chassis modules) that can be connected or disconnected based on cargo requirements. Each module has standardized connection interfaces allowing flexible reconfiguration to match different container sizes, thereby improving adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire chassis structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The connecting modules enable the chassis length and configuration to be changed according to cargo needs, allowing the same chassis to adapt to various container sizes through modular assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a fixed size chassis is used for freight train, then the manufacturing cost is controlled, but the space utilization rate is low when transporting different sized goods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidspace waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the chassis into standardized modules, the system can be configured to match the actual cargo volume, eliminating unnecessary empty space in the chassis while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized module production and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis configuration parameters (length, module arrangement) can be changed to optimize space utilization for different cargo types. This allows the chassis to be adjusted to the minimum necessary size for each cargo load, reducing wasted space and improving transportation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If a welded overall structure is used for the chassis, then the structural strength is high, but the flexibility to adjust size for different cargo is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis structural strengthVSAvoidsize adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis is segmented into modular units with standardized connection interfaces that provide sufficient strength to bear cargo loads. The connection between modules is designed to maintain structural integrity while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, thus preserving both strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple chassis modules are merged through standardized connecting modules to form the complete chassis structure. The connection design combines the benefits of modular flexibility with the strength of integrated structure, ensuring that the assembled chassis maintains the structural strength of a welded overall structure while retaining the ability to reconfigure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3875341B1Freight train chassis and freight train
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 CRRC SHANDONG CO LTD
  • EP3875341B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2c
  • EP3875341B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3875341B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention provides a freight train chassis and a freight train, the freight train chassis includes: a first chassis module, a plurality of connecting module and at least one second chassis module, the first chassis module and the second chassis module are disposed along a length direction of a freight train, the second chassis module is connected to the first chassis module by one or more connecting modules of the plurality of connecting modules, and the second chassis modules are connected by one or more connecting modules of the plurality of connecting modules. The freight train chassis and the freight train provided by the present invention can adaptively adjust the number of the second chassis module as required for different sizes of goods or containers, thereby adjusting the length of the freight train chassis, which improves the adaptability of the freight train to different sizes of goods and the space utilization rate of the freight train, and improves the transportation efficiency and transportation volume of railway transportation.