Movable Rail Vehicle Absorber Device for Space-Efficient Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing absorber devices for vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, are either complex or require excessive space, failing to efficiently utilize available space while providing an application-oriented design.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle absorber device featuring at least two absorber elements, a holding device, and a collision bracket that allows the collision bar to be moved from an operating position to a stowed position, aligning with the coupling plane to free space for coupling without increasing the vehicle's length, and incorporating a guide device for vertical displacement and a damping mechanism to manage collision forces effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a collision bar is permanently positioned in the operating position to absorb collision forces, then collision force absorption is improved, but coupling space is blocked and vehicle length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision force absorptionVSAvoidcoupling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collision bar is designed to be movable between an operating position (where it absorbs collision forces) and a stowed position (where it clears the coupling plane for vehicle coupling). The holding device enables the collision bar to be dynamically repositioned based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between maintaining collision protection and enabling coupling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collision bar is moved vertically out of the coupling plane into a stowed position above the vehicle body, rather than being displaced longitudinally. This dimensional change allows the coupling device to operate in the original space without interference from the collision bar, while the collision bar remains positioned to absorb forces when needed.

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

2Reliability

If absorber elements are added to improve collision force absorption, then safety is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision force absorptionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber elements are positioned within the vehicle body structure, nested along the longitudinal axis inside the vehicle frame. This integration allows the absorber elements to be housed within existing structural spaces rather than requiring external additions, thereby improving collision force absorption without proportionally increasing device complexity or external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution provides a simple, robust, and space-efficient absorber device that effectively absorbs collision forces while allowing for vehicle coupling without significant length increase, enhancing space utilization and safety during collisions.

Implementation Method 1

at least two absorber elements (2), a holding device (5) and a collision bar (10) for absorbing collision displacements and/or collision forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

dampen corresponding collision forces and to dissipate kinetic energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy dissipation:

Implementation Method 3

the collision bar (10) can be moved from an operating position into a stowed position... a collision bar for absorbing collision displacements and/or collision forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force absorption: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3524489B1Absorber device for a vehicle and vehicle with an absorber device
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP3524489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3524489B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3524489B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an absorber device for a vehicle, in particular for a rail vehicle. The objective is to provide an improved absorber device for a vehicle. The absorber device according to the invention comprises at least two absorber elements, a holding device, and a collision bar for absorbing collision displacements and/or collision forces. The vehicle frame has at least one force application section for supporting and/or bracing the absorber elements and a coupling bearing. The absorber elements are designed such that they can be mounted to the force application sections of the vehicle frame. The collision bar has two ends through which collision forces transmitted into the collision bar can be transferred to the absorber elements. This is possible when the collision bar is in its intended operating position.According to the invention, the absorber device is designed such that the collision bar can be moved into a designated stowing position.