Movable Rail Obstacle Deflector Sliding Back to Protect Carbodyshell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle deflectors for rail vehicles are ineffective in protecting the carbodyshell from impact damage, as they are typically fixed behind energy absorbers and cannot function properly during crashes, leaving the front end of the train unprotected.
Innovation Solution
A movable obstacle deflector that can be placed in front of energy absorbers, capable of sliding back during impacts to avoid interfering with their operation, featuring a buckling-free system with a sledge and shield element that moves from an extended position to a retracted position when the impact force exceeds a threshold, using breakable tearing elements to allow this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the obstacle deflector is fixed behind energy absorbers, then the energy absorbers can function properly during crashes, but the carbodyshell remains unprotected from impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle deflector is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position. It can be placed in front of energy absorbers during normal operation to protect the carbodyshell, and automatically moves behind them during crashes to allow proper energy absorption. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the deflector's position adaptive to different operational states.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the obstacle deflector is placed in front of energy absorbers, then the carbodyshell is protected from impacts, but the energy absorbers cannot function properly during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector's movable design allows it to automatically relocate from a forward position (providing protection) to a rearward position (allowing energy absorption) based on impact conditions. This dynamic behavior enables the system to provide carbodyshell protection during normal operation while ensuring energy absorbers function properly during crashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable deflector acts as an intermediary element between obstacles and the carbodyshell. During normal operation, it intercepts obstacles before they reach the carbodyshell. During crashes, it moves away to allow energy absorbers to serve as the primary protective mechanism, thus mediating between protection needs and energy absorption requirements.
3Device complexity
If a fixed obstacle deflector is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different impact scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector transitions from a fixed to a movable structure, enabling it to adapt to different impact scenarios. The added complexity of movement mechanisms is justified by the significant gain in adaptability, allowing the same deflector to provide protection during normal operation and yield during crashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector's position parameter changes dynamically based on impact conditions. During normal operation, it maintains a forward position for protection. During crashes exceeding a threshold, it moves to a rearward position. This parameter change enables adaptation to different scenarios while maintaining structural efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
This obstacle deflector (12), for a rail vehicle (10) having a carbodyshell (14) with a front end, comprises a support member (18, 26) arranged to be fixed at a proximate end (18a) to the a front end of the carbodyshell (14); a moving element (16, 24) supported by said support member (18, 26) so as to be slideably movable with respect to the support member (18, 26); and a shield element (20) fixed to a front end (16a, 24a) the moving element (16, 24. The moving element (16, 24) is arranged to move between an extended position, wherein the shield element (20) is spaced from a distal end (18b, 26b) of the support member (18, 26) and is arranged to push away an obstacle placed in front of the rail vehicle (10), and a retracted position, wherein the shield element (20) is in contact with the distal end (18b, 26b) of the support member (18) and is arranged not to push away said obstacle.