Pendulation Device Integrating Longitudinal Force Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tilting railway vehicle systems require a separate and complex take-up device to absorb longitudinal forces, which occupies space and hinders the installation of traction motors and complicates assembly.

Innovation Solution

The tilting device incorporates frustoconical-shaped axes with inclined rolling tracks that allow absorption of both transverse and longitudinal forces, eliminating the need for a separate take-up device by enabling the crosspiece to slide and stabilize along the axes, thereby allowing movement in the longitudinal direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a separate take-up device is added to absorb longitudinal forces, then longitudinal force absorption is improved, but device complexity increases and space for traction motors is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal force absorptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the longitudinal force absorption function into the existing tilting device by adding inclined sections to the rolling tracks and frustoconical sections to the axes. This integration eliminates the need for a separate take-up device, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to absorb both transverse and longitudinal forces through the unified tilting mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting device is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously handles transverse tilting movements and longitudinal force absorption. The inclined rolling tracks and frustoconical axes enable the single device to perform multiple functions: tilting the body relative to the bogie and absorbing longitudinal forces during traction or braking, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Force

If a separate take-up device is added to absorb longitudinal forces, then longitudinal force absorption is improved, but installation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal force absorptionVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating longitudinal force absorption into the existing tilting device structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate installation of additional take-up devices. The inclined sections and frustoconical features are incorporated into the original tilting mechanism components, simplifying the installation process while providing comprehensive force absorption capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If rollers are used to take up transverse forces, then transverse force absorption is improved, but longitudinal force absorption requires additional complex devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse force absorptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines transverse and longitudinal force absorption functions into a single integrated tilting device. The rollers continue to handle transverse forces while the added inclined sections and frustoconical axis features enable the same device to absorb longitudinal forces, eliminating the need for separate take-up devices and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the assembly and operation by integrating longitudinal force absorption into the tilting mechanism, freeing up space for traction motors and reducing the number of components, enhancing the comfort and safety of the railway vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

The particular shape of the axes and the rolling tracks not only makes it possible to take up the transverse and roll forces, in a conventional way, but also to take up the longitudinal forces by allowing an absorption of the forces in the longitudinal direction due to the inclination along this direction of the axes and of the inclined sections.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

each rolling track of the crosspiece comprising two inclined sections, resting respectively on one of the tapered sections of the axis on which said rolling track rests

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNormal force: Force

Data Source

PatentEP2822833B1Pendulation device absorbing transverse and longitudinal forces
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP2822833B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2822833B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2822833B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The pendulation device (6) for pendulation of a body (2) relative to a bogie (4) comprises a pendulation crosspiece (8) and two shafts (10) extending longitudinally, each shaft (10) being mounted in rotation about a longitudinal axis (A), the crosspiece (8) comprising two rolling tracks, each rolling track arranged on one of said shafts (10) such that the crosspiece (8) is capable of moving in a transverse direction (T) on said shafts (10). Each shaft (10) comprises, at each of the end portions thereof, a frusto-conical section (22), the large base (24) of which extends towards the end of the shaft (10) and the small base (26) of which extends towards the inside of the shaft (10), each rolling track comprising two inclined sections (30) respectively resting on one of the frusto-conical sections (22) of the shaft (10) on which said rolling track rests.