Prepressed Emergency Air Spring Assembly for High-Speed Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber emergency air springs in high-speed train applications experience creep deformation and increased vertical rigidity over time, failing to meet requirements for small vertical rigidity changes and soft stops, especially in deflated states where transverse sliding friction occurs.
Innovation Solution
A prepressed emergency air spring assembly featuring a steel spring and hourglass elastomers between an upper and lower end plate, with a parallel structure that reduces creep and nonlinearity, and includes a transverse stop elastomer for soft stops, and a retaining ring for self-sealing to prevent air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rubber emergency spring is used, then it provides buffering and damping functions, but it generates creep deformation and increased vertical rigidity during service life
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency spring is divided into two independent parts: a steel spring for vertical load bearing and hourglass elastomers for transverse buffering. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, preventing the rubber material from developing creep deformation while maintaining the required buffering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air spring assembly uses pressurized air within the air spring to provide the primary suspension function, while the steel spring and hourglass elastomers serve as emergency backup systems. This pneumatic system maintains consistent performance without the degradation issues of pure rubber springs.
2Force
If the air spring is deflated, then it provides vertical stopping function, but hard stop is generated and transverse sliding friction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hourglass elastomers are pre-installed in transverse positions to provide cushioning before any sliding friction can occur. When transverse displacement happens during deflation, these elastomers deform elastically to absorb energy, preventing the cover plate from sliding against the wearing plate with friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The hourglass elastomers act as intermediary elements between the cover plate and the wearing plate in the transverse direction. Instead of direct contact causing sliding friction, the elastomers mediate the interaction through elastic deformation, providing a soft stop mechanism.
3Reliability
If multiple hourglass elastomers are arranged in parallel with steel spring, then creep is reduced and vertical rigidity is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steel spring and hourglass elastomers are merged into a single integrated emergency spring assembly that functions as one unit. The elastomers are positioned circumferentially around the steel spring, creating a compact structure where both components work together without requiring separate mounting systems or complex arrangements.
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 low heavy-load vertical rigidity, increased comfort, and stability, enabling soft stops in the transverse direction while maintaining vertical rigidity, thus addressing the limitations of existing rubber emergency springs.
Implementation Method 1
The air spring assembly comprises an elastomer located between a pair of rigid end plates. The elastomer is made of rubber, and compressed by loads acted on the spring assembly.
Implementation Method 2
A steel spring is arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate in a pressing mode.
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of hourglass elastomers are arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate along a circumferential direction of the steel spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A prepressed emergency air spring assembly includes an upper cover plate, an air bag, an upper end plate and a lower end plate. The periphery of the upper end plate is connected with an outer periphery of the lower end plate through the air bag. A steel spring is arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate in a pressing mode. A plurality of hourglass elastomers are arranged between the upper cover plate and the upper end plate along a circumferential direction of the steel spring.