Rail Vehicle Cable Connection for Gangway Separation Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle designs face challenges in preventing car transfer separation between two car boxes due to high pressure force stresses, especially when installation space constraints limit favorable joint attachment positions, leading to complex, heavy, and expensive solutions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a rope connection system that transfers and absorbs tensile forces between car boxes, allowing for a flexible, lightweight, and space-saving connection that can withstand significant tensile loads up to 400 KNM without tearing, thereby preventing car transfer separation and ensuring passenger safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If articulated end stops are positioned closer to the axis of rotation to absorb greater forces, then the force absorption capability is improved, but the installation space requirements increase and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using articulated end stops that rely on compressive forces and complex mechanical linkages, the patent inverts the approach by using a cable connection that relies on tensile forces. The cable connection is simpler in concept and structure, requiring fewer components and less installation space while still effectively preventing car body separation under extreme forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of force absorption from the complex articulated end stop mechanism and implements it through a simplified cable connection system. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and focusing on the core tensile force transmission function, the solution achieves force absorption with reduced complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If articulated end stops are positioned closer to the axis of rotation to absorb greater forces, then the force absorption capability is improved, but the weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by replacing heavy articulated end stops with a lightweight cable connection system. The cable connection achieves comparable force absorption capability through tensile force transmission, significantly reducing the weight of the protective device while maintaining safety functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Force

If complex force-conducting structures are created to absorb high compressive forces, then the force absorption capability is improved, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the approach by using a cable connection that requires minimal installation space compared to complex force-conducting structures. The cable connection can be installed in limited spaces between car bodies, avoiding the need for large installation areas while still providing effective protection against car body separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If rigid connection structures are used to prevent car body separation, then the safety is improved, but the adaptability to existing structures decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidadaptability to existing structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic cable connection system that can adapt to existing car body structures and force-conducting elements. The cable connection flexibly integrates with existing structural components, allowing installation in areas where rigid structures already exist, thereby maintaining safety while improving adaptability to various vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 rope connection system effectively prevents car transfer separation and passenger ejection by redirecting forces from pressure to tensile stress, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution that is particularly advantageous in areas with existing power-leading structures and during irregular driving situations like derailment.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible cable connection is in a relaxed state and is only deflected from this relaxed state by tensile forces between the car bodies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

any tensile forces that occur can be transmitted or introduced directly from car body to car body via the cable connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4299404B1Rail vehicle with cable connection

Publication Date: 2025.01.29 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a rail vehicle with at least one first car body 1 and a second car body 2, which are movably connected to each other by means of at least one joint 5, 11, 12, wherein the rail vehicle has a car transition 3 between the at least two car bodies 1, 2, which is substantially closed to the outside by means of a flexible covering 7, 14, 15, wherein the car transition 3 has at least one cable connection 9, wherein the at least one cable connection 9 is connected to the at least two car bodies 1, 2.