Rail Vehicle Collision Detection Device Elastic Resetting Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collision detection devices for rail vehicles face issues with impacts of varying severity, where lower severity impacts remain undetected, leading to gradual damage and potentially premature triggering of emergency braking, and higher severity impacts are not distinguished, necessitating frequent device revisions.
Innovation Solution
A collision detection device with an elastic resetting unit that undergoes deflection beyond the initial threshold, allowing classification of collision events and severity, enabling precise revision schemes and reducing the need for frequent inspections, using a damping unit or spring elements for resetting and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a retaining bolt is used to hold the collision element in position with a fixed threshold severity, then the collision detection device can generate a collision signal at a defined threshold impact severity, but any impact of sufficient severity requires revision of the collision detection device and replacement of the retaining bolt, whereas impacts of lower severity remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static retaining bolt with a dynamic resetting unit that can elastically deflect and reset. The resetting unit comprises a resetting element that can undergo elastic deformation during collision events and automatically return to its initial position, enabling multiple detection cycles without revision. This transforms the fixed-threshold system into a reusable dynamic system that maintains detection precision while eliminating frequent revisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by introducing multiple deflection thresholds (first threshold deflection for first collision signal, second threshold deflection for second collision signal) that correspond to different collision severities. The resetting unit can undergo different elastic resetting unit deflections depending on the collision severity, allowing the system to distinguish between various impact levels and trigger appropriate responses without requiring device revision.
2Ease of operation
If the collision element is elastically held with a resetting unit that resets to initial position, then the collision unit can be reset back to neutral position after obstacle removal, but the severity of impacts beyond the threshold severity cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the collision detection range into multiple severity levels using different deflection thresholds. The first threshold deflection corresponds to a first collision signal, while the second threshold deflection corresponds to a second collision signal. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different impact severities (e.g., minor vs. major collisions) while maintaining the elastic reset capability, enabling both precise measurement and operational simplicity.
3Reliability
If a fixed threshold collision detection system is used, then the collision signal can be generated at a defined threshold severity, but gradual damage to the retaining bolt from lower severity impacts is not detected, potentially leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing multiple detection thresholds before actual collisions occur. The first threshold deflection detects minor impacts that could cause gradual damage, while the second threshold deflection detects more severe impacts. This preliminary multi-level detection system allows the system to identify gradual damage accumulation from lower severity impacts before the retaining bolt fails, preventing unexpected failures and improving reliability.
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 solution provides reliable and long-term collision detection with reduced revision effort, allowing for precise classification of impact severity and preventing unnecessary device inspections, while ensuring accurate triggering of emergency responses.
Implementation Method 1
The resetting unit is configured to undergo, during the threshold collision event, a first elastic resetting unit deflection from a neutral resetting unit position. The resetting unit is configured to undergo, during a second threshold collision event having a second threshold severity greater than the first threshold severity, a second elastic resetting unit deflection, the second elastic resetting unit deflection being larger than the first elastic resetting unit deflection. The resetting unit is configured to elastically reset, in a resetting action, from the second elastic resetting unit deflection to substantially the neutral resetting unit position upon removal of the collision partner, thereby resetting the collision unit to substantially the neutral position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a collision detection device for detecting a collision of a vehicle, in particular, a rail vehicle, with a collision partner, comprising a collision unit (110), a mounting device (109) for mounting the collision detection device to the vehicle, and a sensor device (111). The collision unit (110) comprises at least one collision element (110.1) for contacting the collision partner in a collision event. The sensor device (111) is configured to generate a first collision signal representative of a first threshold collision event having a definable first threshold severity as a function of a first threshold relative deflection of the collision unit (110) relative to the mounting device (109) from a neutral position during the first threshold collision event. The collision unit (110) is coupled to the mounting device (109) via a resetting unit (114) and via a guide element (109.2), in particular a hinge element, defining a motion of the collision element (110.1) during the collision event. The resetting unit (114) is configured to undergo, during the threshold collision event, a first elastic resetting unit deflection from a neutral resetting unit position. The resetting unit (114) is configured to undergo, during a second threshold collision event having a second threshold severity greater that the first threshold severity, a second elastic resetting unit deflection, the second elastic resetting unit deflection being larger than the first elastic resetting unit deflection. The resetting unit (114) is configured to elastically reset, in a resetting action, from the second elastic resetting unit deflection to substantially the neutral resetting unit position upon removal of the collision partner, thereby resetting the collision unit (110) to substantially the neutral position.