Rail Coupler Absorbing Apparatus with Cutting Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbing apparatuses for rail-vehicle couplers are unable to effectively dissipate excess energy generated during collisions, leading to inadequate protection for vehicles and passengers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a shock-absorbing unit with a cutting unit and energy absorbing element, where the cutting unit, comprising cutting knives or a cutting ring, interacts with the energy absorbing element to dissipate energy during collisions, reducing the load on the shock-absorbing unit and incorporating friction-reducing elements to minimize wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional shock-absorbing unit is used in a rail-vehicle coupler, then the apparatus can operate in reversible travel mode, but it is unable to dissipate excess energy generated during collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: a shock-absorbing unit with resilient elements for reversible operation, and a separate energy absorbing element with a cutting unit for collision energy dissipation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing element is designed as a sacrificial component that can be cut by the cutting unit during collisions. This disposable element absorbs excessive collision energy through controlled deformation and cutting, protecting the more valuable and complex shock-absorbing unit and vehicle structure from damage.
2Reliability
If the shock-absorbing unit absorbs all collision energy, then reversible operation is maintained, but vehicle and cargo protection is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing element acts as an intermediary between the collision force and the vehicle structure. It intercepts and dissipates excessive collision energy through controlled cutting and deformation, preventing this energy from reaching and damaging the shock-absorbing unit and vehicle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting unit is pre-positioned and configured to engage with the energy absorbing element at predetermined collision force thresholds. This beforehand arrangement ensures that when a collision occurs, the cutting action immediately activates to dissipate energy, providing prior protection to the vehicle structure and cargo.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction between the absorbing apparatus and vehicle structure is high, then stability is improved, but wear on vehicle structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Friction-reducing elements are applied locally at specific contact interfaces between the absorbing apparatus and vehicle structure, rather than throughout the entire system. This localized application reduces wear at critical interfaces while maintaining adequate friction for stability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction-reducing elements replace pure mechanical contact interfaces with low-friction material interfaces. This substitution reduces the coefficient of friction at contact points, minimizing wear on vehicle structures while the overall apparatus stability is maintained through proper structural design and positioning.
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 effectively dissipates excess energy during collisions, enhancing safety for passengers and cargo, reducing damage to rail vehicles and couplers, and lowering repair costs while minimizing wear on vehicle structures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element arranged therebetween
Implementation Method 2
the rear plate of the base comprising a cutting unit for cutting a surface of the energy absorbing element
Implementation Method 3
friction reducing elements arranged on the rear plate of the shock-absorbing unit and reducing friction between the absorbing apparatus and a vehicle structure
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbing apparatus includes a shock-absorbing unit that includes a front plate, a rear plate and a shock-absorbing core arranged between the front plate and the rear plate. The apparatus also includes a base connected to the rear plate of the shock-absorbing unit and having a rear plate, and a side shield surrounding at least partially the shock-absorbing core. One end of the side shield is connected to the front plate or the rear plate of the shock-absorbing unit, while the other end of the side shield is spaced-apart from the other of the front plate or the rear plate of the shock-absorbing unit. The base includes an energy absorbing element connected to the rear plate of the shock-absorbing unit and mounted in the rear plate of the base, while the rear plate of the base includes a cutting unit for cutting a surface of the energy absorbing element.