Rail Vehicle Coupler Box Constant-Force Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rail vehicles, the coupler buffer device's installation structure often fails to trigger the next level of energy absorption during collisions due to not failing or being difficult to fail, hindering the contact of subsequent energy absorption devices.
Innovation Solution
A coupler box with a fixing portion and a movable portion connected by a constant-force connector that breaks during a collision, allowing the movable portion and fixing portion to separate, enabling subsequent energy absorption elements to deform and absorb energy, ensuring controllable sequential energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupler buffer device installation structure is made strong and short, then the structural strength is improved, but the installation structure fails to break during collision, preventing sequential energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The installation structure is segmented into a strong outer framework and a weak connection component (constant-force connector). The outer framework provides structural strength while the connector is designed to break at a specific force threshold, enabling sequential energy absorption when the connector fails after the buffer device absorbs initial energy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the installation structure have different strength characteristics. The box body and mounting base are made strong for structural support, while the constant-force connector is made weak with a specific break strength to enable controlled failure and trigger the next level of energy absorption during collision.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the coupler buffer device absorbs energy completely, then the energy absorption function is improved, but the installation structure does not fail, hindering the next level energy absorption device
Solution Approach 1:
The constant-force connector is pre-designed with a specific break strength threshold. When the coupler buffer device absorbs energy and the reaction force reaches this threshold, the connector automatically breaks, preliminarily preparing the path for the next level energy absorption device to be triggered without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant-force connector acts as an intermediary component between the coupler buffer device and the next level energy absorption device. It transmits the energy absorption force and automatically fails when the threshold is reached, mediating the transition between different energy absorption levels.
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 enhances the crashworthiness of rail vehicles by ensuring the next level of energy absorption is triggered, improving safety and preventing the next level from being hindered, thus improving the safety of drivers and passengers.
Implementation Method 1
the constant-force connector is configured to be broken during the inward movement of the movable portion pushed by the coupler buffer device when the vehicle collides
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling box of a rail vehicle, including a fixed portion fixedly mounted on a vehicle body and a movable portion connecting to a coupler and draft gear; the movable portion is connected to an inner end of the fixed portion by means of a constant-force connecting member, the constant-force connecting member is broken when the coupler and draft gear pushes the movable portion to move inwardly at the time of a collision, so that the movable portion and the fixed portion are able to be separated from each other.