Rail Vehicle Coupler Assembly with Inclined Slide Ways
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed trains' coupler assemblies are inadequate in absorbing collision energy, leading to potential intrusion into the train head or derailment risks due to limited space for energy-absorbing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly design featuring a coupler mounting base with inclined guiding slide ways and sliding components that allow the coupler to slide rearward upon collision, preventing intrusion and derailment by limiting the motion path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the train head is designed with a streamlined shuttle shape to reduce air resistance and improve starting performance, then traveling resistance is reduced and speed is increased, but the front end space becomes narrow and cannot accommodate a large-scale energy-absorbing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler mounting base is designed to move dynamically from a fixed initial state to a sliding state during collision. The inclined guiding slide ways enable the coupler to move rearward along a controlled path, transforming the static front end structure into a dynamic energy absorption system that adapts to collision forces without requiring additional front end space.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a longitudinal dimension of motion through the inclined guiding slide ways. Instead of expanding energy absorption capacity horizontally in the front end, the design utilizes the longitudinal axis of the train, allowing the coupler to move rearward along the train's length to absorb collision energy.
2Device complexity
If a conventional coupler is used with limited energy absorption capacity, then the coupler structure remains simple, but the coupler cannot fully absorb collision energy and may intrude into the upper part of the train head or fall onto the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure during collision. The inclined guiding slide ways enable controlled rearward motion of the coupler mounting base, allowing the system to absorb collision energy through movement while maintaining reliability and preventing intrusion or derailment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined guiding slide ways act as an intermediary mechanism between the coupler and the train head. This intermediate structure enables controlled energy absorption through sliding motion, mediating the collision forces and preventing direct intrusion into the train head or uncontrolled movement onto the rail.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupler is fixed rigidly to the vehicle head, then the coupling function is stable during normal operation, but the coupler cannot absorb collision energy and may damage equipment in the upper part or increase derailment risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dual-state design: stable fixed connection during normal operation and dynamic sliding motion during collision. The inclined guiding slide ways remain engaged during normal operation to maintain coupling stability, but enable controlled rearward movement when collision forces are applied, allowing energy absorption while preserving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters from a fixed rigid connection to a movable sliding connection during collision. The inclined guiding slide ways facilitate this parameter change, allowing the coupler to transition from a stable fixed state to an energy-absorbing moving state, thereby addressing both stability and energy absorption requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler assembly, arranged at a front end of a vehicle head of a rail vehicle, includes: a coupler mounting base fixed to the vehicle head; a coupler fixedly mounted to the coupler mounting base, and a supporting component provided at each of two sides of the coupler mounting base. The supporting component has a guiding slide way inclined longitudinally, a front end of the guiding slide way is higher than a rear end of the guiding slide way; a sliding component is fixedly provided at each of the two sides of the coupler mounting base, and the sliding component slidably cooperates with the guiding slide way at a respective side; and the coupler assembly is configured such that in an initial state, the coupler mounting base is fixedly connected to the supporting component, and the sliding component is located at a front end of the guiding slide way.