Rail Vehicle Coupling Damper Using Hydropneumatic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draw/buffing devices for rail vehicles are cumbersome due to the need for two independent coil springs, leading to noise issues during load changes, which are unacceptable in modern passenger rail systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact draw/buffing device utilizing a hydropneumatic suspension system with a piston and cylinder arrangement, where the piston retracts into the cylinder to dampen movement, eliminating the need for spiral springs and reducing noise through hydraulic and pneumatic damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent coil springs are used to absorb tensile and compressive forces, then the device can handle both force types, but the device becomes long and complex in design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate coil springs into a single coil spring that can absorb both tensile and compressive forces. The coil spring is configured to engage with different components (first component for compression, second component for tension) allowing one spring to perform the function previously requiring two springs, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil spring is designed to serve multiple functions: it absorbs both compressive forces (when engaged with the first component) and tensile forces (when engaged with the second component). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate springs for each force type, reducing the overall device complexity and length
2Reliability
If coil springs are used for force absorption, then the device can dampen loads, but undamped contact with the housing generates loud noises during load changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary component between the coil spring and the housing. This damping element contacts the housing instead of the coil spring, providing a damped contact that absorbs noise while the coil spring continues to perform its load absorption function. The intermediary element resolves the noise issue without compromising the reliability of force absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the noise-generating function from the load-absorption function. The coil spring is extracted from the housing contact role and dedicated solely to force absorption, while a separate damping element is introduced to handle the noise-damping function by contacting the housing. This functional separation eliminates noise generation while maintaining load absorption capability
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is achieved by integrating the damping mechanism into the damper housing, then the device size is reduced, but the damping mechanism must perform both suspension and damping functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suspension function and damping function into a single integrated damping mechanism within the damper housing. The coil spring provides suspension while the damping element provides damping, and both are housed together in a compact arrangement. This integration reduces the overall device volume while the modular design of combining simple components keeps the mechanism complexity manageable
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 solution provides effective noise damping and a compact design, ensuring quiet operation during load changes by using a hydropneumatic system to absorb both tensile and compressive forces.
Implementation Method 1
a damping mechanism (2), which is at least partially incorporated and formed in the damper housing (4) and is designed to dampen the movement of the force transmission element (3) relative to the damper housing (4) during tensile/compressive force transmission
Implementation Method 2
the spring system is designed to perform the damping and suspension functions for both tensile and impact force transmission by means of pneumatics and/or hydraulics
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pull/push device (1), in particular for center buffer couplings of track-guided vehicles, especially rail vehicles. The pull/push device (1) comprises a damper housing (4), which is connected or connectable to a car body of the vehicle, and a force transmission element (3) for transmitting tensile or impact forces to the damper housing (4) as required, wherein the force transmission element (3) is movable relative to the damper housing (4) in both the pulling direction (A) and the impact direction (B). Furthermore, a damping mechanism (2) is provided, which is at least partially integrated and formed within the damper housing (4) to dampen the movement of the force transmission element relative to the damper housing (4) during tensile/impact force transmission.