Rail Vehicle Coupling Deformation Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic couplings between rail vehicle wagons require additional space and separate energy absorption elements, compromising structural integrity and passenger compartment safety during collisions.
Innovation Solution
An elastic coupling design featuring end supports with curved and straight heads, intermediate deformation areas, and an enclosing case, where the deformation areas are optimized to control stress and absorb energy, allowing for controlled deformation without structural damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional elastic couplings use rigid supports with separate absorption elements, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy absorption function directly into the support structure by creating deformation areas with controlled stress concentration zones. The curved and straight head supports incorporate intermediate deformation areas that absorb energy through controlled plastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate absorption elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific deformation areas with optimized geometry within the support structure. The intermediate deformation areas feature curved walls with controlled thickness variations that concentrate stress in specific zones, allowing localized energy absorption while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the support
2Loss of energy
If traditional elastic couplings include separate absorption elements, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the required space inside the wagon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is merged into the support structure itself through the intermediate deformation areas. This integration eliminates the need for separate absorption elements and the space they would occupy, reducing the volume required inside the wagon while maintaining adequate energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation areas are nested within the support structure, with the curved and straight head supports containing the intermediate deformation zones. This nesting approach allows the absorption function to be embedded within the existing support volume, eliminating additional space requirements
3Strength
If rigid supports are used in elastic couplings, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to absorb energy through controlled deformation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local deformation areas with optimized geometry within the otherwise rigid support structure. The intermediate deformation areas have controlled wall thickness and curvature that concentrate stress in specific zones, allowing localized plastic deformation for energy absorption while maintaining the overall structural strength of the support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the support structure by introducing curved and straight head configurations with specific deformation zones. These parameter changes create controlled stress concentration areas that enable energy absorption through controlled deformation while preserving the structural integrity of the overall support
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 effectively absorbs energy during collisions, maintaining structural integrity and eliminating the need for additional space, while ensuring passenger safety by distributing loads through controlled deformation areas.
Implementation Method 1
an end support or curved head in turn comprising a screwed straight area, an intermediate deformation area and an end coupling area
Implementation Method 2
elastic coupling between rail vehicle wagons, comprising... such that the supports are attached to one another by draw connection means and by elastic elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an elastic coupling (1) between rail vehicle wagons, comprising:an end support (2) or curved head (8) in turn comprising a screwed straight area (5), an intermediate deformation area (6) and an end coupling area (7), the end (8) of the coupling area (7) being curved,an end support (3) or straight head (8′) in turn comprising a screwed straight area (5′), an intermediate deformation area (6′) and an end coupling area (7′), the end (8′) of the coupling area (7′) being straight, andan enclosing case (4) covering the end coupling area (7) of the support (2) and the end coupling area (7′) of the support (3),such that the supports (2) and (3) are attached to one another by draw connection means and by elastic elements. The walls of the intermediate area 6 of the support 2 are curved inwards, and the walls of the intermediate area 6′ of the support 3 are curved outwards.