Rail Coupling Rod Layout for Compact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draw and buffer devices for rail vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing high energy consumption within limited space, particularly in coupling linkages, without significant modifications.
Innovation Solution
A pulling and pushing device with a coupling rod that incorporates both reversible and irreversible energy dissipation devices, arranged coaxially and connected in series, to manage tensile and compressive forces within standard installation space, allowing for efficient energy absorption and minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a high energy absorption capacity is installed to manage high energy consumption, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested energy absorption devices where the first energy absorption device is positioned within the second energy absorption device. This nesting arrangement allows both devices to occupy the same installation space, enabling high energy absorption capacity without increasing the overall installation space requirement. The inner device handles specific energy absorption while the outer device provides additional absorption capacity, resolving the contradiction between energy absorption capacity and installation space.
2Force
If both tensile and compressive forces are managed through energy absorption devices, then the force transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy absorption system into two distinct energy absorption devices: a first device for managing compressive forces and a second device for managing tensile forces. Each device is optimized for its specific force type, allowing independent design and adjustment. This segmentation enables comprehensive force transmission capability while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption devices are designed to handle multiple force types (tensile and compressive) through their arrangement and configuration. The first and second energy absorption devices work together in series to provide universal force management capability, allowing the system to handle both compression and tension loads effectively without requiring entirely separate systems for each force type.
3Ease of repair
If existing installation conditions are maintained for retrofitting, then the ease of repair and retrofitting is improved, but the energy absorption capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of energy absorption devices allows the system to fit within existing installation spaces defined by standard contact points for force introduction. The inner device is positioned within the outer device, enabling both devices to utilize the same installation envelope without requiring modifications to existing structures. This nesting strategy maintains retrofitting ease while accumulating energy absorption capacity from multiple devices.
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 solution enables high energy consumption management in a compact space, maintaining existing installation conditions and allowing for simple retrofitting, with the reversible device handling tensile loads and the irreversible device absorbing impact forces, optimizing space utilization and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a reversible energy absorption device (7) and an irreversible energy absorption device (10) wherein the energy absorption device is designed such that the force flow of the tensile forces
Implementation Method 2
an irreversible energy absorption device (10) wherein the force flow of the compressive forces transmitted from the coupling rod (2) to it is directed through the reversible energy absorption device (7) and the irreversible energy absorption device (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pull and push means for a track-guided vehicle, in particular rail vehicle, with a coupling rod, which is connected to a superstructure of a vehicle via a pull clamp, for transmitting pull and push forces occurring in the travelling mode from the coupling rod at the superstructure, with a spring apparatus which is arranged between the superstructure-side end region of the coupling rod and the superstructure and has an energy consumption device with a reversible energy consumption means, wherein the spring apparatus is configured in such a manner that the force flux of the push forces, which are transmitted directly to the spring apparatus by the coupling rod, and of the pull forces, which are transmitted via the pull clamp, is conducted through said spring apparatus and transmitted to the superstructure via stop regions for the introduction of pull forces and/or compression forces to the superstructure or at a component connected at least indirectly thereto, wherein the spring apparatus in the installed position has, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the coupling rod, a front transmission element facing the vehicle and a rear transmission element facing the vehicle, between which transmission elements the energy consumption means is arranged in a prestressed manner. The invention is characterized in that the energy consumption device furthermore comprises an energy consumption means with irreversible energy consumption, and the energy consumption device is arranged within the axial extent of the pull clamp, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.