Rail Vehicle Coupling Rod Energy Dissipation Device
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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 transmitting tensile and compressive forces without significant modifications to existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A drawbar and buffer device design that incorporates a reversible energy dissipation device and an irreversible energy absorption device, arranged in series or parallel, with a shearing device to manage forces effectively, allowing for compact and efficient energy absorption within minimal space, and easy retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high energy consumption devices are installed to handle very high energy consumption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipation device is divided into multiple independent energy absorption elements (reversible and irreversible) that are arranged in parallel. Each element handles a portion of the energy absorption, allowing the system to achieve high energy consumption capability while maintaining compact dimensions by distributing the load across multiple smaller components rather than requiring one large device.
2Loss of energy
If multiple energy absorption devices are arranged in series, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reversible and irreversible energy absorption elements into a single integrated energy dissipation device housing. This merging approach allows multiple energy absorption mechanisms to work together in parallel within one compact unit, achieving high energy absorption capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices and their associated mounting requirements.
3Loss of energy
If existing systems are modified to accommodate high energy consumption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The energy dissipation device is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be integrated into existing drawbar and buffer device configurations without requiring significant modifications. The device accepts standard mounting arrangements and can be installed in various rail vehicle coupling systems, making it easy to manufacture and retrofit while providing enhanced energy absorption capability.
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 combines reversible and irreversible energy absorption in a compact structural unit, enabling efficient force management and easy assembly, while maintaining existing installation conditions, allowing for defined force responses and minimal space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring apparatus on the one hand
Implementation Method 2
with a deformation element (16), in particular a deformation tube
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.