Rail Vehicle Coupling Retractable Crash Behavior
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle designs are affected in their crash behavior by the coupling during collisions, particularly when the coupling has absorbed maximum collision energy, and existing solutions either have limited effectiveness in smaller collisions or complicate the energy absorption process.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle with a rigid support structure on its front end, featuring a centrally arranged coupling opening that allows the coupling to immerse reversibly into the structure during collisions, minimizing the coupling's impact on crash behavior and incorporating anti-climbing means and energy-absorbing elements to manage kinetic energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the coupling is designed to absorb collision energy, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the coupling significantly affects the crash behavior of the rail vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is extracted from its traditional fixed position and made movable, allowing it to be completely retracted into the support structure during collisions. This separates the coupling's normal function from its collision state, eliminating its adverse effect on crash behavior while maintaining energy absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one that can change its position relative to the support structure. The reversible holding elements enable the coupling to move between protruding and retracted states, adapting to different operational conditions (normal operation vs. collision)
2Reliability
If the coupling is made retractable to minimize crash impact, then the crash behavior is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reversible holding elements are introduced as intermediary components between the coupling and the support structure. These holding elements enable the coupling's reversible lifting movement without requiring complex active control systems, achieving the desired functionality through passive mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the coupling movement, contains the reversible holding elements, and defines the coupling opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the coupling protrudes forward for normal operation, then the coupling function is improved, but the coupling interferes with energy-absorbing elements during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling's position is made dynamic, allowing it to protrude forward during normal operation for ease of coupling/decoupling and to be completely retracted into the support structure during collisions. This temporal separation of functions ensures the coupling performs its coupling function when needed and does not interfere with energy absorption when collisions occur
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with a coupling opening and reversible holding elements that enable preliminary retraction of the coupling before the actual collision impact occurs. This preliminary action prevents the coupling from interfering with energy-absorbing elements before the collision energy dissipation process begins
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 design minimizes the coupling's influence on crash behavior, allowing for controlled energy absorption and preventing adverse effects like climbing, while maintaining structural robustness and simplicity in assembly.
Implementation Method 1
spring means (19a) arranged in the holder sleeve (20) and supporting the holder plunger (21) resiliently in the holder sleeve (20) in the direction of travel (5)
Implementation Method 2
crash equipment, which has reversible and irreversible energy-absorbing elements arranged on the front side, with which a controlled dissipation of the kinetic energy of the impact partner is made possible
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a rail vehicle (1) having a bogie (2) which rolls on a trackway (4) in a direction of travel, a vehicle structure (6) which is supported on the bogie (2), a rigid carrying structure (10) which is arranged on the end side (9) of the rail vehicle (1) and has an end-side coupling opening (14) through which a coupling (15) extends for coupling further rail vehicles, and a coupling securing means (19) for securing the coupling (15) to the rail vehicle (1), wherein the coupling securing means (19) has reversible securing elements which permit a reversible lifting movement counter to the direction of travel (5) to such an extent that the coupling (15) is retracted completely into the supporting structure (10). As a result of the retraction of the coupling into the cage-like carrying structure (10) it no longer influences the crash behaviour.