Rail Vehicle Coupling Device with Segmented Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for rail vehicles struggle to efficiently transmit longitudinal, vertical, and transverse forces while allowing reversible energy absorption, particularly in scenarios where adjacent car bodies share a common running gear, due to constraints in existing installation spaces and limited flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring an articulated mechanism with movable joints about parallel axes, allowing for the use of elastic elements for reversible energy absorption and a linkage that maintains force transmission even under longitudinal stress, enabling relative movement between car bodies and improved flexibility, especially in curved tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spherically movable joint is used to transmit forces between car bodies in all directions, then force transmission capability is improved, but reversible energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a spherical joint for force transmission in all directions, a separate coupling rod for longitudinal force transmission, and articulated drives for vertical and transverse force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the spherical joint maintaining pure force transmission without energy absorption functions, thereby resolving the contradiction between force transmission capability and reversible energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling rod acts as an intermediary element that transmits longitudinal forces between car bodies independently of the spherical joint. By introducing this intermediate component, the spherical joint is relieved of longitudinal force transmission duties, allowing it to focus on multi-directional force transmission while the coupling rod handles longitudinal forces and can incorporate elastic elements for reversible energy absorption.
2Loss of energy
If an additional stroke for reversible energy absorption is integrated into the spherical joint, then reversible energy absorption is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible energy absorption function is extracted from the spherical joint and assigned to separate elastic elements positioned independently. This extraction allows the spherical joint to maintain its simple, pure force transmission function while the elastic elements provide reversible energy absorption without complicating the joint's internal structure or increasing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device achieves multi-functionality through separate components: the spherical joint handles multi-directional force transmission, the coupling rod handles longitudinal forces with reversible energy absorption, and the articulated drives handle vertical and transverse forces. This universal design allows the system to perform multiple functions without increasing the complexity of any single component.
3Loss of energy
If the coupling rod is attached in a movable bearing to allow longitudinal movement, then reversible energy absorption is improved, but force transmission efficiency in vertical and transverse directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission functions are segmented and assigned to different components: the coupling rod with movable bearings handles longitudinal forces and reversible energy absorption, while articulated drives with separate joints handle vertical and transverse forces. This segmentation ensures that each component operates in its optimal direction without compromising force transmission efficiency in any direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Articulated drives act as intermediary mechanisms that transmit vertical and transverse forces between car bodies independently of the coupling rod's longitudinal movement. These articulated drives with their own joints serve as mediators, ensuring that the movable bearing of the coupling rod does not interfere with vertical and transverse force transmission.
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
Enables effective reversible energy absorption during collisions and improved flexibility, allowing better utilization of clearance profiles and reduced load on front couplings, while maintaining the ability to transmit vertical and transverse forces, enhancing safety and performance in rail vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling device comprises elastic elements which are designed to allow a longitudinal movement of the coupling rod along the two car bodies, in particular with at least one nominal stroke. Movable bearings for the coupling rod, which can be spherical or gimbal-type, preferably each have elastic/reversible elements that allow movement of the coupling rod in a longitudinal direction along the two car bodies. In this way, for example, reversible energy absorption by the elastic elements is enabled in the event of a crash.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device for connecting two carriage bodies, comprising a coupling rod for transmitting longitudinal forces between the two carriage bodies, wherein the coupling rod (4) has its ends respectively fastened in a movable bearing (5, 6) on the two carriage bodies, wherein the coupling device comprises a linkage mechanism which is independent of the coupling rod (4) and is designed to transmit vertical and/or transverse forces between the two carriage bodies, with the result that the coupling rod (4) is loaded exclusively in its longitudinal direction.