Rail Vehicle Coupling Support with Shearing Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supporting devices for coupling rods in rail vehicles obstruct the longitudinal displacement of the coupling rod during a crash, preventing the engagement of secondary energy-absorbing devices and leading to excessive impact forces on the vehicle underframe.
Innovation Solution
A supporting device with a shearing element that allows the support to rotate relative to the connecting element upon exceeding a predetermined torque, enabling the support to pivot out of the coupling's path and allowing the coupling rod to displace freely, thus avoiding interference with the secondary energy-absorbing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting device rigidly supports the coupling rod vertically, then the coupling rod maintains stable vertical position during normal operation, but the coupling rod cannot displace longitudinally during a crash, preventing engagement of secondary energy-absorbing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting device transitions from a static rigid support to a dynamic system that adapts its behavior based on loading conditions. During normal operation, the support maintains vertical stability through elastic forces. During crash conditions, the support rotates about the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, allowing longitudinal displacement and engagement of secondary energy-absorbing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting device is segmented into distinct functional components: the support body, the connecting element with defined longitudinal axis, and the secondary energy-absorbing devices. This segmentation allows the support to maintain its vertical support function while independently enabling longitudinal displacement through rotation about the connecting element's axis.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support is rigidly connected to prevent rotation, then vertical support stability is maintained, but the support obstructs the coupling's path of displacement during a crash
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with rotational freedom about the longitudinal axis of the connecting element, transforming it from a static obstructing component to a dynamic element that can pivot out of the coupling's displacement path during crashes while maintaining vertical support stability during normal operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support is made movable to allow displacement, then secondary energy-absorbing devices can engage, but vertical support stability during normal operation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support system exhibits conditional stability: during normal operation, elastic forces maintain vertical support stability; during crash conditions, the support rotates about the connecting element's longitudinal axis, enabling displacement while maintaining stability through the rotational mechanism rather than rigid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented to separate vertical support function from longitudinal displacement function. The support body provides vertical stability through elastic forces, while rotation about the connecting element's axis enables longitudinal displacement, allowing both functions to coexist without interference.
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 the effective engagement of secondary energy-absorbing devices by allowing the coupling rod to displace freely during a crash, reducing the risk of vehicle underframe damage and maintaining vertical support during normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shearing element (6) to connect the connecting element (5) to the support (2), and which is designed to shear off upon the exceeding of a predetermined or definable amount of torque being transmitted from the support (2) to the connecting element (5) via the at least one shearing element (6)
Implementation Method 2
The connecting element (5) defines a rotational axis about which the support (2) can rotate relative to the connecting element (5). At least one shearing element (6) is furthermore provided in the supporting device (1) to connect the connecting element (5) to the support (2), and which is designed to shear off upon the exceeding of a predetermined or definable amount of torque
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting device is provided to vertically support a coupling rod of a coupling pivotably articulated in the vertical direction to a car body underframe by a bearing block. The supporting device makes contact with the coupling rod by a support, wherein the supporting device includes a mount connected to the support which is fixed to the car body underframe of the vehicle. In order to enable the interference-free retraction of the central buffer coupling toward the car body in the event of a crash, the mount includes a connecting element by which the support is connected to the mount and which defines a rotational axis about which the support can rotate relative the connecting element. Further, at least one shearing element is provided which connects the connecting element to the support and which is designed to shear off upon the exceeding of a predetermined or definable amount of torque being transmitted from the support to the connecting element via the at least one shearing element in order to allow a rotation of the support relative the connecting element.