Railway Crash Module with Transverse Profile for Oblique Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crash modules for rail vehicles are inadequate in absorbing oblique collision forces, leading to buckling and damage, and are costly and heavy when designed to handle both longitudinal and oblique collisions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A crash module with a transverse profile that has different compressive and shear strengths in transverse directions compared to the longitudinal direction, allowing it to absorb oblique collision forces without buckling and integrating with existing crash elements, constructed from materials like steel or aluminum profiles or aluminum foam, with minimal weight and space increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional crash modules are designed to handle both longitudinal and oblique collisions, then collision protection is improved, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different mechanical properties to different directional loads. The transverse profile is designed with high compressive strength in the transverse direction to resist oblique collision forces, while maintaining controlled lower strength in the longitudinal direction to allow energy absorption through deformation. This directional differentiation allows the crash module to handle multiple collision types without requiring uniformly high strength in all directions, thereby reducing overall weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse profile exhibits asymmetric mechanical behavior with respect to different loading directions. The profile geometry and material distribution are optimized so that the compressive strength differs significantly between transverse and longitudinal directions. This asymmetric design enables the structure to provide enhanced protection against oblique collisions while allowing controlled deformation for longitudinal energy absorption, avoiding the need for symmetric reinforcement that would increase weight.
2Reliability
If conventional crash modules are designed to handle both longitudinal and oblique collisions, then collision protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of longitudinal energy absorption and transverse force resistance into a single integrated crash module structure. The transverse profile is combined with the crash element to form a unified structure that simultaneously handles both longitudinal and oblique collision scenarios. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural components for different collision types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse profile is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides resistance against oblique collision forces through its high transverse compressive strength, while simultaneously allowing controlled deformation for longitudinal energy absorption. This multi-functional design enables a single structural element to handle multiple collision scenarios, reducing the overall complexity of the crash module compared to designs requiring separate components for different collision types.
3Strength
If transverse profile with high transverse strength is added to crash element, then oblique collision resistance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters and material properties of the transverse profile to achieve directional strength differentiation. The profile geometry is optimized so that the moment of inertia and section modulus are higher in the transverse direction, providing enhanced compressive strength where needed for oblique collision resistance. Simultaneously, the design allows controlled lower strength in the longitudinal direction to enable energy absorption through deformation, avoiding unnecessary weight increase from uniform reinforcement.
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
The crash module effectively dissipates oblique collision energy through plastic deformation, protecting the car body and allowing for easy and cost-effective repairs, while maintaining energy absorption in longitudinal collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the crash element concerned will buckle laterally without precautions for transverse support... the transverse profile supporting the crash element arranged on the side in such a way that it can dissipate the collision energy through plastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a crash module for a rail vehicle, comprising at least one crash element (2, 2a), which is arranged in front of the vehicle structure (1), wherein at least one transverse profiled element (3, 4) is provided, which is connected to the at least one crash element (2, 2a) and which has a substantially lower compressive strength in the longitudinal direction of the rail vehicle than in the transverse direction.