Rail Vehicle Deformation Zone for Oblique Collision Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crumple zones in rail vehicles are inadequate for managing oblique and non-axial collisions, failing to effectively absorb impact energy and protect passengers and drivers, especially when colliding with vehicles of different construction or during cornering scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A rail vehicle deformation zone design featuring a collision frame, radially aligned deformation elements, and A-pillars that form a rigid structure around the wagon body, capable of absorbing kinetic energy in oblique collisions and providing a safe cell for the driver, with removable attachment for easy repair and enhanced protection during cornering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crash modules are designed for longitudinal collisions, then they can effectively absorb impact energy in axial collisions, but they cannot absorb oblique loadings satisfactorily and will bend to one side without lateral support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectiveness in longitudinal collisionsVSAvoidcapability to handle oblique collisions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation zone is divided into multiple independent deformation elements (first, second, third, and fourth deformation elements) arranged in a specific pattern. Each element can deform independently to absorb energy from collisions from different directions, allowing the structure to handle both longitudinal and oblique collisions effectively without the elements bending laterally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation elements are arranged asymmetrically with different configurations - first and second deformation elements on one side, third and fourth on the other side, with varying distances from the longitudinal centerline. This asymmetric arrangement provides lateral support and enables the structure to absorb oblique loadings effectively while maintaining stability during axial collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If an appropriate design is made to handle both longitudinal and oblique collisions equally well, then protection in all collision scenarios is improved, but the crash elements become extremely expensive, complicated and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle multiple collision scenariosVSAvoidstructural complexity of crash elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation elements are designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: they absorb energy during longitudinal collisions through controlled deformation, and simultaneously provide lateral support during oblique collisions. The first and third deformation elements are positioned to provide lateral bracing, while all elements contribute to energy absorption, making the structure universally effective for multiple collision scenarios without requiring separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Different deformation elements are positioned at specific locations with different distances from the longitudinal centerline to provide localized functions. The first and third deformation elements are positioned closer to provide lateral support, while the second and fourth elements are positioned to optimize energy absorption. This local differentiation allows the structure to handle multiple collision types with a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If extensive regions of the rail vehicle structure are constructed to selectively absorb deformation energy, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact energy absorption capacityVSAvoidamount of structural material

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of constructing extensive continuous deformation zones, the patent uses segmented deformation elements positioned at specific strategic locations. These discrete elements (first, second, third, and fourth deformation elements) are distributed to provide effective energy absorption with minimal material, avoiding the need for large continuous deformable regions while maintaining high energy absorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9988061B2Rail vehicle with a deformation zone

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH

AI summary

A rail vehicle including at least one deformation zone arranged at each end side, where the deformation zone has a collision frame, a multiplicity of deformation elements and two A pillars, where the deformation elements are oriented radially about the front structure of the wagon body and are respectively connected at one of their ends to the wagon body, and where the collision frame connects the ends, facing away from the wagon body, of the deformation elements and is arranged about the front structure of the wagon body in an arcuate manner, and where the two A pillars each extend between the wagon body and the collision frame and are permanently connected to the collision frame.