Rail Vehicle Floor Module Floating Mounting for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heatable floor modules in rail vehicles experience undesirable deformations and potential destruction due to thermal expansion, leading to stress on screw connections and warping, as they expand at different rates than the vehicle body shell.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a floating mounting system and expansion joints, where floor modules are attached via receiving elements with sliding bearing elements and fastening means that allow for movement parallel to the floor surface, preventing rigid attachment and accommodating thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If floor modules are rigidly attached to the supporting structure, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but thermal expansion causes warping and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a rigid, fixed connection to a dynamic, movable connection. The receiving element is designed to move relative to the supporting structure in the first direction (parallel to the floor surface) while maintaining mechanical connection. This dynamic capability allows the floor module to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without warping or deformation, while still maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through the bearing element and fastening means.
2Stability of the object's composition
If floor modules are rigidly attached to the supporting structure, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion causes stress on screw connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into distinct functional components: the supporting structure, the bearing element, the receiving element, and the fastening means. This segmentation allows the receiving element to move independently relative to the supporting structure, absorbing thermal expansion stresses without transferring them to the screw connections. The modular design maintains structural stability while protecting fasteners from thermal stress.
3Shape
If floor modules are movably mounted to accommodate thermal expansion, then deformation is prevented, but mechanical connection strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different functional characteristics at different locations and directions. In the first direction (parallel to the floor surface), the connection is movable to accommodate thermal expansion. In the vertical direction and lateral directions, the connection maintains structural stability through the bearing element and fastening means. This localized differentiation of connection properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve shape stability and maintain mechanical strength.
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 solution prevents unwanted deformations and destruction by allowing floor modules to move and adjust with thermal expansion, maintaining structural integrity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
temperature changes can cause dimensional changes in the modules. For example, the width and/or length of a floor module can increase by up to 2 mm due to heating
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device, a storage arrangement and a floor system for storing at least one floor module on a supporting structure of a rail vehicle, wherein the storage device (23) has at least one receiving element, wherein the receiving element has or forms at least one fastening means for fastening the at least one floor module, wherein the storage device (23) has at least one bearing element, wherein the receiving element is movably mounted on a surface of the supporting structure in at least one first direction (x) by means of the at least one bearing element, wherein the first direction (x) is oriented at least partially parallel to the surface of the supporting structure.