Rail Vehicle Front End Deformable Structure for Safe Pushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shunting operations for railway vehicles are time-consuming, require extensive manual effort, and pose risks to drivers, as they involve coupling and uncoupling processes that are inefficient and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle front end design featuring a deformable structure with a shock absorber system and a mechanical fuse that allows for safe and efficient collision absorption without the need for coupling, enabling vehicles to push each other at low speeds without damage, while maintaining driver safety within the cab.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional coupling methods are used for shunting operations, then railway vehicles can be connected and moved, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the coupling mechanism from the shunting process by providing a pushable front end that allows vehicles to be pushed directly without coupling. The front end includes a pushable structure with energy absorption elements that enable direct contact pushing operations, eliminating the need for traditional coupler engagement and disengagement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The front end is segmented into distinct functional components: a pushable structure for contact, energy absorption elements for impact management, and a deformable structure for controlled deformation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently during pushing operations.
2Reliability
If manual coupling operations are performed, then vehicles can be connected, but maintenance costs increase and injury risks for drivers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front end structure provides self-service during pushing operations through its automatic energy absorption mechanism. The deformable structure and energy absorption elements automatically engage and deform to absorb impact energy, eliminating the need for manual intervention during coupling and reducing injury risks to drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates energy absorption elements and deformable structures that are pre-configured to absorb impact energy before it reaches critical components or drivers. This beforehand cushioning protects the vehicle and occupants during pushing operations by dissipating impact forces through controlled deformation.
3Ease of operation
If a deformable structure is added to enable pushable operations, then shunting becomes faster and safer, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the front end structure: the pushable structure serves as both the contact surface for pushing and the housing for energy absorption elements. The deformable structure combines impact absorption with structural support functions, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system.
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 enables safer, faster, and more economical shunting operations by allowing vehicles to push each other at low speeds without the need for manual coupling, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing the risk of injury to drivers.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable structure includes a frame mounted on the vehicle's chassis in such a manner that the frame can move with respect to the chassis... the deformable structure collides with an obstacle first, in the event of an impact or a collision
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical fuse connects the frame to the chassis... The mechanical fuse locks the connection between the frame and the chassis, and is designed to break when a force exceeding a predetermined impact force is exerted onto the deformable structure
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A front end (13) for a rail vehicle (10) the front end (13) comprising a deformable structure (30), including a frame (31) movable on a chassis (11) and a mechanical protective device (33) mechanically connecting the frame (31) to the vehicle's chassis (11). The mechanical protective device (33) is adapted to break if a predetermined force F is exceeded, so that the frame (31) may move on the chassis (11).