Rail Vehicle Hinge Stop Element for Direct Crash Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint arrangements for rail vehicles face challenges in ensuring direct power transmission between adjacent car bodies during crashes, particularly when the energy absorption device's operating load is exceeded, as they require precise adaptation of stop elements to energy absorption elements, limiting modularity and flexibility in connecting articulated arms with different stroke lengths.
Innovation Solution
A joint arrangement with a stop element located on the front end section of the first articulated arm, allowing for direct power transmission between base plates regardless of whether the second articulated arm has a destructive energy absorption element, ensuring force flow is routed directly and predictably, even when energy absorption elements are exhausted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stop elements are precisely adapted to energy absorption elements, then direct power transmission is ensured during crashes, but modularity and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The joint arrangement is divided into modular components: articulated arms with integrated energy absorption elements, base plates with mounting provisions, and a standardized stop element. This segmentation allows different articulated arms (with or without destructive energy absorption elements) to be connected using the same base plate and stop element configuration, enabling direct power transmission while maintaining modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element is designed with universal functionality to work with both types of articulated arms. By positioning the stop element on the base plate rather than adapting it to specific energy absorption elements, the same stop element configuration can serve multiple purposes: limiting stroke for arms with regenerative elements and enabling direct power transmission for arms with destructive elements, thus achieving versatility.
2Reliability
If stop elements are precisely adapted to energy absorption elements, then force flow is controlled, but additional spacers and alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element function is extracted from the energy absorption element and placed on the base plate. This separation eliminates the need for additional spacers and complex alignment mechanisms, as the stop element directly limits the stroke and controls force flow without requiring precise adaptation to different energy absorption element configurations.
3Loss of energy
If regenerative energy absorption elements are used, then normal driving forces are dampened, but crash energy cannot be fully absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The joint arrangement dynamically switches between two energy absorption modes depending on the crash severity. During normal operation, the regenerative energy absorption element dampens forces elastically. During severe crashes, when the stop element is engaged, the system transitions to direct power transmission through the rigid connection, allowing destructive energy absorption in the articulated arm to handle extreme energies.
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 direct and predictable force transmission between car bodies in various configurations, including those with and without destructive energy absorption elements, enhancing modularity and operational flexibility by eliminating the need for additional spacers and precise stop element alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerative energy-absorbing element, in particular an elastomer element, preferably provided in the articulated bearing to dampen the tensile and impact forces transmitted via the articulated connection during normal driving operation
Implementation Method 2
an elastomer element, preferably provided in the articulated bearing to dampen the tensile and impact forces
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The hinge (1) has an energy compensation unit integrated in a hinge joint, which is formed with hinge arms (10, 20) and a hinge bearing. The energy compensation unit has a fixable longitudinal stroke that maximally arises during energy compensation, where the stroke defines maximum longitudinal displacement of two base plates (2, 4) relative to each other. An impact unit (40) is arranged in a frontal end section (12) of the hinge arm (10), and includes an impact surface that faces the base plate (4).