Rail Vehicle Joint Arrangement Force Transmission Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint arrangements for track-guided vehicles are insufficient in absorbing impact energy during severe crashes, leading to potential damage or derailment, as the integrated energy absorption elements are overwhelmed, necessitating additional destructive elements for effective energy dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The joint arrangement incorporates an additional load path via a force transmission element fixedly connected to the articulated arm and bearing shells, distributing forces over a larger cross-section and integrating both regenerative and destructive energy absorption elements to enhance long-term strength and energy dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only regenerative energy-absorbing elements are used in the joint bearing, then the joint arrangement can dampen normal driving forces, but it cannot absorb sufficient impact energy during severe crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented into two distinct systems: a regenerative energy-absorbing element for normal driving forces and a destructive energy-absorbing element for severe crashes. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function, with the destructive element providing additional crash protection capacity without interfering with normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element acts as an intermediary that connects the articulated arm to the bearing shells and provides an additional load path. This intermediary structure distributes forces over a larger cross-section and enables the integration of both regenerative and destructive energy absorption mechanisms into the overall force flow.
2Reliability
If additional destructive energy-absorbing elements are integrated into the joint arrangement, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission element is merged with the bearing shell structure, creating an integrated component that serves both force transmission and energy absorption functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the dual energy absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force transmission element serves multiple functions: it transmits forces from the articulated arm to the bearing shells, distributes loads over a larger cross-section, and provides an additional load path for energy absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Strength
If forces are concentrated on a small cross-section in the joint bearing, then the joint arrangement is simpler, but the long-term strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission element extends the force distribution in a new dimensional direction by connecting the articulated arm to multiple bearing shells simultaneously. This dimensional extension distributes forces over a larger cross-sectional area, reducing stress concentrations and improving long-term 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 configuration improves the joint arrangement's long-term strength by distributing forces over a larger cross-section, effectively managing both normal driving and impact forces, reducing the risk of vehicle undercarriage damage and derailment.
Implementation Method 1
The joint bearing in particular has a pivot pin which forms a common pivot axis for the joint arrangement. This pivot pin is preferably supported on both sides by bearing shells of the joint arrangement.
Implementation Method 2
The bearing shells are offset inwards into the spherical bearing in order to provide a larger cross-section for force transmission
Implementation Method 3
the (integrated) energy-absorbing element typically provided in the joint bearing is a regeneratively designed energy-absorbing element, in particular an elastomer element, which serves only to dampen the tensile and impact forces transmitted via the joint connection during normal driving
Implementation Method 4
Examples of destructively designed energy-absorbing elements include deformation tubes, in which the impact energy is converted into deformation work and heat through a defined deformation (plastic deformation) of at least one section of the tube.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a joint arrangement (100) for the jointed connecting of two adjacent car bodies of a rail-borne vehicle, wherein the joint arrangement (100) has a first joint arm (10) having a first joint head (15), a second joint arm (20) having a second joint head (25) formed in a complementary manner at least in regions to the first joint head (15) and a joint bearing (60) having a joint pin (31) for jointed connecting of the first and second joint heads (15, 25) in a joint plane. The joint bearing (60) has bearing shells (62) for supporting the joint pin (31) on both sides. According the invention, at least one force-transmission element (65) is particularly associated with the second joint arm (20), which is permanently connected to the end region on the end face of the second joint arm (20) and is permanently connected to one of the bearing shells (62) which are provided on both sides.