Rail Vehicle Level Control Cylinder With Adjustable Spacer Stroke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level control systems for rail vehicles are not space-efficient and require complex assembly and maintenance, with a need for a system that can safely adjust vehicle levels with reduced installation space and simplified handling.

Innovation Solution

A level control system featuring a collar-shaped shoulder with a spacer element between the level control cylinder and piston, allowing for adjustable minimum stroke and distance, integrated hydraulic connections, and a bellows for protection, enabling a compact and easily maintainable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional level control systems are used, then the vehicle level can be adjusted, but the installation space is excessive and assembly/maintenance is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidassembly and maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the level control piston and cylinder into a more integrated assembly where the piston is directly received in the cylinder with collar-shaped shoulders providing structural integration. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies assembly while maintaining the level adjustment function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar-shaped shoulder is divided into a first collar-shaped shoulder on the piston and a second collar-shaped shoulder on the cylinder, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows for better space utilization and simplified assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the level control system uses a compact design, then installation space is reduced, but the minimum stroke adjustment capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidminimum stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer element is designed to be adjustable, allowing the minimum stroke to be dynamically modified based on operational requirements. This adjustability enables the system to maintain compact dimensions while accommodating varying stroke requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer element acts as an intermediary component between the collar-shaped shoulders, providing a controlled gap that defines the minimum stroke. This mediator allows precise control over the stroke adjustment while maintaining a compact overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for level control, then functionality is enhanced, but the number of parts increases assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel adjustment functionalityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collar-shaped shoulders serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define the minimum stroke through the spacer element, and facilitate assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system achieves a significant reduction in installation space, simplified assembly and maintenance, and ensures safe and adjustable level adjustments, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A level control system for adjusting the level of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, with a level control cylinder (18) and a level control piston (16), wherein the level control piston (16) is at least partially movably received in the level control cylinder (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3707050B1Level control system for adjusting the level of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3707050B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3707050B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3707050B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a level control system (10) for adjusting the level of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising at least one level control cylinder (13) and a level control piston (16). The level control piston (16) is at least partly received in the level control cylinder (18) in a movable manner. The level control cylinder (18) has a collar-shaped shoulder (18.1), and the level control system (10) has a first fixing disc (24.1) which is connected to the level control piston (16) in order to transmit a lifting movement. At least one spacer element (28) is arranged between the collar-shaped shoulder (18.1) of the level control cylinder (18) and the first fixing disc (24.1).