Rail Vehicle Link Device Anti-Climb Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link devices for rail-mounted vehicles do not effectively manage high loads, leading to inadequate energy absorption and potential climb issues between chassis during normal and loaded conditions.
Innovation Solution
A link device with a frame-substructure that allows the joint pin to move away from its inward-facing surface during high loads, guiding it along guide surfaces to compress an energy absorption member, and featuring a recess in one link member to engage with the other, enhancing anti-climb functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joint pin is held firmly against the inward-facing surface of the frame-substructure during normal operation, then stability and positioning are maintained, but during high loads the joint pin cannot move to compress the energy absorption member, leading to inadequate energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The link device transitions from a static connection to a dynamic one by allowing the joint pin to move along guide surfaces when subjected to high loads. The guide surfaces constrain the movement to a specific path, enabling the joint pin to compress the energy absorption member while maintaining controlled motion. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its behavior based on load conditions, providing both stability during normal operation and energy absorption during high loads.
2Loss of energy
If the link device allows free movement of the joint pin during high loads, then energy absorption is improved, but without proper guidance the joint pin may not travel along the longitudinal axis, leading to unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the joint pin and the energy absorption member. These surfaces provide a controlled interface that directs the joint pin's movement along the longitudinal axis of the link member when high loads are applied. The guide surfaces ensure that the joint pin follows the intended path to compress the energy absorption member effectively, while preventing uncontrolled or misaligned movement that would compromise system stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the link device uses a solid substructure with through holes for the joint pin, then manufacturing is simplified, but anti-climb functionality is insufficient compared to frame-substructure designs
Solution Approach 1:
The link member employs a composite structural approach by combining a frame-substructure with guide surfaces and energy absorption members. The frame-substructure provides the necessary geometric configuration for anti-climb functionality, while the integrated guide surfaces and energy absorption components enhance both manufacturing efficiency and operational reliability. This composite design merges the advantages of solid substructures (ease of manufacture) with the benefits of frame-substructures (superior anti-climb performance and energy absorption capability).
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 solution enables effective energy absorption during high loads and prevents chassis lift, ensuring stable operation under varying conditions by allowing the joint pin to travel along the longitudinal axis and utilizing a recess for enhanced anti-climb functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption member being of a type that can be compressed to allow the joint pin to travel along the longitudinal axis, if the joint pin is pushed to move from its position where it is being held against the inward facing surfaces of the frame-substructure towards the first end of the first link member
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a link device suitable for linking a first chassis and a second chassis of a rail-mounted vehicle, comprising a first link member having a first end suitable for being fixed to a chassis of a rail-mounted vehicle and having a second end opposite to the first end in the direction of a longitudinal axis, the first link member having a through hole or recess suitable for a joint pin to be held in the through hole or recess, a joint pin, whereby a first section of the joint pin is held in the through hole or recess of the first link member, the first link member having a frame-substructure that forms the second end and extends from the second end towards the first end, the frame-substructure having an inward facing surface at the second end that faces towards the first end and that is in contact with the part of the outer surface of the joint pin that faces towards the second end of the first link member, the inward facing surfaces forming one part of the surface that delimits the through hole or recess, a second link member having a first end suitable for being fixed to a chassis of a rail-mounted vehicle and having a second end opposite to the first end in the direction of a longitudinal axis, the second link member having a through hole or a recess, a second section of the joint pin being held in the through hole or recess of the second link member, an energy absorption member with a first end and a second end, the first end of the energy absorption member has a contact surface that is in contact with the part of the outer surface of the joint pin that faces towards the first end of the first link member, whereby the contact surface faces the second end of the first link member and forms a further part of the surface that delimits the through hole or recess, the second end of the energy absorption member is in contact with a support member being arranged closer towards the first end of the first link member than the joint pin or at the first end of the first link member and the frame-substructure having guide surfaces that are arranged in such a manner that they guide the joint pin to travel along the longitudinal axis, if the joint pin is pushed to move from its position where it is being held in the through hole or recess towards the first end of the first link member in a manner that moves the first end of the energy absorption member towards the first end of the first link member while the energy absorption member absorbs energy.