Rail Vehicle Secondary Suspension Actuator Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle leveling systems are complex to implement and require frequent adjustments to match the height of the car to the platform, depending on the load and other variables, making it difficult to maintain a consistent height for easy embarking and disembarking.

Innovation Solution

A rail vehicle with a secondary suspension system that includes an actuator with a piston extending between an upper and lower stop, and a supply device that maintains a constant distance between these stops, independent of the vehicle load, ensuring the car's floor height aligns with the platform height without needing continuous adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional spring assembly is used for secondary suspension, then the car can be supported on the bogie, but the car height varies with load requiring frequent adjustments to match platform height

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecar height adjustmentVSAvoidleveling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is automatically supplied by the supply device to maintain constant distance between stops, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems to adjust car height based on load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the actuator supply device to maintain a constant distance between the upper and lower stops, thereby keeping the car height consistent regardless of load variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the car height is adjusted to match platform height, then embarking and disembarking is facilitated, but the height must be readjusted on each stop depending on load and other variables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembarking and disembarkingVSAvoidtime for height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is pre-configured with stops at predetermined positions, and the supply device automatically maintains the constant distance between stops, so the car height is already optimized for platform alignment before each stop without requiring last-minute adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The supply device continuously supplies the actuator to maintain the constant distance between stops during operation, ensuring the car height remains consistently aligned with the platform throughout the stopping process without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between upper and lower stops is variable, then the actuator can accommodate load variations, but the car floor height cannot be kept constant relative to the platform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload adaptationVSAvoidcar floor height consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 simplifies the leveling process by maintaining a constant vertical distance between the car and the chassis, facilitating easy access for passengers and cargo, regardless of load variations, and eliminating the need for frequent height adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator (28), provided with a piston (42) extending at least partially between an upper stop (32) secured to the car (14) and a lower stop (34) secured to the chassis (22), and a supply device (30) of the actuator, the supply device (30) of the actuator being able to supply the actuator (28) such that the distance between the upper and lower stops (32, 34) is kept constant by the actuator (28)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a secondary suspension system (24) between the chassis (22) and the car (14), the secondary suspension system (24) comprising a spring assembly (26) mounted between the chassis (22) and the car (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10543857B2Rail vehicle provided with a leveling and associated running method

Publication Date: 2020.01.28 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA

AI summary

A rail vehicle that includes at least one car and at least one bogie that carries the car, the bogie including a chassis and a secondary suspension system between the chassis and the car, wherein the secondary suspension system includes a spring assembly mounted between the chassis and the car, the secondary suspension system including an actuator, provided with a piston extending at least partially between an upper stop secured to the car and a lower stop secured to the chassis, and a supply device of the actuator, and wherein supply device of the actuator is configured to supply the actuator such that the distance between the upper and lower stops is kept constant.