Rail Vehicle Suspension With Electromagnetic Lateral Stiffness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle suspensions have fixed lateral stiffness, which cannot be adjusted to match specific application requirements, leading to suboptimal performance in varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The suspension system incorporates an air spring with a metallic sliding plate and an electromagnet on the top plate, allowing for the generation of attractive and repulsive magnetic forces to adjust the lateral stiffness dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lateral stiffness is predetermined by the design, then the suspension can be manufactured with fixed properties, but the lateral stiffness cannot be changed to match different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the lateral stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. An electromagnet is integrated into the top plate of the air spring assembly, allowing the lateral stiffness to be dynamically changed during operation by controlling the magnetic force between the electromagnet and the metallic sliding plate. This enables the suspension to adapt to different application requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the lateral stiffness parameter through electromagnetic force control. By changing the current supplied to the electromagnet, the magnetic force varies, which directly changes the lateral stiffness of the suspension. This allows continuous adjustment of the stiffness parameter to match different operational conditions while maintaining the same physical structure.
2Reliability
If the lateral stiffness is fixed during design, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the suspension cannot be optimized for varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static lateral stiffness into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted during operation. The electromagnet allows real-time modification of the magnetic force, which directly influences the lateral stiffness. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the suspension to maintain optimal driving stability across varying operating conditions without requiring complex redesigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous adjustment of the lateral stiffness parameter through electromagnetic force control. By varying the current to the electromagnet, the magnetic force changes, which directly modifies the suspension's lateral stiffness. This allows the system to be optimized for different operating conditions while using the same manufactured components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electromagnet is added to adjust lateral stiffness, then the lateral stiffness can be dynamically tailored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the electromagnet directly into the top plate of the air spring assembly. This combines the electromagnetic actuation mechanism with the existing structural components, allowing the electromagnet to work together with the sliding plate and air spring bellows as a unified system. The merging reduces the need for separate, additional components and simplifies the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it provides the magnetic force for lateral stiffness adjustment, and its integration into the top plate structure means it also serves as part of the structural assembly. The control unit and power supply enable the system to adapt to different operating conditions, making the added components multi-functional rather than single-purpose.
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 the lateral stiffness of the suspension to be tailored to specific applications, improving driving stability and allowing for adjustments during operation, thus overcoming the limitations of fixed lateral stiffness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnet (26), which is designed and configured to exert attractive and repulsive magnetic forces on the sliding plate (22)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a suspension (2), preferably a vehicle suspension (2), and particularly preferably a rail vehicle suspension (2), comprising an air spring with an air spring bellows (23) arranged between a sliding plate (22) and an upper plate (24), wherein the air spring is designed to be arranged in series between two bodies to be damped against vibration, preferably between a chassis (10) and a body (11) of a vehicle (1). The suspension (2) is characterized in that the sliding plate (22) of the air spring is made of metal and the upper plate (24) has at least one electromagnet (26) which is designed and configured to exert attractive and repulsive magnetic forces on the sliding plate (22), or vice versa.