Rail Vehicle Swivel Joint Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle energy absorbing elements often result in deformation of the vehicle structure during impact, potentially causing damage and risk to passengers, and are not easily replaceable.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint with elongated openings that widen upon compression, allowing for translational movement and irreversible deformation of the parts to absorb impact energy, which can be easily replaced after deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If existing energy absorbing elements are used to absorb impact energy, then impact energy can be absorbed, but the vehicle structure deforms and may cause damage to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is separated from the vehicle structure by introducing a dedicated energy absorbing element. This element is integrated into the joint arrangement without play, specifically positioned to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation while the vehicle structure itself remains intact and undamaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing element acts as an intermediary component between connected vehicle parts. It is integrated into the joint arrangement to absorb impact energy through its own deformation, preventing this energy from being transmitted to and deforming the vehicle structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy absorbing elements are integrated into the vehicle structure, then impact energy can be absorbed, but the entire vehicle structure becomes difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented into a separate, replaceable element that is integrated into the joint arrangement. This allows the energy absorbing element to be replaced independently without replacing the entire vehicle structure, maintaining ease of repair while ensuring impact energy absorption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle structure is designed to absorb impact energy through deformation, then energy absorption is achieved, but the structural strength and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is assigned to a dedicated element rather than the vehicle structure itself. This segmentation allows the vehicle structure to maintain its full structural strength and integrity while the separate energy absorbing element handles impact energy through controlled deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing element serves as an intermediary that protects the vehicle structure. It is positioned in the joint arrangement to absorb impact energy, preventing this energy from compromising the strength and integrity of the vehicle structure.
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 rotary joint effectively absorbs impact energy without damaging the rest of the vehicle structure, reducing the risk of injury and enabling easy replacement, thus enhancing collision safety.
Implementation Method 1
the first part and/or the second part can thereby be deformed... The deformation of the first and/or the second part takes place in the area of the elongated opening. The deformation of the first and/or the second part is preferably irreversible.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a swivel joint (10; 100; 101) for swivel-joint connecting of rail vehicles or rail vehicle parts, wherein the swivel joint comprises: - a first part (1) and a second part (2), wherein the first part (1) and/or the second part (2) has at least one longitudinal opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122, 123), wherein the opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122, 123) has a first end region (11a, 12a; 120a, 121a; 122a) and a second end region (11b, 12b; 120b, 121b, 122b), wherein the width of the opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122, 123) decreases from the first end region (11a, 12a; 120a, 121 a; 122a) in the direction of the second end region (11b, 12b; 120b, 121b, 122b), a coupling element (3; 30), via which the first part (1) and the second part (2) are rotatably coupled relative to each other, wherein the coupling element (3; 30) engages with an engaging section (4a, 4b; 40b) in the longitudinal opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122), and the engaging section (4a, 4b; 40b) in the normal state is arranged in the first end region (11a, 12a; 120a, 121a; 122a) of the longitudinal opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122, 123), wherein the coupling element (3; 30) can be moved in the direction of the second end region (11b, 12b; 120b, 121b, 122b) when the swivel joint is compressed, wherein the opening (11, 12; 120, 121; 122, 123) can be expanded by moving the coupling element (3; 30) and in this way the first part (1) and/or the second part (2) can be deformed. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle comprising at least one such swivel joint and a method for swivel-joint connecting of rail vehicles or rail vehicle parts.