Railway Car Coupling Energy Absorption Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railway vehicles lack an effective solution to absorb collision energy efficiently, particularly in high-speed collisions, which can compromise passenger and driver safety by exceeding permissible deceleration limits and risking derailment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a railway vehicle design featuring a first collision energy absorption system with irreversible deformation modules and an anti-overlap system, along with a second collision energy absorption system at the front of the lead car, which includes automatic energy absorption coupling and reversible deformation modules, to absorb and distribute collision energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid connections are used between cars, then structural strength is maintained, but collision energy cannot be absorbed effectively leading to excessive deceleration and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple independent energy absorption modules (first and second energy absorption modules) that can deform independently during collision, allowing distributed energy absorption while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bar is pre-equipped with irreversible energy absorption systems and anti-overlap systems that are designed to activate during collision, providing predetermined cushioning against excessive deceleration and structural overlap before the actual impact occurs
2Loss of energy
If irreversible deformation modules are added to absorb collision energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption modules are merged with the connecting bar structure, where the first and second energy absorption modules are integrated into the connecting bar itself rather than being separate components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy absorption functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bar serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between cars, houses the irreversible energy absorption systems, and incorporates the anti-overlap systems, making it a multi-functional component that reduces the need for additional separate elements
3Stability of the object's composition
If anti-overlap systems with webs are implemented, then prevention of car overlap is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-overlap systems are implemented as localized web structures at specific positions on the connecting bar rather than as comprehensive full-length components, providing targeted stability where needed while simplifying manufacturing by limiting complex geometry to only necessary areas
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 design significantly reduces the deceleration rate during collisions, ensuring passenger and driver safety by effectively absorbing and distributing collision energy, minimizing the risk of derailment and enabling quick operational recovery after low-energy collisions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connecting bar equipped with an irreversible energy absorption system located in the connecting bar
Implementation Method 2
a first collision energy absorption system with reversible and irreversible deformation modules
Data Source
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AI summary
railway vehicle comprising at least one first (5A, 5B) and at least one second (7) adjacent cars arranged one behind the other longitudinally and connected to each other, and at least one first collision energy absorption system (20), located at the connection between the first (5A, 5B) and second (7) cars, comprising at least one connecting bar (34) equipped with an irreversible energy absorption system (46) located in the connecting bar (34), said connecting bar (34) being connected at one end (36A) to the first car (5A, 5B) and at the other end (36B) to the second car (7), said first collision energy absorption system (20) further comprising a plurality of irreversible deformation modules (30A, 30B, 32A, 32B) configured to deform in the longitudinal direction.