Railway Coupling Traction-Buffing Device with Integrated Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for rail vehicles lack an integrated pulling and pushing device with elastic springs and passive energy absorption, which are essential for efficient energy dissipation during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A compact coupling system design integrating a pulling and pushing device with elastic spring elements and passive energy absorption, utilizing a cone-shaped connecting head and a diameter constriction in the outer casing to absorb energy through plastic deformation during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a coupling device integrates both pulling and pushing device with spring elements and passive energy absorption, then energy dissipation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pulling and pushing device with passive energy absorption into a single integrated coupling device. The outer casing (12) houses both the spring elements (23) for elastic energy absorption and the plastic deformation zone for permanent energy dissipation, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing (12) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural housing, provides a narrowed diameter section for plastic deformation energy absorption, contains the spring elements for elastic energy storage, and guides the connecting head (15). This multi-functionality allows effective energy dissipation without adding separate dedicated components for each function.
2Volume of moving object
If spring elements are arranged between connecting head and stop element within outer casing, then compact design is achieved, but space for energy absorption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by incorporating a narrowed diameter section (12b) in the outer casing. This plastic deformation zone absorbs energy through radial expansion during impact, while the spring elements are arranged axially within the same casing. This dimensional approach allows both compact packaging and sufficient energy absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer casing features a variable cross-sectional area along its length, with a narrowed diameter section (12b) specifically designed for plastic deformation. This parameter change in geometry allows the same component to provide both compact housing and dedicated energy absorption zone, maximizing energy dissipation within limited volume.
3Loss of energy
If cone-shaped absorption means engages with diameter constriction after elastic stroke, then plastic deformation energy absorption is activated, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cone-shaped absorption means (30) on the connecting head is nested within the outer casing (12), specifically engaging with the narrowed diameter section (12b). This nested arrangement allows the plastic deformation mechanism to be integrated within the existing device boundaries rather than extending the device length, as the cone engages radially inward during impact after the elastic stroke.
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 effectively dissipates impact energy through elastic deformation and plastic expansion of the outer casing, ensuring efficient energy absorption without additional components, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a stroke extending in the elastic region of the spring elements
Implementation Method 2
causes the energy-absorbing plastic diameter expansion of the outer shell when displaced by the impact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (10) with a pulling and pushing device of a coupling system for a rail vehicle is provided with an outer casing (12) receiving a coupling flange (13) and having a stop element (24) arranged therein. Furthermore, the device (10) comprises a drawbar (22) mounted in the stop element so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (A), a connecting head (15) connected to the drawbar (22), and, between the connecting head and the stop element (24), preferably a plurality of spring elements (23) arranged in a row on the drawbar (22).The connecting head (15) is displaceably guided over a stroke (h) extending in the elastic region of the spring elements (23). It comprises an absorption means (30) that interacts with an absorption means (33) on the outer casing (12) in such a way that, upon impact with a defined impact force, the connecting head (15) engages with the outer casing (12) after the stroke (h) in an energy-absorbing manner. This allows the device to be provided with a short overall length.