Railway Body Snap-Fastening Assembly for Mass Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing railway vehicle body structure fixing systems, which use long, mass-intensive rails, often interfere with cables and insulation panels and create thermal bridges, necessitating modifications or the use of decoupling wedges, and do not effectively reduce vehicle mass.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fastening assembly with a fixing member that can be moved between a remote and fixed position, utilizing 'C' section profiles with complementary noses and tabs for secure attachment, allowing for reduced material usage and easier passage of cables, while providing thermal and vibration decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If long rails are used to fix equipment on the body structure, then the fixing strength is improved, but the vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the single long rail with multiple discrete fixing members distributed at different locations. Each fixing member is a short element that provides localized fixing strength, while the distribution of multiple members across the body structure achieves overall structural strength without the mass penalty of a continuous long rail.
2Strength
If rails extend perpendicular to the body structure, then the fixing capability is improved, but they interfere with cables and insulation panels
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing members are designed with asymmetric geometry, having a first portion that contacts the body structure and a second portion that extends outward. This local differentiation allows the fixing function to be concentrated at the contact point while minimizing interference with cables and insulation panels in the extended region.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing members are oriented at an angle relative to the body structure rather than extending perpendicular to it. This angular arrangement allows cable passages and insulation panels to pass through or around the fixing members more easily, resolving the interference problem while maintaining fixing capability through the angled geometry.
3Strength
If metal rails are used for fixing, then the structural strength is improved, but thermal bridges are created
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing members are constructed from composite materials that combine structural strength with thermal insulation properties. This allows the fixing members to provide the necessary mechanical strength for securing equipment while simultaneously reducing thermal bridge formation between the body structure and the equipment, eliminating the need for separate decoupling wedges.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (1) comprising a railway vehicle body structure (5) and at least one fastening member (15) for securing at least one piece of equipment to the body structure, the fastening member being movable relative to the body structure between a remote position and a fixed position on the body structure, the body structure defining at least two profiles (10A, 10B) along a longitudinal direction (L), the two profiles being adapted to retain the fastening member in the fixed position. The fastening member and the two profiles are configured to allow the fastening member to be snapped onto the two profiles from the remote position to the fixed position, the fastening member having a fastening face for securing the piece of equipment to the fastening member.