Reversible Train Running Gear Mechanical Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train vehicles designed for single-track reversible operation in high space constraint areas, such as tunnels, are complex and costly to produce and maintain, with electronic coordination requirements complicating reversibility and increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A train of tunnel transport vehicles comprising two interconnected vehicles with a mechanical connection system that allows articulation between chassis and axles, featuring steering arms and transmission rods for angular alignment, enabling single-track movement without electronic control, thus simplifying production and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electronic coordination is used to control steering axles for single-track trajectory following, then trajectory accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a pure mechanical connection system. The mechanical linkage between adjacent vehicles automatically transmits steering commands from the lead vehicle to trailing vehicles through physical connections, eliminating the need for complex electronic coordination while maintaining single-track trajectory following capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical connection system enables trailing vehicles to automatically follow the lead vehicle's trajectory without external control signals. The steering axles of trailing vehicles are passively controlled through the mechanical linkage, allowing the system to self-regulate and follow the desired path without electronic intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic coordination is required for steering axles in reversible operation, then reversibility is achieved, but maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a pure mechanical connection system. The mechanical linkage between adjacent vehicles automatically transmits steering commands from the lead vehicle to trailing vehicles through physical connections, eliminating the need for complex electronic coordination while maintaining single-track trajectory following capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables reversible operation by allowing any vehicle in the train to become the lead vehicle. The mechanical connection system automatically adapts to the new lead vehicle through pure mechanical means, eliminating the need for electronic reconfiguration or neutralization procedures when changing direction
3Ease of operation
If mechanical connection systems with articulation means are used to connect vehicles, then single-track movement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the train into modular vehicles, each with its own steering axles and mechanical connection points. This segmentation allows each vehicle to independently follow the trajectory while maintaining simple, standardized connection interfaces, reducing overall system complexity despite the articulated configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of connection and steering control into a single mechanical linkage system. The same mechanical connection that joins vehicles also transmits steering commands, eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The set has two vehicles (100, 200) at head- and tail ends and connected with each other via two mechanical connecting systems (300, 400). The connecting systems couple longitudinal frames (110, 210) of the vehicles and couple adjacent axles of the vehicles, respectively. One of the connecting systems has an articulation unit for forming an angle between the frames. The other system has an articulation unit for articulating the axles to have opposite angular positions relative to the frames. Each axle is mounted and swiveled under an end of the frames.