Sleeve Buffer Plunger Friction Energy Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sleeve buffers for rail vehicles and fixed structures face challenges in effectively absorbing and managing impact forces, particularly high-impact collisions, which can lead to structural damage and energy dissipation through irreversible deformation, without adequately protecting the supporting structures or rail vehicles from transverse forces.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve buffer design featuring a ram divided into two sections with increased friction in the first section, where the ram is partially encased, allowing for enhanced energy absorption through increased friction and potential additional deformation mechanisms, such as breaking connections or machining, to manage both longitudinal and transverse forces without additional components like springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the sleeve buffer uses a spring to absorb impact energy, then the buffer can return to its original position, but the energy absorption capacity is limited and cannot handle high-impact collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer structure is divided into multiple sections with predetermined breaking connections between them. During normal operation, the spring absorbs energy reversibly. During high-impact collisions, the breaking connections fail in sequence, allowing the buffer to collapse progressively and absorb large amounts of energy through plastic deformation, preventing catastrophic failure of the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer design incorporates elements that change their mechanical properties under different load conditions. The predetermined breaking connections are designed to fail at specific force thresholds, transitioning the buffer from an elastic state (normal operation) to a plastic deformation state (high impact), thereby increasing energy absorption capacity
2Loss of energy
If the sleeve buffer allows plastic deformation to absorb energy, then high-impact energy is dissipated, but the buffer structure is damaged and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer is segmented into replaceable sections connected by predetermined breaking connections. When high-impact energy needs to be absorbed, only specific sections fail while others remain intact, allowing the buffer to be repaired by replacing only the damaged segments rather than the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined breaking connections are designed as sacrificial elements that can be easily replaced. These connections are intentionally made to fail under high impact, absorbing energy through their destruction, while the main buffer structure remains reusable after replacing these inexpensive components
3Volume of moving object
If the ram is fully received in the sleeve, then the buffer structure is compact, but transverse forces cannot be effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide parts are designed with geometric features that provide guidance not only in the longitudinal direction (primary buffer stroke) but also in transverse directions. The bearing surfaces and geometric constraints extend into the transverse dimension, preventing lateral movement and managing transverse forces while maintaining a compact overall structure
4Ease of repair
If the sleeve buffer is designed for reversible compression, then the buffer can be reused, but energy absorption during high-impact collisions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer combines reversible (spring) and irreversible (breaking connections) elements in segmented sections. During normal operation, the spring provides reversible energy absorption. During high-impact collisions, the breaking connections fail in sequence, enabling progressive collapse and large energy absorption, while the intact sections remain for potential reuse after replacing the failed connections
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined breaking connections are pre-designed and positioned to fail at specific energy thresholds. This beforehand preparation ensures that when high-impact collisions occur, the buffer automatically transitions to a high energy-absorption mode through controlled failure of these pre-positioned elements, protecting the main 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
This design enhances energy absorption and structural support during impacts, reducing damage to the rail vehicle and supporting structures by utilizing increased friction and potential deformation mechanisms, effectively managing both longitudinal and transverse forces, thereby offering improved safety and energy dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
the force is usually absorbed by a spring, the elasticity of which causes the plunger to return to its original position relative to the sleeve when the force is removed
Implementation Method 2
the first plunger section has a recess at least in sections, in which the diameter is initially reduced compared to the second plunger section, so that an increased friction or improved support is achieved in this area
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A sleeve buffer (1) with increased safety for support structures (11) is proposed, comprising a first and a second guide element (2, 3) in the form of a sleeve (3) and a plunger (2), wherein the sleeve (3) can be fixedly attached to the support structure (11) and the plunger (2) is displaceable relative to the sleeve (3) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the plunger is divided into at least two plunger sections (5, 6), wherein the second plunger section (6) is arranged overlapping with the sleeve (3) without the application of an impact force to the sleeve buffer (1), and the first plunger section (5) has at least a partial recess by which its diameter is reduced compared to the second plunger section (6), wherein a structure (7) is inserted into the recess, at least partially, and in particular completely, surrounding or encasing the plunger, in order to reduce the energy dissipation induced by friction between the plunger (2) and the sleeve (3). to enlarge / to increase support against lateral forces.