Straddle Bogie Structure for Integrated Monorail Evacuation Passage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing straddle-type monorail trains with independent escape passages face challenges such as high costs, large occupied space, and stability issues due to the additional frame and floor structures required for the escape passage.

Innovation Solution

A bogie design that includes a straddle recess for the rail, pivotably mounted running wheels, and a driving device, which optimizes the structure of the escape passage, enhancing space utilization, stability, and weight-bearing capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an independent escape passage with frame and floor is added to the rail, then passenger evacuation capability is improved, but costs and occupied space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger evacuation capabilityVSAvoidoccupied space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The escape passage structure is merged with the bogie frame structure. The bogie frame's straddle recess and side beams serve dual purposes: supporting the rail vehicle during normal operation and providing the escape passage structure during emergencies. This eliminates the need for separate independent frame and floor structures, reducing occupied space while maintaining evacuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bogie frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the rail vehicle during normal operation, provides structural support for the escape passage during emergencies, and serves as the framework for the floor structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated escape passage structures, reducing both space occupation and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an independent escape passage with frame and floor is added to the rail, then passenger evacuation capability is improved, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger evacuation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The escape passage structure is merged with the bogie frame structure. The bogie frame's straddle recess and side beams serve dual purposes: supporting the rail vehicle during normal operation and providing the escape passage structure during emergencies. This eliminates the need for separate independent frame and floor structures, reducing occupied space while maintaining evacuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bogie frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the rail vehicle during normal operation, provides structural support for the escape passage during emergencies, and serves as the framework for the floor structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated escape passage structures, reducing both space occupation and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the frame and floor are erected on the rail regardless of emergency status, then escape passage availability is improved, but rail weight bearing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveescape passage availabilityVSAvoidrail weight bearing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The floor structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can be raised to form the escape passage when needed and lowered or retracted when not needed. This dynamic configuration allows the escape passage to be available when required while minimizing the weight borne by the rail during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The floor structure is divided into movable segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the escape passage to be formed only in the specific location where it is needed, rather than having the entire structure permanently erected, thereby reducing unnecessary weight bearing on the rail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12263870B2Bogie, rail vehicle having same, and rail transport system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 BYD CO LTD

AI summary

A bogie includes a bogie frame, a first running wheel and a second running wheel, at least one driving device, a first horizontal wheel, a second horizontal wheel, a first horizontal safety wheel connected to the first horizontal wheel and moving in synchronization with the first horizontal wheel, and a second horizontal safety wheel connected to the second horizontal wheel and moving in synchronization with the second horizontal wheel. The bogie frame has a straddle recess suitable for straddling a rail. The first running wheel and the second running wheel are pivotably mounted onto the bogie frame respectively and are coaxially spaced apart. The at least one driving device is mounted onto the bogie frame and located between the first running wheel and the second running wheel to drive the first running wheel and the second running wheel.