Toroidal Air Suspension Membrane Eliminating Overlap Weakness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary air suspension membranes for land and rail vehicles have relatively low mechanical strength due to the doubling of threads in the overlap area, which creates a line of mechanical weakness during inflation.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal membrane with at least one corded layer of fabric or metallic threads sheathed in elastomer, extending between attachment areas, eliminating the overlap and enhancing bonding and wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a woven fabric sheet is used to reinforce the membrane, then the membrane gains structural support, but the doubling of threads in the overlap area creates a line of mechanical weakness
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is segmented into discrete cords rather than continuous woven fabric. Individual cords are distributed throughout the membrane structure, eliminating the concentrated overlap areas that create weakness lines in woven fabrics.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement characteristics vary locally within the membrane. Cords are strategically positioned and oriented to provide reinforcement where needed while maintaining uniform expansion properties in other areas, particularly avoiding the duplicature problem in overlap zones.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the membrane is reinforced with woven textile fabrics embedded in rubber, then the membrane gains durability, but the thread density doubling in overlap areas reduces mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane uses a composite structure combining rubber matrix with embedded reinforcement cords. The cords are individually sheathed and distributed within the rubber, creating a composite material that maintains durability while eliminating the woven fabric overlap problem.
3Reliability
If the membrane structure is simplified without overlap areas, then uniform expansion is achieved, but structural reinforcement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is segmented into multiple discrete cords distributed throughout the membrane, replacing the continuous woven fabric structure. This segmentation allows uniform expansion while maintaining reinforcement through the distributed cord network.
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 solution improves mechanical strength and eliminates lines of weakness, ensuring uniform expansion and enhanced durability under operational pressures.
Implementation Method 1
at least one corded layer of fabric and/or metallic threads which is situated between two radially internal and external elastomer layers... each of its thread(s) individually sheathed by an elastomer sheath compatible with these internal and external layers
Implementation Method 2
a flexible and air-tight membrane... two radially internal and external elastomer layers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a membrane for secondary air suspension of a land or rail vehicle, in particular of heavy truck or passenger wagon type, this secondary suspension incorporating it, such a vehicle which is provided therewith, and the method for manufacturing this membrane.This substantially toroidal membrane (103) comprises two attachment areas (110) and at least one corded layer (106) of fabric and/or metallic threads which is situated between two radially internal (104) and external (105) elastomer layers and which extends between these attachment areas.According to the invention, said at least one corded layer has its or each of its thread(s) individually sheathed by an elastomer sheath compatible with the internal and external layers.