Passenger Train Set Wagon Length Ratios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing train set designs face limitations in flexibility regarding the placement of functional equipment, scaling of total length, and optimization of axle loads, particularly in commuter traffic where maximizing transport capacity and adapting to platform lengths is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A passenger train set configuration where the length of the first and second wagons ranges from 105% to 165% of the third wagon's length, allowing for flexible arrangement of functional equipment and optimized axle loads, with the third wagon providing additional space for service modules and passenger seating, and the first and second wagons potentially being double deck modules without access doors to enhance transport capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If relatively long double deck modules are used to maximize transport capacity, then transport capacity is improved, but flexibility in locating functional equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidflexibility in locating functional equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The train set is divided into multiple wagons of different lengths (first wagon, second wagon, and third wagon with approximately 50% length of the first and second wagons). This segmentation allows functional equipment to be distributed across different wagons, providing flexibility in equipment placement while maintaining high transport capacity through the use of double deck modules for passenger seating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If short intermediate support modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility in arranging functional equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermediate support module structureVSAvoidfunctionality arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The third wagon serves multiple functions: it acts as an intermediate support module with running gears, provides space for functional equipment (service modules, passenger seating, vehicle equipment), and enables flexible train set configuration. This multi-functional design allows the same wagon structure to fulfill various roles without requiring separate specialized modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If rigid scaling of total train set length is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to platform lengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain set length scalingVSAvoidadaptation to platform lengths
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The train set configuration is made dynamic through the use of wagons with different length ratios (third wagon approximately 50% of first and second wagons). This allows the total train set length to be adjusted by varying the number and arrangement of different wagon types, enabling adaptation to different platform lengths while maintaining standardized manufacturing dimensions for each wagon type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If comparatively long wagons of substantially identical length are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility in optimizing axle load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewagon production standardizationVSAvoidaxle load optimization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different wagons are designed with different length characteristics (first and second wagons of substantially identical length, third wagon with approximately 50% of their length). This local differentiation allows for optimized axle load distribution across the train set, with heavier equipment strategically placed in shorter wagons and passenger capacity maximized in longer wagons, while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each wagon type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2335993B2High capacity passenger train set
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP2335993B2 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP2335993B2 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP2335993B2 patent drawingFigure 3D~3F

AI summary

The invention relates to a passenger train set comprising a first wagon (103), a second wagon (105) and a third wagon (104), the third wagon (104) being arranged adjacent to and in between the first wagon (103) and the second wagon (105). At least one of the first, second and third wagon (103, 104, 105) is a transport module including passenger transport seating. In a longitudinal direction of the train set, the first wagon (103) has a first length, the second wagon (105) has a second length and the third wagon (104) has a third length, the first length and/or the second length being 105% to 165% of the third length, in particular 120% to 165% of the third length, preferably 130% to 160% of the third length.