Transverse Drive Integration in Rail Bogie Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive arrangements for low-floor rail vehicles face challenges with space and weight constraints due to complex transmissions and noise issues, particularly at higher speeds, and require bulky bogies to support heavy drive components.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the traction motor into the load-bearing structure of the bogie, using a transverse drive with a spur gear that eliminates the need for bevel gears, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design, and incorporating parts of the cooling device into the bogie's structure to reduce external components and enhance space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a bevel gear transmission is used in external longitudinal drive, then the drive can be arranged outside the wheel disc space, but the transmission complexity increases and noise level increases at higher speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for traction motorVSAvoidtransmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the traction motor with the bogie frame by integrating the motor housing into the load-bearing structure. The motor is positioned directly above the wheel disc, combining the drive function with the structural function of the bogie, thereby eliminating the need for separate motor mounting structures and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the bevel gear transmission system with a direct-drive configuration where the traction motor's rotor axis is aligned with the wheel disc axis. This substitution eliminates the complex bevel gear mechanism entirely, reducing both transmission complexity and noise generation at higher speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If a bevel gear transmission is used, then the drive can be arranged externally, but noise with high sound level occurs at higher speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for traction motorVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the noise-generating bevel gear transmission with a direct-drive system where the motor rotor axis coincides with the wheel axis. This eliminates mechanical gear engagement noise, allowing the vehicle to operate at higher speeds without excessive noise levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If the traction motor is arranged above the wheel disc, then space is utilized, but a separate oil pump is required due to overall height of the gearbox

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidadditional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gearbox function directly into the traction motor assembly, eliminating the need for a separate oil pump. The integrated design allows the lubrication system to be incorporated within the motor housing itself, reducing the number of external components and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If heavy drive components are attached to the bogie, then the bogie must be correspondingly stable and heavy, but this increases the overall weight and bulk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebogie stabilityVSAvoidbogie weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the bogie frame serve dual functions: it provides structural support and stability while simultaneously housing the traction motor. The load-bearing structure is designed to accommodate the motor within its framework, eliminating the need for separate motor mounting structures and reducing overall bogie weight.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the traction motor housing with the bogie frame structure. The motor is integrated into the load-bearing members of the bogie, combining structural support functions with drive component housing, thereby reducing the total weight and bulk of the bogie assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Volume of moving object

If a transverse drive with clutch shaft extending beyond carrier is used, then the engine can be positioned in interior space, but the transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine positioning spaceVSAvoidtransmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex transverse drive system with clutch shaft and reducing agents with a direct longitudinal drive configuration. The motor rotor axis is aligned with the wheel axis, eliminating the need for clutch shafts, reducing agents, and associated transmission components, thereby simplifying the overall drive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3310636B1Drive arrangement for a rail vehicle, rail vehicle with a drive arrangement and method for producing the drive arrangement and the rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP3310636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3310636B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a rail vehicle having: – a bearing structure for a bogie (1), – a traction motor (7a, 7b) with a stator (15a, 15b) and a rotor (12b), and – a transmission for transmitting drive energy from the traction motor (7a, 7b) to at least one wheel set (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of the bogie (1), wherein the drive arrangement is configured as a transverse drive, at least one partial volume of the traction motor (7a, 7b) is integrated into the bearing structure, the transmission is a spur-gear transmission (11a, 11b), wherein a drive shaft (13b) of the spur-gear transmission (11a, 11b) is coupled to the rotor (12b) of the traction motor (7a, 7b), and a drive shaft (14b) of the spur-gear transmission (11a, 11b) can be coupled or is coupled to at least one wheel (2d) of the wheel set (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d).