Articulated Wagon Power Supply Unit Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated vehicle arrangements face challenges in providing an uninterrupted power supply to temperature-controlled containers during standstill and shunting operations, with conventional power supply units being large and requiring modifications that reduce container space or cannot be accommodated due to height restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The power supply unit is positioned in the gap-like space between adjacent wagon sections, utilizing a support structure with adapter devices and standardized fastening elements, incorporating energy storage devices and generators to ensure autonomous power supply without occupying container space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery-operated power supply unit is used to provide uninterrupted power to containers, then continuous power supply is achieved, but the power supply unit becomes relatively large and difficult to accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is relocated from the traditional position below the container parking space to the gap-like space between adjacent wagon sections. This spatial relocation utilizes previously unused three-dimensional space in the articulated coupling region, allowing the power supply unit to be accommodated without increasing the vertical height that would restrict container loading capacity.
2Area of stationary object
If the power supply unit is located below the container parking space, then space for power supply is found, but the container floor must be raised reducing overall space for containers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of occupying vertical space below the container parking space, the power supply unit is positioned in the horizontal gap between adjacent wagon sections. This utilizes the lateral space created by the articulated coupling geometry, thereby preserving the full vertical height available for container loading without requiring the container floor to be raised.
3Power
If power supply is provided via adjacent wagons or locomotives, then power is available, but uninterrupted power supply is not possible during standstill and shunting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is integrated into the articulated vehicle itself, enabling it to autonomously provide power to containers without requiring continuous external power supply from locomotives or adjacent wagons. This self-contained configuration ensures uninterrupted power supply during standstill, shunting, and transshipment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is pre-installed on the articulated vehicle at the articulated coupling, positioned to serve containers before external power sources become unavailable. This preliminary positioning ensures that power supply capability is already in place and can immediately take over during operations where external power is not available.
4Ease of manufacture
If the power supply unit is declared as a loading unit in combined transport, then the articulated wagon approval is eliminated, but the power supply unit must be integrated into the wagon structure
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be integrated into the articulated vehicle structure without requiring specialized approval procedures. The unit can be securely mounted on the articulated coupling using standardized fastening elements, enabling it to function as both a power supply device and a load-bearing component of the articulated vehicle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an articulated vehicle arrangement (1) for a rail freight train, comprising an articulated vehicle (5) for transporting containers (7), having a first vehicle part (11) and a second vehicle part (13), the first and second vehicle parts (11, 13) being coupled to each other via an articulated coupling (15) in an articulated manner about a vertical articulation axis (17), the first vehicle part (11) having a first container space (29) for one or more containers (7) on the upper face thereof, and the second vehicle part (13) having a second container space (33) for one or more containers (7) on the upper face thereof, the articulated vehicle arrangement further comprising a power supply unit (9) for supplying power to containers (7) loaded on the articulated vehicle (5). The problem of providing an articulated vehicle arrangement with which an uninterrupted power supply to loaded containers is easily possible even at a standstill and during shunting and which has a maximum loading capacity for containers to be loaded is solved in that the power supply unit (9) is arranged in the region of the articulated coupling (15) of the first and second vehicle parts (11, 13) between the first and second container spaces (29, 33).