Wheelset Axle Ballistic Shell With Integrated Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ballistic protection arrangements for wheelset axles of rail vehicles are inefficient in terms of space utilization, require separate locking devices, and offer inadequate resistance to impacts and corrosion, leading to high maintenance costs and reduced vehicle availability.

Innovation Solution

A ballistic protection arrangement featuring a shell with an integrally formed fastening device that securely encases the wheelset axle, utilizing a narrow, flexible fastening strap and holding devices to ensure a compact and secure closure, with optional modular design and materials like metal and fiber composites for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate locking devices are used to secure the shell to the wheelset axle, then the protective arrangement achieves secure fastening, but the installation space requirement increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is merged with the shell by forming it as an integral part of the shell structure. This eliminates separate locking components and reduces the overall installation space while maintaining secure fastening capability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shell is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides protective enclosure and integrates the locking function directly into its structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking devices, thereby reducing installation space requirements.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional coatings are applied to wheelset axles for corrosion protection, then corrosion resistance is improved, but resistance to impacts and fire protection remains inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective arrangement uses a shell made of metal or fiber composite materials that provide both corrosion resistance and high impact resistance. These composite or metallic materials offer superior mechanical strength and fire protection compared to conventional coatings alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shell is designed to fully encase the wheelset axle, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the overall diameter and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidoverall diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The shell is designed to partially encase the wheelset axle rather than fully enclosing it. This partial coverage provides sufficient protection against corrosion and impacts while minimizing the increase in overall diameter and installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4682014A1Ballistic protection assembly for vehicles, wheelset shaft and processing method
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP4682014A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4682014A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4682014A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a ballistic protection arrangement for vehicles, in particular for a wheelset axle (1) of a chassis for a rail vehicle, comprising at least one curved or curved first shell (2) which can be arranged to at least partially enclose the wheelset axle (1), and at least one elongated first fastening device (4) which can be arranged at least partially around the at least first shell (2). It is proposed that the at least first shell (2) has at least one first retaining device (5) by means of which the at least first fastening device (4) can be positioned and locked onto the at least first shell (2), wherein the at least first shell (2) can be fastened to the wheelset axle (1) by means of the at least first fastening device (4) and the at least first retaining device (5), and wherein the at least first retaining device (5) is formed integrally with the at least first shell (2).This ensures a secure closure and a moderate space requirement for the protective arrangement.