Rail Vehicle Wheelset Guide Central Force Introduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wheel set guides for rail vehicles with open profile running gear frames face challenges in strength and stability due to lateral introduction of forces, leading to high bending stress and stiffness irregularities.

Innovation Solution

A wheel set guide design where the swing arm bearing is positioned within a central receptacle in the chassis frame, allowing forces to be introduced centrally, and utilizing a rubber-metal bush and fork-like sections to enhance force transmission and stability, with a recess in the I-shaped profile that does not damage the bottom flange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the swing arm bearing is connected to the chassis frame via lateral introduction of force into the lower flange, then the connection is established, but high bending stress and stiffness irregularities occur in open profile running gear frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce introductionVSAvoidbending stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional force introduction approach by transitioning from lateral force introduction into the lower flange to central force introduction through the web of the I-shaped profile. The swing arm bearing is repositioned to bear forces centrally on the web, reversing the traditional mounting approach and eliminating the bending stress problems associated with lateral force application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the dimensional aspect of force introduction by moving from a lateral (horizontal) force application point to a central (vertical) force application point through the web. This dimensional shift in force transmission path transforms the stress distribution pattern, converting bending moments into more favorable axial and shear stress states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If recesses are created in the web and lower flange to accommodate the swing arm and bearing, then the swing arm connection is enabled, but significant jumps in stiffness and curvatures occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswing arm connectionVSAvoidstiffness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating the connection features precisely where needed - the swing arm bearing is mounted centrally on the web at the optimal location for force transmission. This localized connection approach eliminates the need for extensive recesses in the web and lower flange, maintaining the overall structural integrity and uniform stiffness of the I-shaped profile while enabling secure swing arm attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the swing arm bearing is positioned centrally in the chassis frame, then force introduction is optimized, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transmission efficiencyVSAvoidchassis frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the self-service capability of the I-shaped profile's web, which naturally provides a central mounting location optimized for force transmission. The web's inherent structural properties at its center make it an ideal self-sufficient mounting point for the swing arm bearing, eliminating the need for additional complex reinforcement structures or auxiliary components that would otherwise be required to achieve central force introduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This design improves the strength and stability of the wheel set guide, reducing stiffness irregularities and manufacturing costs by centralizing force introduction, optimizing weight distribution, and effectively transmitting tensile, compressive forces, and vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element, which resiliently connects the axle bearing (3) to the running gear frame (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the swing arm (6) having an elastic swing arm bearing (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3224109B1Wheelset guide for a rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 SIEMENS MOBILITY AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP3224109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3224109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3224109B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wheelset guide for a rail vehicle, which has a bogie frame (1), comprising at least one longitudinal support (2), and which has a wheelset bearing (3) for a wheelset (4) of the rail vehicle, which wheelset bearing (3) is connected to the bogie frame (1) and has a rocker (6), wherein the rocker (6) is pivotably attached (7) to the bogie frame (1) via an elastic rocker bearing (7) and a pin (8) guided by the rocker bearing (7). In order to improve the strength and stability of the attachment of the rocker (6) to a bogie frame (1) or to the longitudinal support (2) with an open profile, according to the present invention, the bogie frame (1) forms a receptacle (9) for the rocker bearing (7), which is designed such that the force is introduced into the bogie frame (1) via the rocker bearing (7) itself, and the rocker bearing (7) is positioned in the receptacle (9).