Rail Vehicle Windshield Suspension With Elastic Buffering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle windshields and related structures tend to sink during operation, compromising aerodynamic performance and stability due to inadequate structural support, which affects normal vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A windshield suspension device featuring a mounting seat, connecting member, middle and end bearings, pivotable supporting shafts, elastic buffer members, and extendable sleeves provides reliable structural support, preventing sinking and ensuring stability through elastic deformation and protection from external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a windshield and related structures are provided at ends of two adjacent compartments to ensure aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the structure may sink during traveling due to inadequate structural support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidstructural reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield support structure is divided into multiple independent support members (first support member and second support member) that separately connect the windshield to the vehicle frame, allowing each segment to independently bear and distribute the load, thereby preventing overall structural sinking while maintaining aerodynamic integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are designed with pivotable connections at both ends (connecting to the windshield and vehicle frame respectively), transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic articulated structure that can adapt to vibrations and deformations during travel, preventing stress concentration and structural sinking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the windshield structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the windshield becomes prone to sinking and shaking during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing easeVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support to prevent sinking, allow pivoting to accommodate vibrations, and connect the windshield to the vehicle frame. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized articulated structure that can be manufactured using common processes while delivering complex operational requirements

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

3Strength

If rigid support structures are used to prevent windshield sinking, then structural support is improved, but the device complexity and interference with vehicle frame deformation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support members incorporate pivotable connections at both ends, transforming rigid fixed supports into dynamic articulated structures. This allows the support system to maintain strength while adapting to the natural vibrations and deformations of the vehicle frame during operation, reducing stress concentration and preventing structural sinking without requiring overly complex rigid structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure changes its geometric parameters dynamically through the pivotable joints, allowing the angle and position of support members to adjust during vehicle operation. This parameter change enables the structure to absorb vibrations and deformations while maintaining adequate support strength, avoiding the need for excessively complex rigid structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively connects inner compartments to the windshield, maintains structural reliability, and prevents sinking during vehicle travel, enhancing operational stability and aerodynamic performance by utilizing elastic buffer members and a universal joint structure.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic buffer member can effectively buffer and absorb forces through elastic deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3957537B1Rail vehicle and windshield hanging device thereof
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 CRRC CHANGCHUN RAILWAY VEHICLES CO LTD
  • EP3957537B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3957537B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3957537B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a windshield hanging device (23), comprising mounting seats (11) arranged on two sides of the bottom of a vehicle frame, and a connection member (12) arranged in the middle of the bottom of the vehicle frame, wherein a middle bearing (121) is arranged in the middle of the connection member (12) in a vertical direction, and a middle supporting shaft (122) is coaxially inserted into the middle of the middle bearing (121) in a fixed-axis rotatable manner; a top end of the middle supporting shaft (122) is fixed to the bottom of an inner compartment body (22) of a vehicle, and a bottom end of the middle supporting shaft (122) is fixed to an inner wall of the bottom of a windshield (21) of the vehicle; and a vertically-arranged end bearing (111) is hinged to an inner side of the mounting seat (11), an end supporting shaft (112) is coaxially inserted into the middle of the end bearing (111) in a fixed-axis rotatable manner, an elastic buffer member (13), arranged in a width direction of the vehicle frame, is connected between the end bearing (111) and the connection member (12), and a sleeve (14) capable of extending and retracting in the width direction of the vehicle frame is mounted outside the elastic buffer member (13) in a sleeving manner.