摘要:
Embodiments relate to a damping system, and in particular a clutch mechanism for an extended travel draft gear having components arranged such that movement of clutch mechanism components transforms kinetic energy into thermal energy via friction, while allowing for an extended length of travel. An arrangement of clutch component geometries, lengths, angles, etc. allows for motion along a longitudinal axis of the clutch mechanism to be damped via energy dissipation.
摘要:
The invention relates to an energy dissipating device suitable to be used as part of a connection device that connects a first car of a multi-car vehicle with a second car of the multi-car vehicle, comprising a plug that has a longitudinal axis and a mandrel that has an opening, whereby the plug is arranged to be moved at least partially through the opening, if a force pointing in the longitudinal axis is applied to the plug, and whereby at least a part of the plug—especially its hull—is deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening, whereby said hull being at least partially deformed, when the plug is at least partially moved through the opening. The hull is attached to the rod by clamping or fixing with fasteners, preferably with protrusions around the rod and/or at least one plug or nut. The hull is a relatively independent element which can be put over a rod and therefore the hull can be mounted or unmounted subsequently to a rod without influencing the stability or main function of the connection device.
摘要:
A railcar draft gear assembly specifically designed to consistently and repeatedly withstand up to about 110,000 ft-lbs of energy imparted thereto while not exceeding a force level of 900,000 lbs. and while having a wedge member of the draft gear assembly travel in an inward axial direction of less than about 4.5 inches relative to an open end of the draft gear.
摘要:
An improved selective travel cushioning device for a railway car is responsive to both draft and buff loads on the coupler, fitting into a standard cushioning unit pocket with little or no reconfiguration of the sill required, while limiting wear on elastic members in the cushioning unit and exhibiting high energy absorption.
摘要:
A railcar draft gear assembly specifically designed to consistently and repeatedly withstand up to about 110,000 ft-lbs of energy imparted thereto while not exceeding a force level of 900,000 lbs. and while having a wedge member of the draft gear assembly travel in an inward axial direction of less than about 4.5 inches relative to an open end of the draft gear.
摘要:
A railroad car draft gear is provided which includes a housing. The housing is a unitary structure, having an open end and a closed end. Compressible spring elements are located inside the housing, with an end of the spring element located against the interior side of the closed end. A friction assembly is also located within the housing, near the open end. The friction assembly provides energy absorption during compression cycles. The spring element restores the friction assembly to its fully extended positon after a compression event.
摘要:
An energy absorption/coupling system for a railcar including a draft assembly provided toward opposed ends of a centersill on the railcar. Each draft assembly includes a coupler and a draft gear assembly disposed in longitudinally disposed and operable relation relative to each other. The coupler is configured to allow at least 4.5 inches of travel in a single longitudinal direction during operation of the coupler. The draft gear assembly of each draft assembly is configured to consistently and repeatedly withstand up to about 110,000 ft-lbs. of energy imparted to the energy absorption/coupling system at a force level not to exceed 900,000 lbs. over a range of travel of a wedge member in an inward axial direction relative to the housing of at least 4.5 inches. With the present invention disclosure, high level impact forces between rail cars can be absorbed and dissipated while maintaining an overall length of the railcar constant and unchanged. A method for releasably coupling two railcars to each other is also disclosed.
摘要:
A friction clutch for a draft gear assembly includes two outer stationary plates having outer surfaces engageable with the inner surfaces of a gear housing. A slot formed in each outer stationary plate receives a lubricating insert to prevent clutch sticking after closure and during a release of such gear. A pair of movable plates have outer surfaces frictionally engaged with inner surfaces of such outer stationary plates for absorbing energy during closure of such gear. A pair of inner stationary plates have outer surfaces frictionally engaged with inner surfaces of such pair of movable plates for absorbing energy during such closure. An inner surface of each inner stationary plate is tapered. Another slot formed in each tapered stationary plate adjacent an outer surface receives another lubricating insert which prevents clutch sticking during release of the gear. A pair of wedge shoes having a tapered outer surface frictionally engage an inner surface of such tapered stationary plates for absorbing energy during closure. An upper surface of the wedge shoe is tapered at an angle of between 46.5 and 48.5 degrees and a bottom surface of the wedge shoe is tapered at an angle of between 21.0 and 22.00 degrees. Another slot formed in each wedge shoe adjacent its outer surface has another lubricating insert to prevent clutch sticking during release of the gear. A center wedge having corresponding tapered surfaces frictionally engages an upper surface of a respective one of such pair of wedge shoes for absorbing energy during closure.
摘要:
A draft gear assembly having a variable angle friction clutch mechanism is provided. Such assembly includes a housing member having a compressible cushioning element disposed adjacent a closed end thereof. A seat is disposed between one end of the compressible cushioning element and an open end of the housing member. A friction cushioning assembly is positioned at least partially within the open end of the housing member and includes a plurality of friction surfaces disposed on a plurality of friction elements with at least one wedge member being engageable with the plurality of friction surfaces. At least one resilient member is provided to enable the friction cushioning mechanism to exhibit a variable angle. Such resilient member is engageable with at least one of the friction elements and exerts a lateral force on the friction cushioning mechanism which is at least sufficient to maintain all of the friction surfaces in frictional engagement during the useful life of the draft gear assembly.
摘要:
A draft gear assembly having a variable angle friction clutch mechanism is provided. Such assembly includes a housing member having a compressible cushioning element disposed adjacent a closed end thereof. A seat member is disposed between one end of the compressible cushioning element and an open end of the housing member. A friction cushioning member is positioned at least partially within the open end of the housing member and includes a plurality of friction surfaces disposed on a plurality of friction elements with at least one wedge member being engageable with the plurality of friction surfaces. At least one resilient member is provided to enable the friction cushioning mechanism to exhibit a variable angle. Such resilient member is engageable with at least one of the friction elements and exerts a lateral force on the friction cushioning mechanism which is at least sufficient to maintain all of the friction surfaces in frictional engagement during the useful life of the draft gear assembly.