Systems and methods providing variable spring stiffness for weight management in a rail vehicle

US8448962B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Amit Kalyani · Bengaluru, IN
• Munishwar Ahuja · Bengaluru, IN
• Anubhav Kumar · Bengaluru, IN
• Ravi Kumar · Darsi, IN
• Krishnarao Dhuri · Bengaluru, IN
• Nikhil Subhashchandra Tambe · Bengaluru, IN

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 26, 2010
• Grant date: May 28, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 18, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61F5/36
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods provide variable spring stiffness for weight management in a vehicle. One system includes a plurality of springs and a plurality of spring retainers configured to adjust a number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Additionally, a motor is provided that is connected to the plurality of spring retainers and configured to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs. Further, a controller is provided that is coupled to motor to control the motor to actuate the spring retainers to adjust the number of inactive coils of the plurality of springs.