Adjustable Underfloor Wheel Lathe for Multi-Gauge Wheelsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underfloor wheelset lathes have a limited application due to their fixed, non-adjustable track width, which does not accommodate different rail gauges used in various regions, restricting their versatility in rail vehicle maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The underfloor wheelset processing machine features a two-part machine stand with a crossbeam that can be adjusted in the transverse direction, allowing the friction rollers to accommodate different track widths without requiring vertical movement of the roller carriers, enabling adaptation to various rail gauges through telescopic or clamped adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the machine stand is designed with a fixed track width, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the adaptability to different rail gauges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine stand is divided into two separable parts that can be independently positioned. Each part can be adjusted to different locations, allowing the track width to be changed by repositioning the parts rather than redesigning the entire structure. This segmentation enables the machine to accommodate different rail gauges while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing for each individual part.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine stand transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The two parts of the machine stand can be moved relative to each other along the crossbeam, enabling the track width to be changed according to different rail gauge requirements. This dynamic capability provides versatility without requiring complete structural redesign for each gauge.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the roller carriers are made movable in the transverse direction, then the adaptability to different track widths is improved, but the device complexity and structural rigidity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the roller carriers movable in the transverse direction (which would add complexity), the invention moves the machine stand parts themselves in the transverse direction along the crossbeam. This dimensional shift in the adjustment mechanism places the mobility at a higher structural level, maintaining roller carrier stability while achieving track width adjustment through a simpler mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine stand parts are displaced relative to each other, then the versatility for different gauges is improved, but the positioning precision and machining accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machine stand parts are equipped with self-aligning features and guide mechanisms that ensure precise positioning when displaced along the crossbeam. The design allows the parts to automatically maintain correct alignment and spacing, ensuring machining accuracy is preserved even as the track width is adjusted for different gauges.
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 allows for precise adjustment and maintenance of wheelsets across a wide range of track widths, enhancing the machine's versatility and applicability to various rail gauges, ensuring accurate machining and extending its operational range.
Implementation Method 1
the wheel sets are driven by two times two friction rollers on the running surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the wheel sets are centered on their axle bearing housings and guided in the axial direction via axial guide rollers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to an under-floor wheel set processing machine, in particular an under-floor wheel lathe machine (1') for re-profiling wheels and brake discs of wheel sets (20) of rail vehicles, comprising a machine base (3), a crossbeam (2) for spanning a workshop track (4) having at least two rails (4A, 4B, 4C) in the transverse direction, two roller carriers (7A, 7B), at least four friction rollers (8), at least one friction roller drive (9) for driving the friction rollers (8), and at least one axial guide roller (19) for axially guiding the wheel set (20), wherein the machine base (3) has a first part (3A) and a second part (3B), wherein the crossbeam (2) is mounted on both parts (3A, 3B) of the machine base (3), wherein the roller carriers (7A, 7B) are moveably connected to the machine base (3), and wherein the friction rollers (8) are rotatably mounted on the roller carriers (7A, 7B). In order to permit an adjusting to wheel sets (20) with different track widths, according to the invention, the first part (3A) of the machine base (3) and the second part (3B) of the machine base (3) can be shifted relative to one another in the transverse direction.