Asymmetrical Bogie Brake Disc Layout for Tramway Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway vehicle bogies face challenges in achieving optimal braking performance while maintaining a reasonable size and weight, especially when incorporating an automatic piloting device with a speed sensor, as symmetrical brake disc distributions either compromise braking or increase mass and cost.
Innovation Solution
A bogie with an asymmetrical distribution of three brake discs, where one wheel is without a brake disc, allowing for the installation of a speed sensor and maintaining good braking performance, reducing bulk and weight compared to traditional configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four brake discs are installed on the bogie to improve braking performance, then braking performance is improved, but the bogie size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by installing brake discs on only three wheels instead of four, creating an asymmetric brake disc distribution. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient braking performance through strategic placement while reducing the overall number of brake discs, thereby decreasing bogie mass and size.
2Ease of operation
If only two brake discs are installed to accommodate a speed sensor on an unbraked wheel, then the speed sensor can be installed, but braking performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric distribution with three brake discs placed on three different wheels, leaving one wheel unbraked for speed sensor installation. This configuration improves upon the symmetric two-disc approach by adding a third brake disc to enhance braking performance while still preserving one unbraked wheel for sensor accommodation.
3Reliability
If four brake discs are installed, then braking performance is sufficient, but the lifecycle cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one brake disc from the traditional four-disc configuration, reducing the total number to three. This extraction maintains adequate braking performance through optimized placement while directly reducing manufacturing costs, maintenance requirements, and overall lifecycle costs associated with fewer brake components.
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 asymmetrical brake disc configuration enhances braking performance, reduces the bogie's size and weight, and enables reliable speed sensor installation for automatic piloting without compromising braking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
braking means comprising brake discs, each brake disc being associated with a respective wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The bogie (10) comprises four wheels (12A, 12B, 12C, 12D) and braking means (18) comprising brake discs (20A, 20B, 20C), each brake disc (20A, 20B, 20C) being associated with a respective wheel. The braking means (18) comprise only three brake discs (20A, 20B, 20C), one of the wheels (12D) being without a brake disc.