Axle Play Testing Device with Floating Guide Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle play checking devices are heavy, expensive, and require significant material and installation effort, making them costly and difficult to install at a later date or in new systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact axle play checking device with a movable plate guided by a floating frame with friction-reducing sliding material, using smaller single-acting power cylinders and a ring for power actuation, allowing for direct attachment to the floor or rail without the need for a recess, reducing material usage and installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional axle play checking devices are used with double-acting cylinders and recess installation, then reliable axle play detection is achieved, but the device becomes heavy, expensive, and requires significant installation effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the recess structure from the traditional device design. By removing the requirement for a floor recess or rail receptacle, the device becomes a self-contained unit that can be freely positioned on the workshop floor, significantly reducing installation complexity and structural weight requirements while maintaining its axle play detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into modular components: a movable plate for wheel support, a guide structure for constrained movement, and single-acting cylinders for power supply. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and maintenance, reducing overall system weight and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If double-acting cylinders are used to move the plate in two perpendicular directions, then complete wheel play checking is enabled, but material requirements and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate serves multiple functions: it supports the vehicle wheel, guides the shaking motion in two perpendicular directions through its interaction with the guide structure, and transmits forces from the single-acting cylinders. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for complex dual-cylinder mechanisms while maintaining complete axle play detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary between the single-acting cylinders and the movable plate. It converts the linear motion from the cylinders into the required two-directional shaking motion of the plate, simplifying the power transmission mechanism while ensuring proper motion control for detecting both longitudinal and transverse play
3Stability of the object's composition
If a recess is created in the floor or rail for device installation, then stable device mounting is achieved, but installation cost and structural modification effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the recess requirement from the installation system. The device is designed to sit freely on the workshop floor surface, eliminating the need for costly floor or rail modifications while maintaining operational stability through its guide and support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The device is self-contained with all necessary mounting and support structures integrated into its own design. It requires no external structural modifications or specialized installation infrastructure, allowing for quick deployment in any workshop environment without involving structural engineers or complex installation procedures
4Strength
If traditional heavy constructions are used for axle play checking devices, then structural strength is ensured, but device cost and material consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy materials throughout the entire structure, the invention applies strength only where necessary: the movable plate and guide structures use sufficient material to handle wheel loads and shaking forces, while the support legs and positioning elements use minimal material. This localized strengthening reduces overall material consumption while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a movable plate design that dynamically adapts to wheel play detection requirements, eliminating the need for overly robust static structures. The guide structure provides constrained motion paths that reduce lateral loads, allowing for lighter construction materials while maintaining strength during operation
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 results in a lightweight, cost-effective axle play checking device with a reduced overall height, enabling easy and affordable installation in both new and existing setups, while maintaining stability and minimizing wear and tilting effects.
Implementation Method 1
a guide (22) for the movable plate (12), which supports the movable plate (12) in its peripheral area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (10) has an upper plate for supporting wheels and moved in a plane in longitudinal and transverse directions (16, 18) by external force actuators (20a-20d). A support structure (22) for the movable plate lies in the plane. The movable plate is fastened to a ring (28). The ring is arranged within the support structure and lies above the support structure. The ring is slid on the support structure. The external force actuators are provided within the ring and engaged at the ring for moving the plate. The support structure supports the plate in a circumferential area.