Bogie Brake Clamp Linkage for Automatic Gauge Change Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current track changing operations for rail trains are inefficient due to the need for manual adjustment of the vehicle wheel braking clamp, which increases operator workload and reduces the efficiency of gauge changes.

Innovation Solution

A bogie design that includes a braking hanger, a hanger slider, and a transmission member, where the hanger slider is connected to the braking hanger and movable along the transverse direction, and the transmission member drives the vehicle wheel braking clamp to automatically move to a position corresponding to the vehicle wheel, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of the vehicle wheel braking clamp is used, then the braking clamp can be positioned on the bogie, but the operator workload increases and track changing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking clamp positioningVSAvoidtrack changing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking clamp automatically follows the vehicle wheel movement through the transmission member mechanism. When the vehicle wheel moves along the gauge direction, it directly drives the transmission member, which in turn moves the braking clamp to the corresponding position without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the vehicle wheel's movement to automatically position the braking clamp.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vehicle wheel and the braking clamp. It converts the vehicle wheel's movement into corresponding movement of the braking clamp, enabling automatic positioning. The hanger slider serves as another intermediary that guides and constrains the movement of the braking clamp along the bogie framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the vehicle wheel braking clamp is fixed on the bogie through a pin, then the braking clamp can be locked in position, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking clamp positioning stabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The braking clamp system transitions from a static fixed position (requiring pin insertion/removal) to a dynamic automatic following position. The transmission member enables the braking clamp to dynamically adjust its position along with the vehicle wheel movement, eliminating the need for manual pin operations while maintaining stable positioning through the mechanical coupling of the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual disassembly and reinstallation of the pin is required for braking clamp adjustment, then the braking clamp can be repositioned, but the operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking clamp repositioning capabilityVSAvoidadjustment operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual pin operation is completely extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using a pin that requires disassembly and reinstallation, the patent employs a transmission member mechanism that automatically couples the braking clamp to the vehicle wheel movement, eliminating the pin entirely and simplifying the operation to automatic following action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reduces operator workload and improves the efficiency of gauge changing processes by allowing the vehicle wheel braking clamp to automatically adjust, enhancing the braking mechanism and simplifying the track changing operations.

Implementation Method 1

one end of the first spring is fixed to the inner surface of the top plate, and another end of the first spring is connected to the first rotating shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first rotating shaft is inserted into an axial hole of the guiding wheel... the elastic guiding mechanism is configured to abut against a surface of the wave-shaped guiding groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3782866B1Bogie and rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 CRRC TANGSHAN CO LTD
  • EP3782866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782866B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782866B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bogie and a rail vehicle, wherein the bogie comprises: a framework (1), a wheel pair (2) connected to the framework (1), a brake hanger (3) fixed to the framework (1), a hanger slider (4) used for fixedly connecting to a vehicle wheel brake clamp (5), and a transmission member (6); the hanger slider (4) is connected to the brake hanger (3), and the transmission member (6) is connected to the hanger slider (4); a first end of the transmission member (6) extends to a side surface of a vehicle wheel in the wheel pair (2), and the transmission member (6) is used to drive the hanger slider (4) to move along the lateral direction with respect to the brake hanger (3) when the first end is subjected to a thrust applied in the lateral direction by the vehicle wheel, so that the vehicle wheel brake clamp (5) moves to a position corresponding to the vehicle wheel (21). The present invention may simplify track changing operations and improve efficiency.