Bogie Test Stand Using Tensile Force Inversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bogie test stands are inflexible, require significant space, and are costly, making it impractical for companies to install and relocate them for on-site testing and maintenance, especially for above-ground variants which need complex foundation structures and are sensitive to recalibration.

Innovation Solution

A compact bogie test stand design that applies tensile forces directly to the bogie or its elements to simulate operational loads, eliminating the need for a portal structure above the measuring track, allowing for a mobile and space-efficient setup with integrated measurement sensors and evaluation units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a portal structure with loading yoke is used to apply compressive forces from above, then the bogie can be tested for operational load conditions, but the test stand requires considerable space and cannot be relocated easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidrelocatability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by applying tensile forces from below instead of compressive forces from above. The motor and force application mechanism are positioned underneath the measuring track, pulling the bogie forward to simulate operational loads, thereby eliminating the need for an overhead portal structure and enabling easy relocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the overhead portal structure with loading yoke from the test stand design. By eliminating this space-consuming component and replacing it with a subtrack motor system, the test stand becomes compact and relocatable while maintaining its ability to apply necessary forces for testing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If an above-ground variant with complex foundation structures is used, then the bogie is at working height for operators, but the installation requires considerable space and complex foundations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking heightVSAvoidfoundation structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of supporting the measuring track above ground with complex foundations, the patent inverts the setup by supporting the track from below using a subtrack structure. This eliminates the need for complex above-ground foundation structures while maintaining the bogie at appropriate working height through the motorized lifting and positioning system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Force

If a portal spanning the measuring track is used, then forces can be applied to simulate load conditions, but the bogie cannot be lifted directly onto the measuring track

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload simulationVSAvoidbogie positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the overhead portal that blocked direct bogie placement by inverting the force application mechanism. The motor positioned underneath the measuring track can both lift the bogie onto the track and apply the necessary tensile forces to simulate operational loads, combining positioning and loading functions in one integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP2425225B1Test method for bogies as well as test stand and assembly stand
Publication Date: 2013.05.08 BASTIAN RAINER
  • EP2425225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2425225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2425225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a test method for bogies (12) and a test stand suitable for carrying out the method, said test stand being additionally suitable for disassembling and assembling components of corresponding bogies (12). According to the proposed solution, the loads incurred by a bogie during its intended use are simulated in a known manner on a test stand designed for this purpose on the still unfinished bogie (12). To this end, forces are directed into the bogie (12) such as those caused by the weight of a car body and by other operation-related load conditions. The effect of these load conditions on the bogie (12) and/or of a track on which the bogie (12) runs is described by measured values, which are obtained by means of measuring sensors and are computer-processed. According to the invention, a respective force, used for the simulation of load conditions, is applied not as a pressure force, but rather as a tensile force acting directly on the bogie (12) or on a test stand element mounted directly on said bogie.