Fixed-Track Carriage Steering by Independent Wheel Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed-track transport systems require additional guide rails and complex mechanisms to change direction, which are costly and limit automation, especially in passenger and goods transport.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-track transport device with independently powered wheels and adjustable torque control, allowing vehicles to change direction without additional guide rails or complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional guide rails and complex mechanisms are used to change direction, then the direction control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional guide rails and complex direction-changing mechanisms from the system. Instead of using external guide rails, the invention uses the existing rail structure combined with independently controllable wheel sets to achieve direction changes, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle itself performs the direction change function through its independently controllable wheel sets. Each wheel set can be controlled to apply torque differences that automatically guide the vehicle into the desired branch, eliminating the need for external guide rails or switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches with moving parts are used to change direction, then the travel direction can be changed, but the maintenance cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the moving parts from the track structure. Instead of using mechanical switches that require maintenance, the system uses a fixed track configuration combined with independently controllable wheel sets, removing the source of maintenance requirements while preserving directional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switching systems with a control-based system. Instead of physical switches that move rails, the invention uses independent torque control of wheel sets to achieve direction changes, substituting mechanical operations with controlled mechanical forces applied by the vehicle itself.
3Device complexity
If fixed-track systems with switches are used, then the track structure is simple, but the automation capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability to the fixed-track system. While the track structure remains simple and fixed, the wheel sets are equipped with independent drives that can be dynamically adjusted to change direction. This dynamic control at the vehicle level enables automation while maintaining track simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical switch positions to adjustable torque values of independently controllable wheel sets. This parameter change enables the vehicle to autonomously select directions by adjusting motor output, thereby enhancing automation capability without complicating the track structure.
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
Enables vehicles to change direction autonomously and efficiently without additional track elements, suitable for high-speed railways, freight, and warehouse systems, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
each wheel of at least one of the wheel sets of the carriage is equipped with an independent drive of adjustable power
Implementation Method 2
at least two guide rollers located in the rail gap are connected rotatably to the support along the length thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a fixed-track transport device. having two parallel rails (2a, 2b) separated from each other by a rail gap (5), a carriage (1) being able to run along the rails (2a, 2b) with at least two wheel sets each having wheels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) bearing independently in a common axle of rotation (12a, 12b) fitted on the rails (2a, 2b), and at least one branch (E) containing additional rails (2c, 2d) is built into the pair of rails (2a, 2b), and the axles of rotation (12a, 12b) are connected to each other by a support (13) having a fixing console (8), at least two guide rollers (6a, 6b) located in the rail gap (5) are connected rotatably to the support (13) along the length thereof. and cach wheel (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of at least one of the wheel sets of the carriage (1) is equipped with an independent drive (14a, 14b) of adjustable power. and the transport device is provided with a power control unit.