Frustoconical Backing Device Axlebox Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backing devices for axleboxes face challenges such as stress concentration, surface deformation, and insufficient mounting force due to compromises in design, which can lead to mechanical interference and increased size, weight, and cost of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A backing device with an inner ring having frustoconical outer surfaces and two outer rings with frustoconical inner surfaces, utilizing tightening means to press these surfaces against each other, allowing for elastic deformation and secure mounting without an abutment on the axle, reducing axial pressure and enabling smaller component diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backing device is press fitted on the axle to avoid micro displacement and fretting, then reliability is improved, but surface deformation and stress concentration occur on the axle
Solution Approach 1:
The backing device is divided into an inner ring and two outer rings. The inner ring has frustoconical outer surfaces that interface with the outer rings, allowing distributed pressure application. This segmentation enables the mounting force to be distributed across multiple contact surfaces rather than concentrated at a single press-fit interface, reducing stress concentration on the axle while maintaining reliable mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the contact surface geometry from cylindrical to frustoconical. The frustoconical surfaces allow for elastic deformation of the inner ring when pressed by the outer rings, creating a controlled compliance mechanism. This parameter change enables the backing device to accommodate axial forces through elastic deformation rather than rigid press-fit, minimizing stress concentration and surface deformation on the axle while maintaining mounting stability.
2Strength
If the abutment diameter is increased to support axial forces from curve and switch points, then strength is improved, but the equipment diameter must be larger to avoid mechanical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-diameter abutment design to a multi-surface frustoconical interface system. The frustoconical surfaces of the inner ring and outer rings create multiple contact zones that can support axial forces distributed across different radial positions. This dimensional change allows the backing device to support axial forces without requiring a single large-diameter abutment, enabling smaller equipment diameters while maintaining strength.
3Reliability
If the backing device is designed with a special shape for sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical surfaces of the inner ring and outer rings serve multiple functions: they provide the tightening interface for elastic deformation, distribute mounting forces to prevent stress concentration, and create sealing contact surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components or complex sealing geometries, achieving reliable sealing while maintaining relatively simple device 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
The solution enables quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the backing device, reduces the size, weight, and cost of the axle, and provides flexibility in sealing design, while minimizing stress concentration and deformation risks.
Implementation Method 1
press the frustoconical inner surfaces of the outer rings against the frustoconical outer surfaces of the inner ring and narrow the inner surface of the inner ring by elastic deformation thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a backing device (40), adapted to equip an axlebox (10) comprising a bearing unit and supporting an axle (6), wherein the backing device (40) comprises: an inner ring (50) having an inner surface (51) and at least one outer surface (52) ; at least one outer ring (60) having an inner surface (62) facing the outer surface (52) of the inner ring (50) ; and tightening means (80) inserted inside the inner ring (50) and/or the outer ring (60) and which, when actuated, press the inner surface (62) of the outer ring (60) and the outer surface (52) of the inner ring (50) against each other and narrow the inner surface (51) of the inner ring (50) by elastic deformation thereof. The invention also concerns a vehicle comprising at least one such axlebox (10). The invention also concerns mounting and dismounting methods.