Gauge-Variable Wheelset With Non-Self-Locking Thread Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gauge-changing wheelsets for railway vehicles have complex mechanisms and low reliability, making transnational rail transportation hindered by different rail gauges.
Innovation Solution
A gauge-changing wheelset with a simple operation mechanism, featuring a linkage mechanism between the axle and outer sleeve that allows wheels to move closer or further apart for gauge adjustment, utilizing non-self-locking threads and a thrust converting mechanism for reliable gauge changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gauge-changing mechanism is used, then gauge changing function is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelset is divided into independent components: axle, outer sleeve, and axle sleeves. Each component has specific functions - the axle provides the base structure, the outer sleeve enables gauge adjustment through relative rotation, and the axle sleeves connect wheels to the axle. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining gauge-changing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle sleeves are rotatably connected between the axle and the outer sleeve, creating a nested structure. The outer sleeve rotates relative to the axle, while the axle sleeves remain positioned between them. This nested arrangement reduces device complexity by integrating multiple functions into a compact hierarchical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gauge-changing mechanism is used, then gauge changing function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-self-locking thread structure automatically enables gauge changing without complex control systems. When the outer sleeve rotates relative to the axle, the thread structure naturally allows the axle sleeves to move axially, which in turn moves the wheels to change gauge. The system serves itself through the inherent mechanical properties of the thread structure, eliminating the need for complex actuators or control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gauge-changing mechanism is used, then gauge changing function is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, robust components with straightforward failure modes. The non-self-locking thread structure and basic locking mechanism are designed to be simple and replaceable, improving reliability through ease of maintenance and replacement rather than through complex redundancy systems.
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 a simple and high-reliability gauge-changing operation, allowing railway vehicles to adapt to different rail gauges, facilitating transnational rail transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling element matched therewith is mounted in the rolling space, so that the outer sleeve is rotatably connected outside the axle
Implementation Method 2
an inner circumference of the second end of each axle sleeve is provided with a section of a first non-self-locking thread, a pair of the first non-self-locking threads have opposite directions of rotation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A gauge-variable wheelset and a rail vehicle. The gauge-variable wheelset comprises an axle (10), a pair of wheels (30), a pair of shaft sleeves (20), an outer sleeve (40) and a linkage mechanism. A section of first non-self-locking threads (21) are arranged on the inner periphery of each shaft sleeve, rotating directions of the pair of first non-self-locking threads are opposite one another, and the pair of wheels (30) are fastened to the pair of shaft sleeves; two sections of second non-self-locking threads (14) which form a non-self-locking thread pair together with the first non-self-locking threads are arranged on the axle (10) at an interval; the wheels (30) are mounted on the axle (10) by means of the shaft sleeves, and the first non-self-locking threads match the second non-self-locking threads; and the outer sleeve (40) is rotatably connected outside the axle (10), the linkage mechanism is mounted between the axle (10) and the outer sleeve (40) and used for locking or unlocking the rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the axle, and when the linkage mechanism unlocks the rotation of the outer sleeve (40) relative to the axle (10) and the wheels (30) are in an unloaded state, the pair of wheels (30) are pushed to synchronously rotate, such that the pair of wheels (30) are close to or far away from each other in order to achieve a variable gauge. The gauge-variable wheelset has simple gauge-variable operation and high gauge-variable reliability.