Gauge-Changing Wheelset With Movable Disc for Autonomous Rail Gauge Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional variable gauge structures for rail vehicles require external auxiliary facilities for gauge changes, leading to low efficiency and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A gauge-changing wheelset comprising a wheel and a movable disk assembly with a lateral drive mechanism, utilizing a four-point angular contact ball bearing and electric cylinders to facilitate lateral movement of the wheels, enabling gauge changes without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional passive variable gauge structures are used, then the structure is simple, but gauge changing requires external auxiliary facilities which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelset is equipped with an active gauge changing mechanism that enables it to change gauge independently without external auxiliary facilities. The movable disk assembly with bearing allows the wheel to actively adjust its position between different gauge configurations, making the system self-sufficient for gauge transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheelset incorporates a dynamic gauge changing capability through the movable disk assembly that can transition between different positions. The bearing enables smooth movement of the movable disk, allowing the wheel to dynamically adjust between standard gauge and broad gauge configurations during operation.
2Loss of time
If external auxiliary facilities are used for gauge changes, then the wheelset structure is simple, but the operation requires more time and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wheelset performs gauge changing autonomously using its own integrated movable disk assembly and bearing mechanism, eliminating the need for external facilities and reducing the time required for gauge transitions at border stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge changing mechanism is pre-configured within the wheelset structure, with the movable disk and bearing ready for immediate action. This preliminary preparation allows rapid gauge switching without requiring external setup or auxiliary equipment during the actual transition.
3Reliability
If a bearing is used to connect the movable disk to the wheel, then the movable disk remains stationary during wheel rotation improving reliability, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary component between the movable disk and the wheel hub. This bearing serves as a mediator that allows the movable disk to remain stationary relative to the wheel rotation while still enabling the wheel to rotate smoothly, ensuring reliable gauge maintaining during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing replaces a more complex mechanical connection system that would otherwise be needed to maintain the movable disk's stationary position during wheel rotation. The bearing simplifies the mechanical arrangement while providing reliable rotational support and positional stability.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and efficient mechanism for gauge changes, reducing wear on wheel axles and improving the reliability of gauge transitions through vehicle-controlled signals.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing having an outer ring fastened in the central through hole and an inner ring fixed around an outer hub of a wheel
Implementation Method 2
the lateral drive mechanism comprises an electric cylinder having an extension end provided with a positioning lug boss and an external thread
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A movable disk assembly of a gauge-changing wheelset is provided, which includes: a movable disk (8) having a central through hole and a connecting hole (82) located outside of the central through hole; and a bearing (9) having an outer ring fastened in the central through hole and an inner ring fixed around an outer hub of a wheel (4).