Loading Platform Wheel Height Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the height positioning of vehicles on loading platforms, such as railway wagons, are not adaptable to all types of wagons and require lifting means or are not designed for secure immobilization of wheels, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining a constant height relative to the platform.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising recesses in the loading platform and mobile, deformable support devices that adjust the wheel height by varying the contact zone, allowing for secure immobilization and adaptation to different wheelbases and wear states, using wedges or flexible parts with tensioning devices for precise height adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vertical wedges are placed between the pocket and end assemblies to adjust height, then the lower part of the pocket can be positioned at a constant low level, but this method is not suitable for all types of railway wagons and requires suitable handling means to lift the ladle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight positioning precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different wagon types
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The loading platform is segmented into a movable part and a fixed part, allowing independent adjustment of the movable platform to accommodate different wagon types and achieve precise height positioning without requiring complete redesign for each wagon type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable loading platform system serves multiple functions: it adapts to different wagon types, positions vehicles at optimal heights for loading/unloading, and maintains constant distance from the ground, eliminating the need for separate solutions for each wagon type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If removable chocks are used to immobilize wheels on a car carrier vehicle, then the wheels can be secured, but these chocks are not designed to adjust the height of vehicles and are generally not used in pairs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel immobilization reliabilityVSAvoidheight adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the wheel immobilization function with the height adjustment function into a single integrated system. The movable loading platform simultaneously secures vehicles and adjusts their height position, eliminating the need for separate chocks and lifting equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's own weight on the movable loading platform to achieve both immobilization and height adjustment automatically, without requiring external lifting means or additional securing devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a mobile lifting central floor is used to circulate vehicles at the same height as the ends of the rolling frame, then vehicles can be loaded, but this system does not provide individual adjustment in height of the wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle loading easeVSAvoidindividual wheel height adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The loading platform is divided into movable and fixed segments, allowing individual adjustment of each vehicle's position on the movable platform to achieve precise wheel height alignment while maintaining overall platform functionality for vehicle circulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable loading platform can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to accommodate different vehicle heights and wheelbases, providing individualized height adjustment for each vehicle while maintaining the ability to circulate vehicles during loading operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 optimal and constant distance between the ground and the lowest part of the vehicle, secure immobilization of wheels, and adjustment of the vehicle's height relative to the platform without lifting means, accommodating various wagon types and load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the support device comprising at least one mobile and/or deformable support part intended to support the wheel by at least one contact zone so that the wheel is carried by said contact zone at the level of the recess, the displacement or the deformation of the at least one support piece vertically displacing the position of the contact zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

In a first variant, within each pair of shims, the at least one contact zone is composed of an oblique support and wedging surface on each shim

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP3784546B1Device and method for adjusting the height of a vehicle on a loading platform
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 LOHR IND
  • EP3784546B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3784546B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3784546B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a height-adjusting device comprising a recess made in the loading platform (2) in the region of the site intended for a wheel (4) of the road vehicle (3), the size of the recess being such that the wheel (4) can be at least partially engaged through the recess. It also comprises a supporting device for a wheel, said supporting device being mounted on the loading platform (2) in the region of the site intended for the wheel (4), said supporting device comprising at least one mobile and/or deformable supporting part (10) for holding the wheel (4) on at least one contact zone such that the wheel (4) is carried by said contact zone, the movement or the deformation of the at least one supporting part (10) vertically moving the position of the contact zone.