Locking Slider Clearance Measurement Actuator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turnout devices lack the capability to accurately record a negative game, where the blocking slide cannot intervene in the blocking recess, and do not provide a functional test of the measurement unit to ensure it returns to an initial state after reset.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first actuator between the driver and the measurement unit, which is supported by the blocking slide support and shifts parallel to the tester slide, allowing for the capture of the actuator's shift between initial and end positions by the measurement unit. This setup enables the measurement of a negative game and allows for mechanical calibration of the measurement unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a direct mechanical coupling between driver and measuring unit is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot detect negative play and cannot return to initial position for functional testing
Solution Approach 1:
An actuator is introduced as an intermediary component between the driver and the measuring unit. The actuator can be mechanically decoupled from the driver using a decoupling element, allowing the measuring unit to detect not only positive play but also negative play conditions. The actuator serves as a mediator that enables functional testing and initial position verification while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the measuring unit is directly coupled to the driver, then calibration is difficult, but adding adjustment mechanisms increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustment elements that allow for preliminary calibration and positioning of the actuator and measuring unit before operation. These adjustment mechanisms enable easy calibration during manufacturing or maintenance without requiring complex procedures. The adjustment elements can be set during assembly to establish the correct initial position and measurement baseline.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for determining the play of a locking slide (14, 15) in a locking recess (18, 21) of a test slide (12, 13) of a switch-setting device (1), comprising at least one displaceable first test slide (13) with at least one locking recess (21) that can be coupled to a movable switch part, at least one first locking slide (15) that is displaceable transversely to the direction of movement of the first test slide (13) and can be inserted into the at least one locking recess (21) in an end position of the first test slide (13), a locking slide support (17) in which the first locking slide (15) is displaceably guided, and a first measuring unit (24) for measuring a last partial range of a displacement of the first test slide (13) relative to the first locking slide (15), which can be actuated by a first driver (23) arranged on the first test slide (13),wherein a first actuator (31) is arranged between the first driver (23) and the first measuring unit (24) for actuating the first measuring unit (24), which is guided in a guide element (29) in a direction parallel to the displacement direction of the first test slide (13) and is driven by the first driver (23) against a first energy storage device (30) in the last part of the displacement, wherein a displacement of the first actuator (31) between an initial position and an end position can be detected by the first measuring unit (24) and the clearance to be measured can be detected depending on the displacement, and wherein means for calibrating or adjusting a pre-actuation of the first measuring unit (24) are provided.