Rail Vehicle Axle Lifting Apparatus Using Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail vehicles with locked axles due to bearing failures require costly and labor-intensive methods for relocation, often requiring skilled labor and equipment, leading to prolonged service disruptions and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, easy-to-use apparatus with rollers and adjustable wedges, powered by jacking devices, allows non-skilled crew members to lift and move locked axles by supporting wheels at a height above the rail, enabling the rail vehicle to be moved without derailing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If typical methods (crane or gear shaft cutting) are used to move a locked axle rail vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved, but the equipment requirements, labor skill requirements, and service time are high
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including a frame assembly, multiple roller assemblies, and wedge assemblies that can be independently assembled and positioned around each wheel of the locked axle vehicle, enabling simplified deployment without complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
Roller assemblies act as intermediary elements between the ground and the vehicle wheels, providing a simplified mechanical interface that enables movement without requiring direct lifting or complex coupling mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If typical methods are used to move a locked axle rail vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved, but skilled labor and professional service are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation through self-contained wedge assemblies that automatically engage and lift wheels when actuated, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform complex manual procedures or professional service interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The device can be applied to different wheel configurations and locked axle scenarios through adjustable wedge positions and multiple roller assemblies, providing universal functionality across various rail vehicle types without requiring specialized equipment for each case
3Productivity
If typical methods are used to move a locked axle rail vehicle, then the vehicle can be moved, but service time and costs are prolonged and increased
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables preliminary action by allowing the locked axle vehicle to be quickly repositioned to a suitable location before permanent repair is performed, minimizing service downtime through rapid deployment and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge assemblies provide dynamic adjustment capability to adapt to different wheel positions and lift heights, enabling efficient operation across various scenarios without requiring multiple specialized tools or extended setup time
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
This solution minimizes service downtime and costs by allowing quick and safe relocation of locked axles using portable, self-sufficient devices that do not require professional service, enabling movement without additional tools or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the frame to movably support the frame on a railroad track rail
Implementation Method 2
a pair of wedges mounted to the frame having mutually opposed ramped faces... the ramped faces engage the circumference of the wheel to support the wheel at a height above the railroad track rail
Implementation Method 3
a pair of wedges mounted to the frame having mutually opposed ramped faces... at least one jacking device for urging the wedges toward one another
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for lifting and moving an axle of a rail vehicle includes a frame, a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the frame to movably support the frame on a railroad track rail, and a pair of wedges mounted to the frame having mutually opposed ramped faces. The pair of wedges adjustable along the frame between a first position in which the ramped faces bracket, but do not contact, a rail vehicle wheel that rests on the track rail, and a second position in which the ramped faces engage the circumference of the wheel to support the wheel at a height above the railroad track rail. The apparatus further includes at least one jacking device for urging the wedges toward one another from the first position to the second position.