Rail Bogie Lifting Element for Wheel Diameter Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for compensating for changes in rail vehicle wheel diameter require large maintenance facilities or additional tools, and are prone to defects due to their complexity and fragility.

Innovation Solution

A bogie design with integral lifting elements, such as air springs and adjustable spacer elements, allows for independent adjustment of the vertical distance between the wheel axle and the step edge, eliminating the need for external devices and facilitating autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional spacer insertion methods are used to compensate for wheel diameter changes, then the height of the car body entry edges can be restored, but large maintenance facilities and additional tools are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight compensation accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance facility requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting element is integrated directly into the bogie structure, merging the height adjustment function with the existing bogie components. This eliminates the need for separate spacer insertion devices and large maintenance facilities, as the lifting element can be actuated in situ to compensate for wheel diameter changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bogie is equipped with its own lifting element that can be actuated independently to perform height compensation. This self-service capability allows the bogie to adjust its own height without requiring external maintenance equipment or large workshops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If delicate adjustment devices are used for height compensation, then precise height adjustment is achieved, but the devices become prone to defects and not robust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting element provides dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the bogie to adapt its height continuously or in discrete steps. This dynamic mechanism replaces delicate static adjustment devices, maintaining precision while improving robustness through active control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting element can be actuated using pneumatic or hydraulic principles, providing robust and reliable height adjustment. This replaces delicate mechanical adjustment devices with more durable fluid-based actuation systems that are resistant to wear and defects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If external devices are used for spacer insertion, then height compensation is possible, but additional tools and equipment are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight compensation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of external devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting element is integrated into the bogie structure, combining the height adjustment function with existing bogie components. This eliminates the need for external spacer insertion devices and tools, simplifying the overall system while maintaining height compensation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting element serves multiple functions: it provides height compensation for wheel diameter changes, acts as part of the suspension system, and can be integrated with existing bogie structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices

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

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 enables easy and robust compensation for wheel diameter changes without the need for extensive workshops, using existing air spring elements and adjustable spacer components to maintain the desired height, ensuring operational stability and reducing maintenance complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting element can be actuated hydraulically or pneumatically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatics: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP3416867B1Bogie for a rail vehicle, method for compensating the variation of wheels diameter for rail vehicles and rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 STADLER RAIL
  • EP3416867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3416867B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP3416867B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention is directed to a bogie (100) for a rail vehicle. The bogie (100) comprises a frame (10) that is mounted on one or more wheel axles (20). The bogie (100) comprises at least one support surface for a vehicle body (40). At least one liftable surface on the bogie (100) is designed in such a way that its vertical distance from the support surface can be modified by a lifting element (50).