Rail Grinding Machine Pivoting Drive Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding machines for rail tracks struggle to maintain consistent high-quality grinding results due to imprecise positioning of the grinding unit, leading to unevenness on the rail head surface after welding beads are removed.
Innovation Solution
A grinding machine design where the distance between the guide member and the support frame is adjusted using a rotatably connected gear, synchronizing the transverse movement of guide rollers with the pivoting movement of the grinding unit, ensuring precise positioning and consistent sanding quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding unit is made adjustable and pivotably mounted, then the adaptability to different rail positions is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the position of the guide rollers on the rail provides information about the rail's actual position and orientation. This feedback is used to automatically adjust the grinding unit's position through the pivoting drive, ensuring that the grinding wheel maintains precise contact with the rail head regardless of rail position variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rail itself as a reference by having guide rollers contact the rail head. The rail's own geometry and position serve to automatically position the grinding unit correctly through the mechanical coupling of the pivoting drive, eliminating the need for external positioning systems or manual adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the support frame is made movable relative to the unit frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivoting drive mechanism as an intermediary between the support frame and the unit frame. This intermediary component translates the operator's manual input into precise, controlled movements that maintain the correct geometric relationship between the grinding wheel and the rail head, ensuring grinding quality while enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic pivoting connection. The support frame can pivot relative to the unit frame, allowing the operator to easily adjust and position the frame. The pivoting drive provides controlled movement while maintaining precision through its mechanical design, combining ease of operation with manufacturing precision.
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 design ensures precise positioning of the grinding unit, resulting in consistently high-quality grinding results and improved ergonomics for the operator, allowing for a more comfortable working position and reduced noise and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a gear which is rotatably connected to the pivoting drive
Implementation Method 2
Both feeler and Guide rollers each have a rolling surface provided for rolling on a rail head
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A grinding machine (1) for grinding rails of a track is equipped with a support frame (3) that has an adjustable grinding unit (13), said support frame being pivotably mounted on a unit frame (8) with guiding rollers (17) that can be rolled on the rails (2). A guiding roller (17) that is designed for applying onto the rail head (15) is connected to the unit frame (8) such that said roller can be spaced with respect to the support frame (3). Said spacing, which is oriented perpendicularly to a pivoting axis (7), between the guiding roller (17) and the support frame (3) is carried out by a transmission (27) that is rotationally connected to a hand wheel (21).