Rail Vehicle Guide Device Lubrication Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Guide devices for rail vehicle wheels at crossings and switches experience high noise and increased wear due to insufficient lubrication, leading to potential damage to switches and vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A lubricating device with a tensioned upper and lower part arrangement that clamps onto the guide device, featuring an adjustable lubricating head with a widening lubricant channel for precise application of lubricant directly to the inner wheel surfaces, reducing noise and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the lubricating device is mounted on the guide device using a clamping mechanism, then the installation is simplified and the device is securely fixed, but the structure becomes more complex requiring upper and lower parts with clamping devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricating device is divided into an upper part and a lower part that can be separately manufactured and then assembled through clamping. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently while simplifying installation, as the clamping mechanism enables quick assembly without complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper part and lower part are combined through a clamping mechanism that integrates multiple functions: fixation, alignment, and secure mounting. This merging of functions into a single clamping action reduces installation complexity while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lubricating head is made adjustable and replaceable, then the adaptability to different guide device conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to guide device conditionsVSAvoidmulti-part design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricating head is designed to be adjustable and replaceable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adaptation to different guide device geometries and wear conditions. This dynamic design enables optimization of lubrication application for various scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the lubricant channel cross-section is widened in front of the opening, then the lubricant application to wheel inner surfaces is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant application effectivenessVSAvoidchannel geometry precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lubricant channel features a localized widening specifically in the region in front of the opening, while the rest of the channel maintains standard dimensions. This local quality change optimizes lubricant flow and application to the wheel inner surfaces without requiring high precision throughout the entire channel, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The lubricating device effectively reduces noise and wear on guide devices and wheels by ensuring consistent lubrication, enhancing the durability and operational efficiency of rail vehicle guidance systems.

Implementation Method 1

The lubricating device effectively reduces noise and wear on guide devices and wheels by ensuring consistent lubrication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4339365A1Lubricating device for a guide device for the wheels of rail vehicles
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 HY-POWER GMBH
  • EP4339365A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4339365A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4339365A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lubrication device for a guide assembly (22) for the wheels of rail vehicles at track crossings or switches comprises an upper part (2) with an opening (7) for dispensing lubricant and a lower part (3) with which the lubrication device can be attached to the guide assembly (22). A downward-facing support surface (31) for bearing against a top surface (23) of the guide assembly (22) is arranged on the upper part (2), and a support (13) for attaching the guide assembly (22) to a foot (29) of the guide assembly (22) is arranged on the lower part (3). The upper part (2) and the lower part (3) can be clamped against each other by means of a clamping device (4) so ​​that the support surface (31) is pressed against the top surface (23) of the guide assembly (22).