Rail Vehicle Secondary Spring Locking Element for Wear Pad Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for compensating wheel wear in rail vehicles require significant effort, as the car body must be lifted and disconnected from the underframe to install wear pads, necessitating the dismantling of connections like cables or hoses, which is labor-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A car body and underframe system with a removable locking element that allows easy handling and attachment without additional tools, using a bayonet catch or pawl as an alternative to screw connections, with a visible locking mechanism to ensure safety and ease of verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wear pads are installed by lifting the car body and dismantling connections, then the wheel wear compensation is achieved, but the labor effort and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into a removable locking portion and a fixed portion, allowing the wear pad assembly to be performed without dismantling the entire spring assembly. The removable locking portion can be quickly detached and reattached, segmenting the fastening function from the structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection. The locking portion can be easily inserted and locked into place, providing a flexible assembly process that reduces time while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Strength
If traditional screw connections are used for the locking element, then secure fastening is achieved, but additional tools are required increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed as a simple, tool-free fastening element that can be quickly installed and removed without requiring specialized tools. While not permanently durable like welded connections, it provides sufficient strength for the application and can be easily replaced if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools or complex procedures. The locking portion can be manually inserted and secured by the operator themselves, eliminating the need for additional tools and simplifying the assembly process.
3Shape
If the locking mechanism is hidden during assembly, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but safety verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element incorporates visual indicators that change or become apparent when locked into place. The T-shaped handle or protruding portion provides a clear visual signal of the locked state, allowing operators to verify proper installation without complex detection systems while maintaining a relatively clean appearance when locked.
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 reduces the effort required for compensating wheel wear by simplifying the attachment process and providing a visible safety check, allowing for efficient installation of wear pads without the need for extensive disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A spring arrangement (3, 12, 13) is arranged between the car body (1) and the underframe (2)... a cone spring as the secondary spring (3)... The spring arrangement is locked by means of a locking element (5) to a basic springing state
Implementation Method 2
an air spring as the secondary spring (12)... An air spring (12) as a secondary spring (12) can likewise be locked by means of the locking element (5) to a basic springing state
Implementation Method 3
a coil spring as the secondary spring (13)... a coil spring (13) can likewise be locked by means of the locking element (5) to a basic springing state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a spring lock for a secondary spring which is arranged between the car body and the underframe of a rail vehicle, in which a spring locking element (5) is provided which in the mounted state is supported on the car body (1) and projects through a cutout and is connected to the secondary spring (3, 12, 13) in such a way that it is prevented from extending. This facilitates the mounting of anti-wear washers (10) under the secondary spring (3, 12, 13) considerably.