Rail Track Wheel Linkage for Variable Gauge Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional railway patrol inspection methods require manual labor, are time-consuming, inefficient, and pose safety hazards, while existing intelligent devices struggle with adapting to varying track gauges and stability on complex railway conditions.
Innovation Solution
A track travelling device with elastic members connecting wheels to the vehicle body, allowing for adjustable wheel positions to adapt to different track gauges and enhance stability by attaching wheels to track surfaces, using gravity and elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wheel gauge is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to varying track gauges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel gauge is made dynamically adjustable through a linkage mechanism connected to a driving wheel. When the driving wheel rotates, it drives the linkage mechanism which in turn adjusts the gauge (distance between wheels) dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt to different track gauges while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own driving wheel rotation to automatically adjust the wheel gauge through the linkage mechanism, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The driving wheel serves dual purposes: propulsion and gauge adjustment, embodying the self-service principle.
2Stability of the object's composition
If track clamping devices are mounted, then vehicle body stability improves, but passability on complex railway conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixed clamping devices, the patent uses a dynamic linkage mechanism that allows the wheels to adjust their positions and orientations adaptively. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the vehicle to maintain stability on straight tracks while passing through complex conditions like intersections and turnouts without rigid clamping constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism changes the geometric parameters (wheel positions, angles, and distances) dynamically based on track conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the vehicle to maintain stability when needed while preserving passability on complex railway infrastructure.
3Productivity
If manual patrol inspection is used, then device complexity is low, but inspection efficiency and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent patrol device integrates multiple functions including automatic locomotion, wheel gauge adjustment, track inspection, and adaptive navigation into a single unified system. This multi-functionality dramatically improves inspection efficiency while keeping the overall device structure manageable through functional integration.
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 device ensures stable travel on varying track gauges, improves passability, and reduces the need for manual intervention, enhancing safety and efficiency in railway inspections.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member is configured to be deformed under the gravity of the vehicle body to closely attach the rims of the two groups of wheels to side surfaces of tracks
Implementation Method 2
the elastic member is configured to be deformed under the gravity of the vehicle body
Implementation Method 3
the guide device comprises a guide shaft, the elastic member sleeves an outer periphery of the guide shaft, and the guide shaft is arranged inclinedly with respect to a symmetry plane between two of the tracks
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a track travelling device, comprising a vehicle body, a connection device and two groups of wheels. The two groups of wheels are disposed on two sides of the vehicle body respectively and the wheels comprise rims matched with tracks. One end of the connection device is connected to a bottom of the vehicle body and the other end of the connection device is connected to the wheels. The connection device comprises an elastic member and the elastic member is configured to be deformed under the gravity of the vehicle body to adjust distances between the rims of the two groups of wheels. Under the gravity of the vehicle body, the track travelling device of the present disclosure can closely attach the rims of the wheels to side surfaces of the tracks, thereby preventing the vehicle body from swaying side to side. Meanwhile, the connection device comprises the elastic member for adaption to a change of a track gauge.