Railcar Bogie Load Sensor Using Vibrationproof Rubber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel load measuring devices for railcar bogies face challenges in accuracy due to the thin pressure sensors being compressed excessively, leading to low sensitivity and limited applicability to various bogie types.
Innovation Solution
A load measuring device is designed with a first elastic body, such as vibrationproof rubber or a suspension spring, interposed between the axle box and bogie frame, featuring a load fluctuation sensor that deforms in conjunction with the elastic body, enhancing sensitivity and measurement accuracy while being easily applicable to different bogie types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin pressure sensor is incorporated in the liner to measure wheel load, then the device structure is compact, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to excessive compression and low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reaction force member that transmits the reaction force from the elastic body to the pressure sensor. This intermediary component allows the pressure sensor to measure the reaction force indirectly without being directly compressed by the full wheel load, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while keeping the device structure compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly measuring the wheel load through compression of the pressure sensor in the liner, the patent inverts the measurement approach by measuring the reaction force generated by the elastic body. The pressure sensor measures the reaction force between the reaction force member and the elastic body, which indirectly provides wheel load information without the sensor being subjected to excessive compression.
2Ease of operation
If a pressure sensor is placed in the liner to measure wheel load, then the measurement function is integrated, but the sensitivity deteriorates when the bogie is stationary due to strong compression
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force member acts as an intermediary that transfers the reaction force from the elastic body to the pressure sensor. This allows the sensor to measure force fluctuations without being directly compressed by the static wheel load, maintaining sensitivity for detecting load changes while keeping the measurement function integrated into the bogie structure.
3Length of stationary object
If the pressure sensor is made extremely thin to reduce liner thickness, then the liner thickness is reduced, but the deformation allowance is limited and sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the measurement approach by having the pressure sensor measure the reaction force between the reaction force member and the elastic body, rather than directly measuring compression in the liner. This allows the use of a thin pressure sensor without compromising deformation allowance, as the sensor measures force through the reaction force mechanism rather than direct compression.
4Ease of manufacture
If the liner is selectively provided for adjusting wheel load, then the wheel load can be adjusted, but the measuring device is not applicable to all bogie types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can be applied to all bogie types by measuring the reaction force generated by the elastic body rather than relying on the presence of a liner. The reaction force member and pressure sensor configuration can work with any elastic body (liner, rubber, or spring) used for wheel load adjustment, making the measuring device universally applicable across different bogie designs.
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 solution improves measurement accuracy and broadens the applicability of the load measuring device to various bogies by ensuring adequate deformation allowance and sensitivity, even when the railcar is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
a first load fluctuation sensor provided in parallel with the first elastic body and configured to deform in conjunction with elastic deformation of the first elastic body
Data Source
AI summary
A load measuring device for a railcar bogie in which a vibrationproof rubber between an axle box and a bogie frame includes a vertical load fluctuation sensor in parallel with the vibrationproof rubber and configured to deform in conjunction with elastic deformation of the vibrationproof rubber in a vertical direction, the vibrationproof rubber supporting a downward load from the bogie frame. The vertical load fluctuation sensor changes an electric output by the deformation of the vertical load fluctuation sensor in conjunction with the elastic deformation of the vibrationproof rubber in the vertical direction.