Railway Wagon Height Compensation Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway wagons face limitations in crossing country borders due to varying loading gauges, which restrict their height and width, and are further constrained by wheel wear, spring deflection, and underframe deflection, limiting the loading capacity, especially for semi-trailers.
Innovation Solution
A railway wagon equipped with three concurrently operated sub-devices at each bogie, featuring a wedge mechanism adjustable by a transverse shaft, allowing manual compensation of height variations to optimize the loading gauge utilization by adjusting the thickness or height of the wagon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wagon height is designed to be low to fit loading gauge, then the wagon can cross country borders, but the load surface height is reduced limiting the transport of high objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the wagon body height adjustable through a compensation device. The wagon transitions from a static height to a dynamic, variable height that can be adjusted based on operational needs. The compensation device includes adjustable support elements that can change the distance between the bogie and the wagon body, allowing the wagon to adapt its height profile while maintaining compatibility with loading gauge restrictions.
2Quantity of substance
If the wagon is designed with standard height to accommodate load, then the load capacity is maximized, but the wagon cannot fit tight loading gauge limits when wheel wear and deflection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the vertical position parameters of the wagon body relative to the bogie. The compensation device enables continuous adjustment of the wagon body height parameter, allowing optimization of both load capacity and loading gauge compliance. By changing the height parameter dynamically, the system can accommodate varying load requirements while maintaining adherence to loading gauge limits even when wheel wear or spring deflection occurs.
3Reliability
If the loading gauge limit is set based on worst-case scenarios including wheel wear and spring deflection, then the wagon fits all conditions, but the wagon height is overly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively compensating for anticipated height variations before they affect loading gauge compliance. The compensation device is positioned to preemptively adjust the wagon body height in response to detected wheel wear or spring deflection. This preliminary adjustment ensures that even when wear or deflection occurs, the wagon maintains proper height clearance and continues to comply with loading gauge requirements without being overly restricted in its design height.
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
Enables the loading of higher objects by compensating for factors like wheel wear and deflections, allowing for a lower load surface design, thus maximizing the use of available loading gauge and facilitating cross-country transport.
Implementation Method 1
Each sub-device has a wedge mechanism operated by the shaft for adjusting its thickness or height
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for height compensation of a railway wagon comprises a device (7) with variable thickness arranged between the underframe (1) and at least one bogie (6) of the railway wagon for adjusting the distance between said two members.