Mobile Railway Wheel Calibration Frame with Rotating Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current static calibration methods for measuring wheels in the rolling stock industry are time-consuming and lack accuracy due to limited load positions and differences from real-world dynamic loading conditions, affecting the measurement of tangential forces between the wheel and rail.
Innovation Solution
A mobile calibration frame that applies known external loads around the wheel's circumference, using electric motors, force-measuring inserts, and adjustable mechanisms to simulate vertical, transverse, and longitudinal forces, allowing for precise calibration of wheelsets both integrated and removed from rolling stock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static calibration method is used, then calibration process is simple, but calibration time is excessive and accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static calibration method into a dynamic calibration system where the wheelset rotates during calibration. The rotating roller applies dynamic loads to the wheel circumference while the wheel rotates, simulating real operating conditions. This dynamic approach allows continuous loading at multiple positions without manual repositioning, significantly reducing calibration time while improving accuracy through more comprehensive data collection around the entire wheel circumference.
2Measurement precision
If static loading is applied, then loading procedure is simple, but number of load positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of rotation to the calibration process. Instead of applying loads at fixed positions on a stationary wheel, the system rotates the wheel while a roller applies loads at various circumferential positions. This dimensional change from static to rotational calibration enables comprehensive loading around the entire wheel circumference, providing complete calibration data without requiring complex multi-position positioning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If static calibration is performed, then calibration setup is simple, but realism of loading conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be self-contained and mobile, capable of being transported to different locations and set up independently. The entire calibration frame with rotating roller, motor drive, and measurement systems forms a self-service unit that can calibrate wheelsets in various locations without requiring fixed installation infrastructure, thereby improving reliability through on-site calibration while maintaining reasonable device portability.
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 enhances calibration accuracy and efficiency by enabling dynamic loading simulations, improving the measurement of force effects between the wheel and rail, and allowing on-site calibration without dismounting the wheelset.
Implementation Method 1
In case the roller is built in only in one of the main frames, in the second main frame there is a friction brake of the second wheel of the wheelset which creates the tangential force acting on the calibrated wheel
Implementation Method 2
The roller is driven by an electric motor which is placed directly onto the roller's shaft
Implementation Method 3
Signals of vertical, transverse as well as longitudinal forces in the contact of the wheel and the rail are calibrated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
During calibration the wheel (5) or the wheelset (6) rotating around its rotation axis is loaded by a rotating roller (15) which is by its circumference in contact with the wheel's (5) or the wheelset's (6) circumference, wherein the number of loading rollers (15) is two and each roller loads one wheel (5) of the wheelset, wherein thanks to its installation dimensions and construction the calibration frame is for calibration - loading placeable under the railway rolling stock (16) in which the wheel (5) or the wheelset (6) is embedded, wherein the transverse position of the loading roller (15) or rollers and support points can be changed by inserting of the reduction frame (20) of various widths for various rail gauges, wherein the calibration frame is mobile.