Rotatable Unit Frame for Tamping Machine Overload Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tamping machines face overloading issues, particularly in poor track geometry, due to the unit frame's inability to adjust effectively, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

The unit frame is designed to rotate relative to the machine frame about a longitudinal support axis, allowing for adjustable positioning and preventing overloading by enabling transverse displacement and rotation, thus accommodating varying track conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the unit frame is fixed relative to the machine frame, then the structure is simple and stable, but the unit frame cannot adapt to poor track geometry and becomes overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to track geometryVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unit frame is made rotatable relative to the machine frame about a longitudinal support axis, transforming the fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the unit frame to rotate and adapt to varying track geometries while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the unit frame is made rotatable to prevent overloading, then adaptability to track conditions improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation reliabilityVSAvoidframe support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable connection between the unit frame and machine frame enables dynamic adjustment to track conditions, improving reliability by preventing overloading. The support axis and frame support structure provide the necessary mechanical freedom while maintaining controlled movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The machine is divided into separable frame systems (machine frame and unit frame) connected by a rotatable joint, allowing independent movement and adjustment of each segment. This segmentation enables the unit frame to adapt to track variations without compromising the overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the unit frame can displace transversely and rotate, then overloading is prevented, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidframe assembly manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable connection allows the unit frame to dynamically adjust its position and orientation relative to the machine frame, enabling transverse displacement and rotation to accommodate track variations. This dynamic capability is achieved through a support axis mechanism that facilitates controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3063332B1Tamping machine comprising a rotatable mounted subframe
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH
  • EP3063332B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3063332B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention concerns a tamping machine (1) comprising a machine frame (2) and a unit frame (11) which is disposed between rail bogies (3), can travel on the track by way of a bogie (14) and is connected in longitudinally displaceable manner to the machine frame (2) by means of a frame support (17). Disposed between the bogie (14) and frame support (17) are a vertically adjustable tamping unit (19) and a track lifter unit (20). The frame support (17) is connected to the machine frame (2) such that the frame support can pivot about a support shaft (28) extending in the longitudinal direction (12) of the machine frame.