Segmented Wheel Axle Suspension for Track Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle suspension systems for track-bound tools lack sufficient vertical mobility to maintain track contact on uneven or unfavourable track geometries, leading to increased risk of tilting and derailment, and often require complex hydraulic or electrical support systems, which complicate and increase the cost of construction.
Innovation Solution
A rigid wheel axle system with a suspension mechanism that allows restricted free translatory motion, enabling vertical and angle movement within defined limits, eliminating the need for additional hydraulic or electrical support, and incorporating spacing means to distribute forces and maintain contact with the rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stiff wheel axle construction is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the ability to follow unfavourable track geometry is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel axle is divided into two independent ends, each capable of vertical movement relative to the suspension means. This segmentation allows each end to independently adapt to track irregularities while the overall axle structure maintains its strength and rigidity for load bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel axle transitions from a completely static stiff construction to a dynamic system where the ends can move vertically within defined limits. The suspension means enables controlled mobility that allows the axle to adapt to track geometry changes while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional hydraulic support functions are added, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel axle system is designed to automatically adapt to track irregularities through the inherent mechanical properties of the suspension means and the restricted mobility of the axle ends. The system self-regulates vertical positions without requiring external hydraulic control systems, sensors, or active stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex hydraulic support functions and active stabilization systems are completely removed from the design. The patent achieves stability through passive mechanical means only, extracting all unnecessary complex components while maintaining the essential stabilizing function.
3Reliability
If vertical mobility of wheel ends is allowed, then track contact is maintained, but stability during working may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel axle ends are given controlled dynamic mobility within defined vertical limits through the suspension means. This restricted movement capability allows the ends to follow track irregularities and maintain contact while the overall system remains stable during operation. The mobility is neither complete freedom nor complete rigidity, but an optimized intermediate state.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical position parameter of the wheel axle ends is made variable within defined limits rather than fixed. This parameter change enables adaptation to track geometry while the suspension means and restricted mobility constraints ensure that the changes remain within stable operating ranges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wheel axle is made movable vertically, then flexibility to track irregularities is improved, but structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel axle is segmented into fixed central portions and movable end portions. The central portion maintains structural rigidity for strength, while the end portions gain vertical mobility through the suspension means. This segmentation allows simultaneous presence of both rigidity and flexibility in different parts of the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the wheel axle have different mechanical properties: the central portion is rigid for structural strength, while the end portions are locally modified to allow vertical movement. The suspension means is applied locally at specific points to provide flexibility only where needed for track contact.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a wheel axle, which device includes a stiff wheel axle (11), where a rotatable wheel (12, 13) is carried at each one of the two ends thereof, the wheel axle (11) is connected to and is kept by a suspension means (14) directly or indirectly fixed to the framing of a tool in such a manner that the wheel axle (11) at one end at least is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the suspension means (14), whereby the suspension means (14) is designed to allow for a restricted free translatory motion of the wheel axle (11) a defined distance with respect to the suspension means (14). The invention also relates to a rail bounded vehicle equipped with such device.