Sliding Rail Wheel Assembly for Multi-Gauge Track Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway vehicles designed for a single track gauge cannot efficiently operate on multiple gauge networks without requiring special equipment or interchange locations, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dual gauge rail wheel assembly that includes an axle extension component and a sliding wheel, which can shift between positions to accommodate different track gauges using locking pins or keys, allowing vehicles to operate on multiple gauges without the need for special equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a railway vehicle is designed to operate on a single track gauge, then the vehicle structure is simple and reliable, but the vehicle cannot operate on multiple gauge networks requiring bogie replacement or transshipment
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly incorporates a sliding wheel mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position along the axle extension component. The wheel transitions from a fixed position to a movable position, allowing the gauge to be changed by sliding the wheel inward or outward on the axle, enabling operation on multiple track gauges without replacing the entire bogie
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly is divided into separable components: a sliding wheel, an axle extension component with locking holes, and locking pins. This segmentation allows the wheel to be independently adjusted along the axle while maintaining connection, enabling gauge changes through component reconfiguration rather than complete bogie replacement
2Productivity
If bogies with variable gauge wheelsets are used, then bogie replacement is not required, but special equipment is needed to unlock and push wheels inward or outward
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge adjustment mechanism is designed to be manually operable without special equipment. Locking pins with T-shaped handles can be easily removed and reinserted into different locking holes by operators, allowing them to self-adjust the wheel position and gauge without requiring external unlocking devices or specialized tools
Solution Approach 2:
The axle extension component serves as an intermediary element between the wheel and the axle. It provides multiple locking holes at different positions along its length, allowing the wheel to be secured at various gauge positions while simplifying the adjustment process through a standardized locking mechanism rather than complex unlocking procedures
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bogie replacement is performed at interchange locations, then gauge compatibility is achieved, but the process requires specific interchange locations and causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is pre-configured with multiple locking holes positioned to correspond to different track gauges. Before reaching an interchange location, the locking pins can be quickly removed and reinserted into different holes to pre-adjust the gauge, enabling seamless transitions without requiring scheduled stops at specific interchange locations
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding wheel mechanism enables rapid gauge changes through simple linear motion along the axle extension component. This dynamic adjustment can be performed in minutes at any location along the track, eliminating the need for predetermined interchange locations and reducing delays associated with bogie replacement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A rail wheel assembly is disclosed herein that is configured to operate on rail networks with multiple railway track gauges. The dual gauge rail wheel assembly comprises an axle extension component (110) that is affixed to an axle of a railway vehicle and configured to receive a sliding wheel (120). The axle extension component may comprise sets of holes or slots located at different positions and corresponding to different railway track gauges. The sliding wheel is configured to slide axially on the axle extension component between the different sets of holes or slots on the axle extension component. When holes or slots on the sliding wheel and the axle extension component are aligned, locking pins or a locking key may be inserted into the aligned holes or slots to secure the sliding wheel in a position corresponding with a particular railway track gauge.