Steerable Wheel Bogie with Auxiliary Steering Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
In track-type traffic systems, wide steerable wheels require increased frictional force and self-aligning torque, leading to higher reaction forces when steering, which exceeds the strength limitations of the guide apparatus and guide rail, making it difficult to steer wide wheels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A traveling bogie with a steerable wheel, a pivotally supported guide apparatus, a steering mechanism, and an assist mechanism that applies an auxiliary steering force to assist the steering force, allowing the steerable wheel to be oriented along a curved track while limiting the reaction force from the guide rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the width dimension of the steerable wheels is increased, then the load capacity and speed are improved, but the reaction force received from the guide rail by the guide apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The assist mechanism acts as an intermediary between the steering mechanism and the steerable wheel, providing auxiliary steering force to reduce the reaction force on the guide apparatus. This mediator component enables wide wheels to be steered without exceeding the strength limits of the guide rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force distribution parameters by introducing an auxiliary steering force that supplements the main steering force. This parameter change allows the steerable wheel to be turned with reduced reaction force on the guide apparatus, enabling wider wheel dimensions for improved load capacity and speed.
2Productivity
If the width dimension of the steerable wheels is increased, then the frictional force and self-aligning torque are increased, but the force required for steering is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The assist mechanism serves as a mediator that provides auxiliary steering force to compensate for the increased frictional force and self-aligning torque resulting from wider steerable wheels. This enables higher speeds to be achieved without requiring excessive steering forces that would overload the guide apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If the reaction force received from the guide rail is increased, then the steerable wheels can be steered, but the strength or durability of the guide apparatus or guide rail is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The assist mechanism acts as an intermediary force provider that enables steering capability while distributing the load. By providing auxiliary steering force, it allows the steerable wheels to be turned without requiring the guide apparatus to withstand excessive reaction forces that would compromise its durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assist mechanism applies preliminary auxiliary steering force to the steerable wheel, reducing the burden on the guide apparatus before the main steering action occurs. This preliminary action prevents the reaction force from exceeding the strength or durability limits of the guide rail system.
Data Source
AI summary
A traveling bogie includes a steerable wheel, a bogie main body configured to support the steerable wheel, a guide apparatus pivotally supported by the bogie main body and turned by receiving a reaction force from a guide rail, a steering mechanism configured to apply a steering force to the steerable wheel using the reaction force received by the guide apparatus, and an assist mechanism configured to apply an auxiliary steering force for assisting with the steering force from the steering mechanism to the steerable wheel.