Track Processing Machine With Adjustable Counterweight Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track processing machines lack simplicity, user-friendliness, and flexibility, particularly in balancing and adjusting for different tool weights and energy supply units, leading to undesired tilting moments during operation.
Innovation Solution
A manually displaceable processing machine with an adjustable mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of the distance between the processing unit's center of gravity and the counterweight, enabling the overall center of gravity to be positioned relative to a vertical plane for balance, and incorporating an energy supply unit that acts as a counterweight, allowing for flexible operation with different energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the processing machine uses a fixed rigid carrier with motor as counterweight, then the structure is simple, but it cannot compensate for different tool weights leading to unbalanced operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid fixed carrier into a dynamic adjustable support structure. The support allows the counterweight to be repositioned along the longitudinal axis, enabling the center of gravity to be adjusted dynamically to match different tool weights. This resolves the contradiction by making the structure adaptable without requiring complete redesign for each tool configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing variation in the position parameter of the counterweight along the support structure. By changing the longitudinal position of the counterweight, the center of gravity of the entire assembly can be adjusted to achieve balance with different tool weights, thus providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple structural framework.
2Ease of operation
If the processing machine has fixed center of gravity position, then the structure is stable, but it produces undesired tilting moments during track processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using the motor unit as an adjustable counterweight that can be repositioned to balance the processing unit. By adjusting the motor's position along the support, the center of gravity can be shifted to achieve optimal balance, eliminating tilting moments during operation while maintaining overall structural stability through the articulated unit's support.
3Ease of operation
If the processing machine uses detachable coupling for motor unit, then transport is easier, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the processing machine into separable modules - the processing unit and the motor unit can be detached from each other. This allows the motor unit to be removed for transport while keeping the processing unit, simplifying transportation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The detachable coupling enables this modular separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the motor unit, enables longitudinal adjustment of the counterweight position for balancing, and facilitates detachable coupling for transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining ease of transport.
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
The machine achieves balanced operation, preventing tilting moments and enabling simple, user-friendly track processing by positioning the overall center of gravity close to the vertical plane, allowing for efficient assembly and disassembly of track components with minimal operator effort.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment mechanism allows the distance between the center of gravity of the machining unit and the center of gravity of the counterweight to be adjusted. By adjusting the distance, the overall center of gravity of the machine is positioned relative to the articulated unit, particularly relative to a vertical plane.
Implementation Method 2
The support comprises two support components that are movable relative to each other. Because the support components are infinitely adjustable relative to each other, the distance between the center of gravity of the machining unit and the center of gravity of the counterweight can be easily adjusted.
Data Source
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AI summary
A track maintenance machine (1) comprises a support (22) connected to a chassis (8) via a joint unit (21). A maintenance unit (25) and a power supply unit (26) are arranged on the support (22). The power supply unit (26) acts as a counterweight when the track maintenance machine (1) is in operation. The track maintenance machine (1) includes an adjustment mechanism (44) for setting a distance (A) between the center of gravity (PB) of the maintenance unit (25) and the center of gravity (PE) of the counterweight. This enables simple, user-friendly, and flexible track maintenance.