Underfloor Wheel Lathe Structure for Adjustable Track Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Underfloor wheel lathes with fixed track widths are limited in their application due to varying track widths used in rail transport, making them less versatile for processing wheel sets with different dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The machine stand is designed with two parts that are displaceable relative to each other in the transverse direction, allowing the crossbeam to adjust to different track widths without requiring movement of the roller carriers, enabling precise adjustment and maintenance of the set track width during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the machine stand is designed with fixed track width, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different track widths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different track widthsVSAvoidmachine stand structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine stand is divided into a first part and a second part that can be displaced relative to each other in the transverse direction. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each part to accommodate different track widths while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine stand transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The first and second parts can be displaced relative to each other to change the track width, and clamping devices allow the structure to be locked in desired positions, providing both adaptability and stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the roller carriers are made movable to adjust track width, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The track width adjustment function is extracted from the roller carriers and assigned to the machine stand parts. By making the first and second parts of the machine stand displaceable relative to each other, the adjustment mechanism is simplified and decoupled from the roller carrier operations, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the crossbeam length is changed to accommodate different track widths, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack width adjustabilityVSAvoidcrossbeam manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing crossbeams of different lengths, the machine stand is segmented into movable parts that can be positioned at different distances from each other. This allows the same crossbeam to support different track widths through the relative displacement of the machine stand parts, eliminating the need for multiple crossbeam specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration allows for the processing of wheel sets with a wide range of track widths, enhancing the machine's versatility and maintaining processing accuracy by allowing the machine stand parts to be clamped in desired positions, ensuring precise track width maintenance during operation.

Implementation Method 1

the wheel sets are driven by two by two friction rollers on the running surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the wheel sets are for example centred on their axle bearing housings and guided via axial guide rollers in the axial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11338369B2Underfloor wheel set processing machine, in particular underfloor wheel lathe with adjustable track width

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 HEGENSCHEIDT MFD GMBH

AI summary

Represented and described is an underfloor wheel set processing machine, in particular an underfloor wheel lathe (1′) for reprofiling wheels and brake discs of wheel sets (20) of rail vehicles, comprising: a machine stand (3), a crossbeam (2) for bridging a workshop track (4) with at least two rails (4A, 4B, 4C) in the transverse direction, two roller carriers (7A, 7B), at least four friction rollers (8), at least one friction roller drive (9) to drive the friction rollers (8) and at least one axial guide roller (19) to axially guide the wheel set (20), wherein the machine stand (3) has a first part (3A) and a second part (3B), wherein the crossbeam (2) is supported on both parts (3A, 3B) of the machine stand (3), wherein the roller carriers (7A, 7B) are movably connected to the machine stand (3), and wherein the friction rollers (8) are rotatably supported on the roller carrier (7A, 7B). In order to adjust to wheel sets (20) with different track widths, it is proposed for the first part (3A) of the machine stand (3) and the second part (3B) of the machine stand (3) to be displaceable relative to one another in the transverse direction.