Variable Gauge Wheelset Sealing Apparatus for Axle-Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sealing structures are ineffective for gauge-changing wheelsets, which require a sealing solution between the sliding mechanism and the axle-box body during rail gauge changes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus comprising a sliding seal and a rotating seal, with a sliding ring and sealing baffle, is arranged between the sliding mechanism and the axle-box rear cover, allowing for axial movement and rotational freedom while maintaining a hermetic seal through a combination of grooves and protrusions, ensuring effective sealing during both sliding and rotating motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealing structure is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide effective sealing for the sliding mechanism during gauge changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus is segmented into distinct functional components: a sliding ring for axial movement sealing, a rotating seal for rotational sealing, and a sealing baffle for additional sealing support. Each component addresses a specific sealing requirement, allowing the system to handle complex multi-degree-of-freedom motion while maintaining sealing effectiveness without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding ring acts as an intermediary component between the sliding mechanism and the axle-box rear cover. It provides a dedicated sealing interface that accommodates axial movement while maintaining the seal, effectively mediating the sealing requirement between two moving parts without requiring direct complex sealing between them.
2Ease of operation
If the sliding mechanism is allowed to slide and rotate freely, then the operational freedom is high, but maintaining a hermetic seal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus employs dynamic sealing solutions that adapt to the motion requirements. The sliding ring dynamically accommodates axial movement through its sliding interface, while the rotating seal dynamically maintains sealing during rotation. This dynamic approach allows free operational movement while maintaining hermetic sealing throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into axial sealing (sliding ring) and rotational sealing (rotating seal) components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific motion type, enabling the system to maintain hermetic seals during combined sliding and rotating operations without compromising operational freedom.
3Reliability
If a single sealing component is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot seal both axial sliding and rotational movements simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into specialized segments: the sliding ring handles axial sliding sealing, the rotating seal handles rotational sealing, and the sealing baffle provides additional sealing support. This functional segmentation enables comprehensive sealing coverage for multi-degree-of-freedom motion while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing element for axial movement, provides structural support, and guides the sliding mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing comprehensive sealing coverage with controlled device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed are a sealing apparatus for a gauge changing wheelset, and a gauge changing wheelset. The sealing apparatus is arranged between a sliding mechanism (3) of the gauge changing wheelset and an axle-box rear cover (2) of an axle-box body (1); the sliding mechanism (3) is axially movable relative to the axle-box body (1) and rotatable relative to the axle-box body (1); the sealing apparatus includes a sliding seal and a rotary seal; the sliding seal includes a sliding ring (4) sleeved outside the sliding mechanism (3) and hermetically connected to the axle-box rear cover (2) ; an inner wall of the sliding ring (4) is axially provided with a through groove (41), and an outer wall of the sliding mechanism (3) is axially provided with a protrusion which is slidably fitted with the through groove (41); the rotating seal includes a sealing baffle (5) fixed on an outer side of the axle-box rear cover (2); an outer wall of the sliding ring (4) is circumferentially provided with an annular groove (42), and a lower end of the sealing baffle (5) extends into the annular groove (42). The described sealing apparatus may seal between the sliding mechanism (3) and the axle-box body (1), thereby improving the sealing environment and enhancing the sealing effects.