Variable-Width Bogie Rotating Axle Gauge Change Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway freight wagons face challenges in adapting to different track gauges, particularly with the implementation of the European gauge, which requires minimizing non-suspended weight and the risk of accidental unlocking of gauge change devices.
Innovation Solution
A bogie with a rotating axle and a track gauge change device that includes vertically movable locks and a fixed installation with sliding and locking guides, utilizing a coupling device with bushes and a central collar for lateral movement, and an additional safety bolt with a horizontal spring to prevent vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a track gauge change device with vertically movable locks is used, then the adaptation to different gauges is enabled, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a horizontal spring that pre-compresses the bolt against the retaining element before any lateral movement occurs. This pre-applied force creates a safety margin that prevents accidental unlocking during normal operation, while still allowing controlled vertical movement of the lock when needed for gauge changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs unexpected lateral movements and prevents the bolt from disengaging from the retaining element. This beforehand cushioning protects against accidental unlocking by providing continuous contact force between the bolt and retaining element throughout the locking cycle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock is made vertically movable for gauge change, then the track gauge change operation is enabled, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into independent functional elements: the lock body that moves vertically for gauge changes, the bolt that moves horizontally for locking, the retaining element that prevents bolt movement, and the horizontal spring that provides biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling gauge change capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs dynamic movement in two perpendicular directions: vertical movement of the lock for gauge adaptation and horizontal movement of the bolt for locking. This dynamic design allows the same mechanism to handle both gauge changes and secure locking without requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity through integrated motion.
3Reliability
If the bolt is connected to the lock with a horizontal spring, then the accidental unlocking is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal spring is extracted as a separate, independent element from the main locking mechanism. Rather than integrating the spring force into the lock or bolt structure, it is taken out as a distinct component that provides the necessary biasing force. This extraction simplifies the overall design by allowing the spring to be optimized independently for its specific function of preventing accidental unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal spring acts as an intermediary element between the bolt and the retaining element. Instead of directly connecting the bolt to the retaining element with rigid constraints, the spring provides a flexible, controlled connection that maintains contact force while allowing controlled movement. This intermediary approach prevents accidental unlocking without requiring complex rigid locking structures.
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
Enables efficient adaptation to different gauges with minimized non-suspended weight and reduced risk of accidental unlocking, ensuring safe and reliable track gauge changes.
Implementation Method 1
a bolt (25) connected to said lock (22) through a horizontal spring (21) for the purposes of preventing its vertical movement
Implementation Method 2
a coupling device which allows their lateral movement... Said rotating axle includes bearing parts of said platform internally including bearings and housings to receive said locking guides and said lock
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a variable gauge bogie with rotating axles and fixed track gauge change installation. The bogie comprises: a bearing platform of a railway wagon; at least one rotating axle (2) including in its outer areas bearing parts (10) of the suspension springs (11) of said platform internally including bearings (12) on which two wheels (1) are assembled by means of a coupling device which allows their lateral movement and has connected thereto locking guides (18) by means of which said lateral movement is controlled so as to be located in the positions corresponding to the two track gauges; and a track gauge change device housed in said bearing parts (10) based on the cooperation of said locking guides (18) and a lock (22) which is vertically movable when actuated by locking/unlocking guides (24) provided in a fixed installation for performing the track gauge change.