Vertical Hi-Rail Linkage With Automatic Spring-Pin Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hi-rail devices for road-rail vehicles require bulky rotation mechanisms for wheel deployment, limiting space for additional equipment and posing safety concerns due to reliance on manual locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vertical hi-rail device with a foldable linkage and hydraulic cylinder system that automatically locks in place using a spring-actuated locking pin, eliminating the need for manual intervention and providing a compact design with enhanced safety through automatic locking and suspension features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotation mechanism is used to deploy rail wheels from stowed to rail position, then the wheels can be positioned correctly on the rails, but the mechanism becomes bulky and occupies excessive space underneath the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the wheels from a horizontal stowed position to a vertical rail position, the invention inverts the approach by maintaining vertical orientation throughout the deployment process. The linkage system translates the wheels vertically from a retracted position to an extended position on the rails, eliminating the need for rotation and significantly reducing the space required for the deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional rotary mechanical system with a translational linkage system. By using a four-bar linkage mechanism that converts hydraulic linear motion into vertical translational motion, the system eliminates bulky rotation joints and achieves wheel deployment through vertical translation only, thereby reducing the overall volume of the deployment mechanism.
2Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used in hi-rail devices, then the structure can be simpler, but safety is compromised due to reliance on manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the linkage in its operational positions without requiring manual intervention. The spring-actuated locking pin automatically engages with the linkage arms when the hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts, ensuring that the rail wheels are securely positioned on the rails or retracted to the stowed position, thereby maintaining safety while eliminating manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the linkage arms before the deployment process is complete. This preliminary locking action ensures that the linkage is secured in the correct position during operation, preventing accidental movement and enhancing safety without adding complex manual locking procedures.
3Volume of moving object
If vertical movement of wheel assembly is used instead of rotation, then longitudinal mounting envelope is reduced and more space is available for other equipment, but the mechanism requires precise control for reliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a locking pin as an intermediary element between the linkage arms and the fixed mounting structure. This locking pin, actuated by a spring mechanism, automatically engages with precisely positioned recesses in the linkage arms during vertical translation, ensuring accurate locking without requiring high-precision control of the entire wheel assembly. The intermediary locking mechanism absorbs positioning tolerances and ensures reliable engagement.
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 solution allows for increased space on vehicles for additional equipment, improves safety by eliminating manual locking risks, and ensures reliable operation through automatic locking, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a locking cylinder pivotally connected from an inclined arm, extending from the linkage to the locking pin, the locking cylinder comprising a spring to urge the locking pin into an abutting surface of any one of the first locking end and the second locking end
Implementation Method 2
a deployment hydraulic cylinder which is connected from the axle assembly to a hinge of the linkage to unfold the linkage upon extension of the deployment hydraulic cylinder and to fold the linkage upon retraction of the deployment hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A hi-rail device for mounting on a vehicle, comprising a locking slot comprising a first locking end and a second locking end, and a locking pin movable in translation within the locking slot and captured therein. The locking slot which is continuous between the first locking end and the second locking end, thereby being confined between the first locking end and the second locking end. A linkage is provided, and is foldable and unfoldable to displace an axle assembly for holding wheels. A spring-extended locking cylinder extends from the linkage to the locking pin, comprising a locking spring to urge the locking pin into the respective abutting surface of any one of the first locking end and the second locking end when the locking pin is in any one of them, thereby using only spring force in extension to lock the linkage into either locking position.