Wheel Mounting Bushing Structure for Reliable Gauge Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional wheel and axle connections in gauge-changing wheelsets are complex and have low reliability, hindering efficient transnational rail transportation due to different rail gauges.

Innovation Solution

A wheel mounting axle sleeve with a non-self-locking thread and sliding bearing mounting groove facilitates easy gauge change by allowing wheels to slide along the axle, featuring a simple connection structure and high reliability, with non-self-locking threads and a three-stage stepped shape for torque transmission and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional wheel and axle connection structure is used, then the connection between wheel and axle can be achieved, but the structure becomes complex and gauge-changing reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegauge-changing reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel assembly is segmented into modular components: wheel, wheel mounting base, and axle sleeve. The axle sleeve is further divided into outer spline section and thread section. This segmentation allows independent function optimization and simplifies the overall connection structure while maintaining reliability during gauge-changing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the wheel mounting base and the axle body. It transmits torque through its outer spline to the wheel while allowing axial movement for gauge changing. This intermediary structure simplifies the direct wheel-axle connection while ensuring reliable torque transmission and movement control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If complex transmission mechanism with multiple sleeves and gears is used, then torque transmission can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less convenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegauge-changing operation convenienceVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of torque transmission and axial movement control are merged into a single integrated axle sleeve structure. The outer spline provides torque transmission while the thread section controls axial positioning, eliminating the need for separate transmission components and simplifying the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The axle sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque from the axle to the wheel, allows axial movement for gauge changing, and provides positioning through its thread section. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4032778B1Wheel mounting bushing for variable-gauge wheelset, and variable-gauge wheelset
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO LTD
  • EP4032778B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4032778B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4032778B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A wheel mounting bushing (20) for a variable-gauge wheelset. The outer circumferential surface of a first end of the bushing (20) is provided with a wheel mounting seat (24); the outer circumferential surface of a second end of the bushing (20) is provided with an outer spline (22) extending in the axial direction of the bushing; the inner circumferential surface of the second end of the bushing (20) is provided with a first non-self-locking thread (21). The wheel mounting bushing (20) for a variable-gauge wheelset facilitates sliding of the wheel in the axial direction of the axle to achieve gauge change, the connection structure for the axle and the wheel is simple, and the reliability of gauge change is high. Also provided is a variable-gauge wheelset.