Underfloor Wheelset Lathe Calibration Without a Calibration Wheelset

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Solution Overview

Problem

The calibration of underfloor wheelset lathes is complex due to the size and weight of calibration wheelsets, requiring intricate handling and measurement processes.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a motor with a rotational axis and a friction roller with a defined nominal diameter, connected to a measuring bridge, which replaces the calibration wheelset to calibrate the measuring device without the need for a calibration wheelset, utilizing an incremental encoder for precise rotational position detection and allowing for easy exchange of friction rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a calibration wheelset is used to calibrate the measuring device, then the measuring device can be calibrated with defined geometric features, but the calibration operation becomes very complex due to the size and weight of the calibration wheelset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration wheelset is segmented into separate functional components: friction rollers with defined nominal diameters are separated from the wheelset structure. These friction rollers can be individually handled and mounted on the measuring bridge, eliminating the need to handle the entire heavy calibration wheelset while maintaining calibration functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The essential calibration feature (defined nominal diameter) is extracted from the calibration wheelset and embodied in separate friction rollers. These extracted friction rollers can be easily handled and exchanged without the complexity of handling the complete calibration wheelset assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If a calibration wheelset is used for calibration, then geometric features can be measured to verify axis settings, but the handling and measurement process becomes very complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxis verification accuracyVSAvoidcalibration handling ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration function is segmented into discrete friction rollers that can be independently handled. Each friction roller with its defined nominal diameter serves as a separate calibration element, making handling significantly easier compared to the monolithic calibration wheelset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The friction rollers act as intermediary calibration elements between the measuring device and the calibration standard. Instead of directly handling the heavy calibration wheelset, operators handle the lightweight friction rollers which mediate the calibration process through their defined nominal diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple measurements of calibration wheelsets are performed, then calibration verification can be achieved, but the calibration operation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration verification reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The friction rollers are pre-manufactured with precisely defined nominal diameters and appropriate tolerances. This preliminary precision manufacturing eliminates the need for multiple repeated measurements during calibration, as the defined nominal diameter serves as a reliable single-reference standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration approach changes from measuring multiple geometric features of a complex wheelset to using the simple, well-defined parameter of the friction roller's nominal diameter. This parameter change simplifies the measurement process and reduces the number of required measurements while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution simplifies the calibration process by eliminating the need for a calibration wheelset, enabling more precise and cost-effective calibration of underfloor wheelset lathes, reducing handling complexity and enabling quicker machine setup.

Implementation Method 1

a friction roller (24) with a defined nominal diameter, wherein the friction roller (24) has an approximately cylindrical frictional surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11453061B2Device and method for calibrating an underfloor wheelset lathe without a calibration wheelset

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 HEGENSCHEIDT MFD GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (22) for calibrating an underfloor wheelset lathe (3) without a calibration wheelset, comprising; a motor (23) with a rotational axis (D), a friction roller (24), and a measuring bridge (18), wherein the friction roller (24) is connected p a driveshaft of the motor (23). The aim of the invention is to allow a simpler calibration without a calibration wheelset. This is achieved in that the friction roller (24) has an approximately cylindrical frictional surface with a defined nominal diameter. The invention additionally relates to an underfloor wheelset lathe (3) comprising such a device (22) and to a method for calibrating an underfloor wheelset lathe (3).