Gauge-Variable Wheelset Thrust Conversion for Reliable Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional gauge-changing wheelsets have complex mechanisms and low reliability, hindering efficient transnational railway transportation due to different rail gauges.

Innovation Solution

A thrust converting mechanism and unlocking device for a gauge-changing wheelset, featuring a mounting base with a jacking shaft and positioning piece, allowing simple and reliable gauge-changing operations through axial thrust and a linkage mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegauge changing capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gauge-changing mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: the jacking shaft for axial movement, the positioning piece for radial positioning, the elastic preloaded piece for restoring force, and the linkage mechanism for coordinate transformation. Each module performs a specific function, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining gauge-changing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the wheels radially to change gauge, the invention inverts the approach by moving the jacking shaft axially. The axial movement of the jacking shaft is then converted to radial movement of the positioning piece through the linkage mechanism, achieving gauge change with a simpler linear actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional gauge-changing mechanism is used, then gauge changing can be achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegauge changing capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic preloaded piece automatically provides the restoring force to return the positioning piece to its initial position after gauge changing. The linkage mechanism automatically converts the axial thrust to radial positioning action, eliminating the need for complex manual operations or additional actuating systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If simple thrust application is used, then operation is simplified, but the positioning and locking reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidpositioning reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary that transforms the simple axial thrust from the jacking shaft into the complex radial positioning and locking action required. This mediator ensures that the simple linear input is converted into reliable multi-degree-of-freedom positioning without requiring complex direct actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic preloaded piece provides a pre-loaded restoring force that ensures the positioning piece is always ready to engage with the positioning groove. This pre-cushioned elastic force guarantees reliable positioning and locking by compensating for any gaps or misalignments before engagement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 simple and high-reliability gauge-changing operations by using a thrust converting mechanism and unlocking device, facilitating smooth adaptation to different rail gauges.

Implementation Method 1

a positioning piece mounted in the open hole and connected to the open hole by an elastic preloaded piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4043315B1Thrust conversion mechanism for gauge-variable wheel set, unlocking device, and gauge-variable wheel set

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO LTD

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AI summary

A thrust conversion mechanism for a gauge-variable wheelset, an unlocking device, and a gauge-variable wheelset. A thrust conversion mechanism (100) comprises a mounting base (101) and a pushing shaft (102), wherein the mounting base (101) is provided with a horizontal through hole in a horizontal direction; the pushing shaft (102) movably passes through the horizontal through hole; an open groove is formed where the pushing shaft (102) is opposite the mounting base (101) and is located at one of the pushing shaft (102) and the mounting base (101), the axis of the open groove is perpendicular to the axis of the horizontal through hole, a positioning member is mounted in the open groove, and the positioning member is connected to the open groove by means of an elastic pre-tightening member; and the other one of the pushing shaft (102) and the mounting base (101) is configured with a positioning recess, and a positioning end of the positioning member matches the positioning recess.