Train traction device and methods
a technology of traction device and traction particle, which is applied in the direction of locomotives, vehicle components, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of affecting the traction and wheel noise of vehicles, and wasting energy. , the problem of inadequate traction is difficult to solve, and the noise of vehicles is difficult to achiev
Inactive Publication Date: 2003-10-23
DALRYMPLE JAMES GRAEME
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Benefits of technology
[0010] One way to minimize to prevent noise and wear while a train goes around a curve is to lubricate one of the tracks. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,853 to Ross, "Lubricant Stick Applicator", an apparatus is mounted to apply a lubricant to train wheels to reduce noise on turns. This invention may minimize noise at the point of application but can leave a residue of lubricant on wheels and tracks that only increases the traction problems previously discussed.
[0011] Trains can be redesigned to eliminate train wheel noise. For example, the Paris metro system has experimented with using pneumatic rubber tires on trains. This works only for light rail applications and has its own set of problems such as flat tires. Trains with magnetic levitation have been experimented with for years. Such trains usually require super cooled electromagnets and are currently envisioned only for high speed light weight applications.
[0012] Wheels can be ground to reduce noise. Wheels can be inspected, using methods well known in the art, to detect flat spots and out of round conditions. Ensuring wheels are perfectly round and that left and right wheels have exactly the same diameter can reduce wear and noise. Apparently, a particular lateral grind to the wheel contact surface can also reduce noise. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,343 to Blazer, "Train Tire Profile", a hyperbolic profile is ground into the train wheel to minimize the lateral oscillations, discussed above, that produce noise and wear.
[0013] Another way to minimize train wheel noise is by grinding the tracks. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,312 to Williams, "Rail Grinding Machine", joints between rail sections are ground to eliminate the noise associated with track joints. Other methods are commonly used to grind the harmonic wear corrugation patterns off of rails to reduce noise. Grinding rails requires expensive machinery, highly trained crews and takes the track out of commission during the grinding process. Rail life is shortened as the grinding process must be repeated periodically. As the harmonic wear patterns are more a symptom than a cause of the problem, a better solution would be to address the ultimate cause of wear and noise--inadequate traction.
[0014] A need remains for an inexpensive way to provide a long term improvement in train wheel traction that will reduce the wear and noise caused by wheel slippage on tracks.
[0015] The present invention provides methods and devices to increase traction and minimize train wheel noise by application of hard metal particles to the track surface.
Problems solved by technology
Traction and wheel noise have historically been difficult problems in the rail road industry.
Inadequate traction wastes energy, disturbs neighbors and passengers, and damages equipment.
Steel wheels on a steel track are surprisingly slippery.
Poor traction can make it difficult for a locomotive to haul large cargos, especially from a start or up a grade.
Traction problems are also exacerbated in wet weather and while traveling around corners.
Inadequate traction is a major cause of wheel noise and rail wear.
Slipping wheels cause wear to the track, the wheel and, ultimately to the entire train.
As wheels slip, they damage the track and are, in turn, burnished and abraded by the track.
The wheels can go out of round or develop flat spots that cause vibrations, damage transported goods and wear on train suspension.
Worn track also causes vibrations and wear.
Some technicians believe repeated slipping interactions between train wheels and tracks can lead to harmonic wear patterns (corrugation similar to "washboard" patterns on gravel roads) that can present severe vibration problems.
Barely detectable wear patterns on a rail surface can result in high frequency vibrations detectable as noise to the human ear.
However, this treatment is expensive and provides only brief benefits as it too falls from the tracks.
In addition, sand and oxides may reduce electrical conductivity necessary to some electric trains.
Sometimes traction is lost due to foreign substances, such as grease, on the track.
This requires complex, heavy, energy consuming and expensive systems to be mounted on the locomotive.
One of the major problems associated with inadequate traction on a railroad is noise.
The slipping wheel often creates a screeching noise.
This traverse slippage scuffs and wears at the track and wheel.
This works only for light rail applications and has its own set of problems such as flat tires.
Grinding rails requires expensive machinery, highly trained crews and takes the track out of commission during the grinding process.
Slippage often occurs, particularly under starting forces and while climbing a grade.
This slippage can lead to noise and wear to the track and wheel.
Method used
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Effect of Particles on Wheel / Track Noise
[0044] Particles applied to corrugated rails were found to significantly reduce noise from passing trains.
[0045] Sound level readings were taken as trains passed a straight corrugated section of commuter rail track (see, Table 1). The sound readings were determined at a distance of 10 feet from the track using a sound level meter (Radio Shack.RTM. model 33-2055) with accuracy .+-.2 dB at 115 dB.
[0046] Tool steel was ground on a conventional grinding wheel powered by an electric motor. Metal particles were collected and placed in a hopper having a sieve. A thin dusting of the particles was manually applied to the rail head of the straight corrugated section of commuter rail track.
[0047] Sound level readings were again taken as trains passed the same section of track.
[0048] Data acquired in this experiment indicate an immediate 13 dB reduction in noise from passing trains, or a 16-fold reduction in audio power coming from the trains. The noise r...
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Particles, devices and methods of increasing rail road train traction and reducing wheel / track noise. The invention provides hard metal particles which can be embedded into a rail head to minimize slippage for improved locomotive traction and reduced oscillations of train wheels which cause noise and track wear.
Description
REFERENCES CITEDU.S. Patent Documents[0001]1 4,768,312 Sep. 6, 1988 U.S. Patent 5,919,295 Jul. 6, 1999 U.S. Patent 5,305,853 Apr. 26, 1994 U.S. Patent 5,549,343 Aug. 27, 1996 U.S. Patent[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to a class of rail traction enhancement devices, traction particles and methods of enhancing locomotive and carriage wheel traction. The device, particles and methods of the invention provide a benefit in reduction of train wheel noise and rail wear.[0004] 2. Description of Related Art[0005] Traction and wheel noise have historically been difficult problems in the rail road industry. Inadequate traction wastes energy, disturbs neighbors and passengers, and damages equipment.[0006] Steel wheels on a steel track are surprisingly slippery. The surfaces are smooth and the actual contact patch between the rail and wheel can be only a square inch. Poor traction can make it difficult for a locomotive to haul large cargos, especially from a start ...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): B61C15/10
CPCB61C15/10
InventorDALRYMPLE, JAMES GRAEME
OwnerDALRYMPLE JAMES GRAEME