Spraying device for applying friction-modifying material to a railway track

Abstract

This invention discloses a spraying device for applying a friction-modifying fluid to railway tracks, comprising: a nozzle body disposed in a housing; a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with an opening of the housing; a fluid inlet disposed in the housing, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit defined by or disposed in the nozzle body; wherein the first fluid conduit extends from the fluid inlet to a hollow nozzle head body disposed on the bottom of the housing and protruding through the bottom of the housing; a control fluid supply conduit and an atomizing fluid supply conduit, each partially disposed in the housing; wherein the control fluid supply conduit sprays pressurized control fluid onto a piston assembly disposed in a piston chamber; wherein the piston assembly has a stop pin, the stop pin being deflected by a spring toward the hollow nozzle head body, such that the pin closes the nozzle head opening of the hollow nozzle head body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of nozzles and spraying apparatus, and more specifically to nozzles and spraying apparatus for applying friction-modified materials to railway tracks. Background Technology

[0002] Friction management between railway tracks and train wheels is crucial for the efficient operation of railways. Designing friction modifiers to be applied to the railhead is essential for controlling the friction level between the tracks and train wheels. Spraying friction modifiers from a moving train onto the railhead is one method of delivering friction modifiers to the target application area. Spraying liquid friction modifiers from a moving train onto the track presents various design and engineering challenges, one of which is the lack of nozzle systems that can withstand the operating environment under a moving train while simultaneously fulfilling their design functions. This invention aims to fill this gap by creating a novel and unique nozzle assembly that can be used under a moving train with minimal maintenance and provides the opportunity for reliably spraying friction modifiers onto the track.

[0003] Spraying friction modifiers, especially water-based ones, onto train tracks presents unique challenges. One challenge is the variation in material viscosity due to changes in operating temperature, requiring temperature control as the material flows through the nozzle assembly. The physical space under the train is typically very small and difficult to access. Furthermore, any nozzle assembly installed under the train will be subjected to significant shocks and vibrations under varying environmental conditions. These constraints necessitate that the nozzle assembly be packaged in a compact and optimized geometry with minimal weight. Common nozzle systems are bulky and often made of steel, making them unsuitable for mobile applications.

[0004] By comparing conventional and traditional spraying apparatus and nozzles with the disclosure set forth in the remainder of this invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will readily recognize other limitations and deficiencies of these conventional and traditional spraying apparatus and nozzles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention preferably relates to a nozzle assembly that receives liquid and air near a nozzle outlet and sprays the air-atomized liquid onto its target. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid enters from the top of the housing of the spraying device, passes through an insulated nozzle body (heated if necessary using a temperature feedback system to control its viscosity), and mixes with air near the nozzle outlet. This preferred embodiment also includes a duckbill valve that closes under non-spraying conditions to prevent the liquid remaining thereafter from drying out. Additionally, a cleaning cap is provided around the nozzle head to prevent high-speed air from the moving train from pushing unwanted solid particles, such as dust, sand, or the like, towards the nozzle head, thus preventing clogging of the nozzle head by such media. Furthermore, the cleaning cap is positioned around the nozzle head body and nozzle head opening to limit overspray and reduce the deposition of atomized friction-modified material particles on the nozzle head, thereby reducing clogging of the nozzle head opening by crosswinds and airflow patterns from outside the moving train on which the spraying device is mounted.

[0006] This invention may also have many other variations, and those other teachings, variations and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings of the invention.

[0007] According to one aspect of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a spraying apparatus for applying a friction-modified fluid to a railway track is disclosed, comprising: a nozzle body disposed in a housing; a fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with an opening of the housing; a fluid inlet disposed in the housing, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit defined by or disposed in the nozzle body; wherein the first fluid conduit extends from the fluid inlet to a hollow nozzle head body disposed at and protruding from the bottom of the housing, and wherein the fluid inlet is also disposed below and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit; a control fluid supply conduit and an atomizing fluid supply conduit, wherein each conduit is partially disposed in the housing and each conduit has a corresponding portion located outside the housing for connection to the same fluid supply or a respective fluid supply; wherein the control fluid supply conduit... A pressurized control fluid is injected into a piston assembly disposed within a piston chamber; wherein the piston assembly has a stop pin, which is deflected by a spring towards a hollow nozzle head body, causing the stop pin to close the nozzle head opening of the hollow nozzle head body; wherein an atomizing fluid supply conduit supplies pressurized atomizing fluid to the hollow nozzle head body to atomize a first fluid supplied to the hollow nozzle head body via a fluid cap disposed on the hollow nozzle head body; wherein, in operation, the control fluid supply conduit and the atomizing fluid supply conduit operate simultaneously, while the first fluid is supplied to the hollow nozzle head body via the fluid cap through the first fluid conduit, so that the pressurized control fluid injected into the piston assembly by the control fluid supply conduit moves the stop pin out of the nozzle head opening and allows the first fluid to flow out from the nozzle head opening, wherein the first fluid is atomized at the nozzle head opening by the pressurized atomizing fluid supplied by the atomizing fluid supply conduit.

[0008] On the other hand, the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention further includes a check valve disposed above the nozzle head opening to prevent the first fluid in the nozzle head opening from drying out when the spraying equipment is turned on.

[0009] In another aspect, the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention further includes a cleaning cover disposed around the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening, the cleaning cover being used to limit excessive spraying and reduce the deposition of particles of the atomized first fluid onto the nozzle head, thereby reducing the clogging of the nozzle head opening by crosswinds and airflow patterns outside the moving train on which the spraying apparatus is mounted.

[0010] On the other hand, the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention further includes a windproof skirt connected to or integral with the housing, the windproof skirt extending downward and surrounding the cleaning cover, the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening.

[0011] On the other hand, in the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the windshield skirt has a first side, a second side, and a third side.

[0012] On the other hand, a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention further includes a heating element disposed in the nozzle body for heating the nozzle body and the first fluid, wherein the first fluid is disposed in a fluid inlet and / or a first fluid conduit in the fluid inlet.

[0013] On the other hand, the preferred spraying device of the present invention also includes a temperature sensor disposed inside the housing.

[0014] On the other hand, in the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the temperature sensor includes a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

[0015] In another aspect, in a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, a temperature sensor is in contact with a first fluid conduit and / or a first fluid contained therein, for measuring the temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid conduit.

[0016] On the other hand, in a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the RTD contacts the first fluid conduit and / or the first fluid contained therein, for measuring the temperature of the first fluid in the first fluid conduit.

[0017] On the other hand, in a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the first fluid includes a friction-modified fluid for railway tracks.

[0018] In another aspect, in a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the first fluid comprises a water-based friction-modified fluid for railway tracks.

[0019] On the other hand, in the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the control fluid and the atomizing fluid each contain air.

[0020] In another aspect, in a preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle body is surrounded by an insulating material.

[0021] On the other hand, in the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle body is surrounded by a closed-cell elastic foam insulating material.

[0022] On the other hand, in the preferred spraying apparatus of the present invention, the nozzle body is made of aluminum. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To make the invention easy to understand and implement, it will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is another plan view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3This is another plan view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is another plan view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The spraying device along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0029] Figure 6 This is another plan view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The spraying device along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention, wherein the outer casing has been removed to illustrate several internal components;

[0033] Figure 10 A partial top view of a preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The spraying device along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying examples and drawings that form part of this document, wherein specific embodiments in which the subject matter of the invention can be practiced are illustrated by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural or logical changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments of the subject matter of the invention may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively by the term “disclosure,” for convenience only, and if more than one concept is disclosed, this is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single inventive concept.

[0036] Therefore, the following description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense, and the scope of the subject matter of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] refer to Figure 1-11A preferred embodiment of the spraying apparatus 10 for applying a friction-modified fluid to railway tracks according to the present invention includes a nozzle body 14 surrounded by an insulating material 16 and disposed within a housing 12. The insulating material 16 is preferably a fiber-free closed-cell elastic foam insulating material, and the housing 12 is preferably made of aluminum. In addition to reducing mechanical vibrations and shocks that the spraying apparatus 10 may encounter during use, the insulating material 16 preferably provides thermal insulation. The nozzle body 14 is preferably made of aluminum or other suitable lightweight material. Preferably, the housing 12 has an upper portion 13 and a lower portion 15, both preferably made of aluminum. A fluid inlet pipe / conduit / duct 18 is in fluid communication with an opening 20, which is preferably located in or near the top 21 of the housing 12. The opening 20 may also preferably be located in or defined in other portions of the housing 12, such as the upper portion 13 or the lower portion 15. The fluid inlet 22 is disposed or defined in the housing 12, preferably at the top, but in all cases, the fluid inlet 22 is in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit 23 defined or disposed in the nozzle body 14. The first fluid conduit 23 flows from the fluid inlet 22 to a hollow nozzle head body 50 disposed at and protruding through the bottom 52 of the housing 12, wherein the fluid inlet 22 is also disposed below and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet pipe / conduit 18.

[0038] The spraying device 10 also includes a control fluid supply pipe 30 and an atomizing fluid supply pipe 32, wherein each of the control fluid supply pipe 30 and the atomizing fluid supply pipe 32 is partially disposed in the housing 12 and each pipe has a corresponding portion located outside the housing 12, preferably quick connectors 31 and 33, for connection to the same fluid supply or the respective fluid supply.

[0039] In operation, pressurized control fluid (or pressurized control fluid, preferably air) is injected through control fluid supply conduit 30 into piston assembly 42 disposed in piston chamber 40 defined by nozzle body 14. Piston assembly 42 has a stop pin 44 that is biased against hollow nozzle head body 50 by spring 46, thereby closing nozzle head opening 51 of hollow nozzle head body 50. Conversely, spring 48 seals the friction-modified fluid or first fluid to prevent its entry into piston chamber 40. The preferred operating range of pressurized control fluid (preferably air) through control fluid supply conduit 30 is 40 to 60 psi, but should not exceed 150 psi (burst pressure).

[0040] Similarly, in operation, the atomizing fluid supply conduit 32 supplies pressurized atomizing fluid (or pressurized atomizing fluid) to the hollow nozzle head body 50 to atomize the first fluid as it flows out of the nozzle head opening 51. The pressurized atomizing fluid is supplied to the hollow nozzle head body 50 via the first fluid conduit 23. Preferably, the atomizing fluid (preferably air) can be supplied via the atomizing fluid supply conduit 32 to a maximum air pressure of up to 150 psi (burst pressure).

[0041] Preferably, the control fluid supply pipe 30 and the atomizing fluid supply pipe 32 operate simultaneously. At the same time, the first fluid is supplied to the hollow nozzle head body 50 through the fluid cover 54 by the first fluid conduit 23, so that the pressurized control fluid injected into the piston assembly 42 by the control fluid supply pipe 30 moves the stop needle 44 out of the nozzle head opening 51. At the same time, the first fluid is forced out of the nozzle head opening 51. The first fluid is atomized at the nozzle head opening 51 by the pressurized atomizing fluid supplied through the atomizing fluid supply pipe 32 and directed towards the target rail head.

[0042] The spraying device 10 may also preferably include a check valve 60 disposed on the nozzle head opening 51 to prevent the first fluid in the nozzle head opening 51 from drying out due to air when the spraying device 10 is not used to apply the first fluid to the railway track.

[0043] The spraying device 10 may also preferably include a cleaning cover 62 disposed around the nozzle head body 50 and the nozzle head opening 51 to reduce unwanted solid particles, such as dust, sand or similar contaminants, driven by the rapid passage of a moving train on which the spraying device 10 is mounted, so as not to clog the nozzle head opening 51.

[0044] Additionally, the spraying device 10 preferably includes a wind deflector 70, which is attached to or integrally formed with the housing 12, and extends downward and surrounds the cleaning cap 62, the hollow nozzle head body 50, and the nozzle head opening 51. The wind deflector 70 preferably includes a first surface 71, a second surface 72, a third surface 73, and / or a fourth surface and / or other surfaces or portions (not shown).

[0045] The spraying apparatus 10 preferably also includes a heating element 26 disposed in the nozzle body 14 for heating the nozzle body 14 and the first fluid disposed in and / or in the first fluid conduit 23 in the fluid inlet 22. The spraying apparatus 10 preferably operates the heating element 26 to prevent the first fluid (preferably a water-based friction-modified liquid) in the nozzle head opening 51 and the hollow nozzle head body 50 from freezing in environments as low as -40°C. However, the preferred operating temperature limit is -30°C.

[0046] Additionally, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 80 is disposed within the housing 12, wherein the RTD 80 is in contact with the first fluid conduit 23 and / or the friction-modified fluid contained therein, for measuring the temperature of the friction-modified fluid disposed therein. Preferably, the RTD 80 outputs its measurement results to a control system (not shown) via a wired or wireless means, which is connected to the spraying apparatus 10 via a wireless or wired connection to an electrical connector 35.

[0047] Electrical conduit 25 and / or connecting conduit 79 connect heater 26 and RTD 80 to the power supply (not shown) and / or control system (not shown) of spraying apparatus 10, respectively. Electrical conduit 25 and / or connecting conduit 79 are preferably secured to housing 12 by cable clamps 29 connected to housing 12. Furthermore, slots 27 in housing 12 allow heater 26 to move within the housing in the event of impact or collision with external components simultaneously mounted on a train. Slots 27 can also be used for wiring as needed.

[0048] It should be understood that although the invention has been described herein by way of detailed specific embodiments, these embodiments are presented in order to illustrate the general principles of the invention, and the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Modifications and variations to any given materials, method steps, or chemical formulas will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and variations should be considered within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. A spraying apparatus for applying a friction-modified fluid to railway tracks, comprising: The nozzle body is housed within the casing; A fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the opening of the housing; A fluid inlet is disposed in the housing, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit defined by or disposed in the nozzle body; wherein the first fluid conduit extends from the fluid inlet to a hollow nozzle head body, the hollow nozzle head body being disposed at the bottom of the housing and protruding from the bottom of the housing, and wherein the fluid inlet is also disposed below the fluid inlet conduit and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit. Control fluid supply conduits and atomizing fluid supply conduits, wherein each conduit is partially disposed within the housing and each conduit has a corresponding portion located outside the housing for connection to the same fluid supply or a respective fluid supply; The control fluid supply pipe injects pressurized control fluid into a piston assembly disposed in a piston chamber, the piston chamber being defined and disposed within the nozzle body; wherein the piston assembly is equipped with a stop pin, the stop pin being biased against the hollow nozzle head body by a spring, thereby closing the nozzle head opening of the hollow nozzle head body. The atomizing fluid supply pipe provides pressurized atomizing fluid to the hollow nozzle head body to atomize the first fluid supplied to the hollow nozzle head body by the first fluid conduit through the fluid cap disposed on the hollow nozzle head body; In operation, the control fluid supply pipe and the atomizing fluid supply pipe operate simultaneously. The first fluid is supplied through the fluid cap to the hollow nozzle head body via the first fluid conduit, so that the pressurized control fluid injected into the piston assembly by the control fluid supply pipe moves the stop pin out of the nozzle head opening and allows the first fluid to flow out of the nozzle head opening. The first fluid is atomized at the nozzle head opening by the pressurized atomizing fluid supplied through the atomizing fluid supply pipe. A heating element disposed in the nozzle body is used to heat the nozzle body and the first fluid disposed in the fluid inlet and / or the first fluid conduit disposed in the fluid inlet.

2. The spraying apparatus according to claim 1 further includes a check valve disposed above the nozzle head opening to prevent air from drying the first fluid in the nozzle head opening when the spraying apparatus is turned on.

3. The spray device of claim 1, further comprising: A cleaning cover is disposed around the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening. The cleaning cover is used to limit excessive spraying and reduce the deposition of particles of the atomized first fluid onto the nozzle head, thereby reducing the clogging of the nozzle head opening by crosswinds and airflow patterns from outside the mobile train on which the spraying device is mounted.

4. The spraying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A cleaning cover is disposed around the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening. The cleaning cover is used to limit excessive spraying and reduce the deposition of particles of the atomized first fluid onto the nozzle head, so as to reduce the clogging of the nozzle head opening by crosswinds and airflow patterns outside the moving train on which the spraying device is mounted.

5. The spraying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A windproof skirt connected to or integral with the housing, the windproof skirt extending downward and surrounding the cleaning cover, the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening.

6. The spraying apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: A windproof skirt connected to or integral with the housing, the windproof skirt extending downward and surrounding the cleaning cover, the hollow nozzle head body and the nozzle head opening.

7. The spraying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the windbreak skirt has a first side, a second side, and a third side.

8. The spraying apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first fluid comprises a friction-modified fluid for railway tracks.

9. The spraying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid comprises a water-based friction-modified fluid for railway tracks.

10. The spraying apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control fluid and the atomizing fluid each comprise air.

11. The spraying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle body is made of aluminum.

12. A spraying apparatus for applying a friction-modified fluid to railway tracks, comprising: The nozzle body is housed within the casing; A fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the opening of the housing; A fluid inlet is disposed in the housing, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit defined by or disposed in the nozzle body; wherein the first fluid conduit extends from the fluid inlet to a hollow nozzle head body, the hollow nozzle head body being disposed at the bottom of the housing and protruding from the bottom of the housing, and wherein the fluid inlet is also disposed below the fluid inlet conduit and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit. Control fluid supply conduits and atomizing fluid supply conduits, wherein each conduit is partially disposed within the housing and each conduit has a corresponding portion located outside the housing for connection to the same fluid supply or a respective fluid supply; The control fluid supply pipe injects pressurized control fluid into a piston assembly disposed in a piston chamber, the piston chamber being defined and disposed within the nozzle body; wherein the piston assembly is equipped with a stop pin, the stop pin being biased against the hollow nozzle head body by a spring, thereby closing the nozzle head opening of the hollow nozzle head body. The atomizing fluid supply pipe provides pressurized atomizing fluid to the hollow nozzle head body to atomize the first fluid supplied to the hollow nozzle head body by the first fluid conduit through the fluid cap disposed on the hollow nozzle head body; In operation, the control fluid supply pipe and the atomizing fluid supply pipe operate simultaneously. The first fluid is supplied through the fluid cap to the hollow nozzle head body via the first fluid conduit, so that the pressurized control fluid injected into the piston assembly by the control fluid supply pipe moves the stop pin out of the nozzle head opening and allows the first fluid to flow out of the nozzle head opening. The first fluid is atomized at the nozzle head opening by the pressurized atomizing fluid supplied through the atomizing fluid supply pipe. A temperature sensor is installed inside the housing.

13. The spraying apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a heating element disposed in the nozzle body, the heating element being used to heat the nozzle body and a first fluid disposed in the fluid inlet and / or the first fluid conduit disposed in the fluid inlet.

14. The spraying apparatus of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor comprises a resistance temperature detector (RTD).

15. The spraying apparatus of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is in contact with the first fluid conduit and / or the first fluid contained in the first fluid conduit for measuring the temperature of the first fluid disposed in the first fluid conduit.

16. The spraying apparatus of claim 14, wherein the RTD is in contact with the first fluid conduit and / or the first fluid contained in the first fluid conduit for measuring the temperature of the first fluid disposed in the first fluid conduit.

17. A spraying apparatus for applying a friction-modified fluid to railway tracks, comprising: The nozzle body is housed within the casing; A fluid inlet conduit in fluid communication with the opening of the housing; A fluid inlet is disposed in the housing, the fluid inlet being in fluid communication with a first fluid conduit defined by or disposed in the nozzle body; wherein the first fluid conduit extends from the fluid inlet to a hollow nozzle head body, the hollow nozzle head body being disposed at the bottom of the housing and protruding from the bottom of the housing, and wherein the fluid inlet is also disposed below the fluid inlet conduit and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet conduit. Control fluid supply conduits and atomizing fluid supply conduits, wherein each conduit is partially disposed within the housing and each conduit has a corresponding portion located outside the housing for connection to the same fluid supply or a respective fluid supply; The control fluid supply pipe injects pressurized control fluid into a piston assembly disposed in a piston chamber, the piston chamber being defined and disposed within the nozzle body; wherein the piston assembly is equipped with a stop pin, the stop pin being biased against the hollow nozzle head body by a spring, thereby closing the nozzle head opening of the hollow nozzle head body. The atomizing fluid supply pipe provides pressurized atomizing fluid to the hollow nozzle head body to atomize the first fluid supplied to the hollow nozzle head body by the first fluid conduit through the fluid cap disposed on the hollow nozzle head body; In operation, the control fluid supply pipe and the atomizing fluid supply pipe operate simultaneously. The first fluid is supplied through the fluid cap to the hollow nozzle head body via the first fluid conduit, so that the pressurized control fluid injected into the piston assembly by the control fluid supply pipe moves the stop pin out of the nozzle head opening and allows the first fluid to flow out of the nozzle head opening. The first fluid is atomized at the nozzle head opening by the pressurized atomizing fluid supplied through the atomizing fluid supply pipe. The nozzle body is surrounded by insulating material.

18. The spraying apparatus of claim 17, wherein the insulating material comprises closed-cell elastic foam.

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