Fixture and system for a rail clamp assembly

Abstract

A fixture for a rail includes a plate and an overhang rigidly extending from the plate, in which the overhang defines a slot beyond the plate. The plate defines a head interfacing edge and a foot interfacing edge, in which each of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The overhang extends from the foot interfacing edge and disposes the slot parallel to and spaced apart from the foot interfacing edge. The overhang includes a proximal slot surface and a distal slot surface. The proximal slot surface and the distal slot are spaced apart and defines the slot therebetween. A rail clamp system may include the fixture coupled with an acceleration measurement module which in turn may be configured for operable communication with a wireless data transmission module.

Description

FIXTURE AND SYSTEM FOR A RAIL CLAMP ASSEMBLYRELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to the Singapore patent application no. 10202401293X filed May 2, 2024, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to rails for trains and other vehicles, and more particularly to fixtures and systems for maintenance and repair of rails.BACKGROUND

[0003] The conventional fishplate has been in use since the 1800’s to hold two rail sections together. It typically takes at least three people to clamp a pair of the conventional fishplates to a rail; two to hold the conventional fishplates to opposite sides of the rail, and a third to apply the clamp.

[0004] The conventional fishplate is often used in emergency maintenance even today, for example, as a temporary measure to hold defective rails together until the train operations could be stopped for repair or replacement of defective rails. In use, the rails would be repeatedly subjected to unevenly distributed and large loads rolling along the rails and the clamps would tend to loosen. To prevent catastrophic failure events, the clamps holding the fishplates to the rail are inspected and / or tightened every hour or so. To tighten the clamps, the maintenance crew would jump onto the tracks as soon as one train has passed, tighten the clamp, and quickly get off the tracks before the next train comes along. In some mass rapid transit systems, the intervals between trains can be as short as 3-5 minutes.SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the present application discloses a fixture. The fixture includes: a plate and an overhang. The overhang rigidly extends from the plate, in which the overhang defines a slot beyond the plate.

[0006] The plate defines a head interfacing edge and a foot interfacing edge, in which each of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The overhang extends from the foot interfacing edge and disposes the slot parallel to and spaced apart from the foot interfacing edge.

[0007] The overhang includes a proximal slot surface and a distal slot surface. The proximal slot surface and the distal slot are spaced apart and defines the slot therebetween.

[0008] The plate may include: a first plate section, a second plate section, and a plate offset section The first plate section defines a first non-clampable face and a first clampable face is disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge. The second plate section defines a second non-clampable face and a second clampable face is disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge. The plate offset section is disposed between the first plate section and the second plate section. The plate offset section defines an offset non-clampable face that is laterally offset relative to the first non-clampable face and the second non-clampable face. The non- clampable face of the plate offset section may define a concave region.

[0009] In another aspect, the present application discloses a rail clamp system. The rail clamp system includes: a pair of the fixtures and a clamp. The clamp is engageable with the respective clampable face of the pair of the fixtures. The pair of the fixtures are disposed unaided on a rail, in which the respective proximal slot surface of each of the pair of the fixtures is disposed on a foot of the rail to form a respective fulcrum.

[0010] The rail in the rail clamp system includes: a head, the foot, and a web. The web connects the head and the foot, in which the respective head interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the head. The respective foot interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the foot of the rail, and in which the foot is at least partially received by the respective slot.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the present application discloses a kit. The kit includes a plurality of the fixtures and at least one sensor. A selected sensor selected from the at least one sensor is interchangeably coupleable to any one selected fixture selected from the plurality of the fixtures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] To aid understanding, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following figures:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixture according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A is a top view of the fixture of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the fixture of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2E are different side views of the fixture of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 2F and FIG. 2G are different perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 1 .

[0018] FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B are perspective views of the fixture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3C is a side view of the fixture showing a hook shaped profile.

[0020] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the fixture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure showing the clampable face.

[0021] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the fixture showing the non-clampable face of the plate.

[0022] FIG. 4C is a side view showing a variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0023] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the fixture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are additional perspective views of the fixture to show the proximal slot surface and the distal slot surface.

[0025] FIG. 5D is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0026] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture.

[0027] FIG. 6B is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture, showing the clampable face.

[0029] FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the non-clampable face.

[0030] FIG. 7C is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0031] FIG. 7D shows the fixture as view from the non-clampable face.

[0032] FIG. 7E shows a top view of the fixture.

[0033] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture, showing the clampable face.

[0034] FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are perspective views of the fixture showing the non-clampable face and more details of the slot.

[0035] FIG. 8D is a top view of the fixture.

[0036] FIG. 8E is a side view of the fixture showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0037] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture, showing the clampable face.

[0038] FIG. 9B is another perspective view, showing the non-clampable face.

[0039] FIG. 9C is a top view of the fixture.

[0040] FIG. 9D is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face.

[0041] FIG. 9E is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face.

[0042] FIG. 9F is a side view showing the side profile of the fixture.

[0043] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture, showing the clampable face.

[0044] FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C are perspective views of the fixture of FIG. 10A, showing the non-clampable face and details of the slot.

[0045] FIG. 10D is a top view of the fixture.

[0046] FIG. 10E is a side view of the fixture showing the side profile that is configured as another variation of a hook shape profile.

[0047] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the clampable face.

[0048] FIG. 1 IB and FIG. 11C are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fixture of FIG. HA.

[0049] FIG. 1 ID is a side view of the fixture, showing a hook shaped side profile of the fixture.

[0050] FIG. 1 IE and FIG. 1 IF are views of opposing faces of the fixture. FIG. 1 IE is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face of the fixture. FIG. 1 IF is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face of the fixture.

[0051] FIG. 11 G and FIG. 11H are perspective views showing details of the slot surfaces.

[0052] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the clampable face.

[0053] FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fixture of FIG. 12A.

[0054] FIG. 12D is a side view of the fixture, showing a hook shaped side profile of the fixture.

[0055] FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F are views of opposing faces of the fixture. FIG. 12E is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face of the fixture. FIG. 12F is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face of the fixture.

[0056] FIG. 12G and FIG. 12H are perspective views showing details of the slot surfaces.

[0057] FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B are perspective views of the fixture according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the non-clampable face and details of the slot.

[0058] FIG. 13C and FIG. 13D are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fixture.

[0059] FIG. 13E is a side view (front view) of the fixture, showing the non-clampable face.

[0060] FIG. 13F is another side view (back view) of the fixture, showing the clampable face.

[0061] FIG. 13G and FIG. 13H are side views showing respective side profiles of the fixture as viewed from opposing ends.

[0062] FIG. 14 shows a front view and a back view of a first fixture and of a second fixture.

[0063] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an exemplary plain rail.

[0064] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an exemplary thermite- welded rail.

[0065] FIG. 15C is a perspective view of an assembly of the fixture and a plain rail.

[0066] FIG. 15D is a perspective view of an assembly of the fixture and a thermitewelded rail.

[0067] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a top view of a rail clamp system.

[0068] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the rail clamp system.

[0069] FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of a pair of the fixtures and a rail.

[0070] FIG. 19A shows an exploded view of a pair of the fixtures and a rail having one or more thermite-welded joints

[0071] FIG. 19B illustrates a thermite-welded joint received at the plate offset section.

[0072] FIG. 20 shows the fixture disposed on a plain rail prior to the use of a clamp to clamp the fixture to the rail.

[0073] FIG. 21 shows the fixture disposed on a thermite-welded rail prior to the use of a clamp to clamp the fixture to the rail.

[0074] FIG. 22 illustrates a common situation encountered when two rail sections are braced together using conventional fishplates bolted to the rail sections.

[0075] FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B show the fixture in assembly with two rail sections.

[0076] FIG. 24 illustrates a situation where a new rail section and an old rail section are clamped together by a type of conventional fishplate.

[0077] FIG. 25 illustrates an application of the embodiments of the fixture having a relative transverse offset.

[0078] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of the proposed system.

[0079] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a proposed kit.

[0080] FIG 28A shows an embodiment of the fixture coupled with a sensor.

[0081] FIG. 28B is a partial view of the fixture, giving a close up view of the overhang.

[0082] FIG. 28C shows a sensor with grooved elements complementary to the sliders.

[0083] FIG. 29A is a perspective exploded view of a casing of the sensor

[0084] FIG. 29B shows images of a circuit board of the acceleration measurement system module.

[0085] FIG. 29C shows images of a circuit board of the wireless data transmission module.

[0086] FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B are schematics for a circuit board forming part of the acceleration measurement system module.

[0087] FIG. 30C, FIG. 30D, and FIG. 30E are schematics for a circuit board forming part of the wireless data transmission module.

[0088] FIG. 31 is an image of prototype of a rail clamp assembly under testing.

[0089] FIG. 32 is an image of onsite assembly of the measurement module to the rail clamp assembly 610, and more specifically to the overhang of the fixture.

[0090] FIG. 33 is an image of the measurement module connected to the wireless data transmission module.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] The following detailed description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, showing details and embodiments of the present disclosure for the purposes ofillustration Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0092] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. As used herein, the singular ‘a’ and ‘an’ may be construed as including the plural “one or more” unless apparent from the context to be otherwise. In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0093] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0094] Tn the context of various embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately” as applied to a numeric value encompasses the exact value and a reasonable variance as generally understood in the relevant technical field, e g., within 10% of the specified value.

[0095] Terms such as “first” and “second” are used in the description and claims only for the sake of brevity and clarity, and do not necessarily imply a priority or order, unless required by the context.

[0096] Some methods may be described in terms of steps merely to aid understanding and / or for convenient reference. The delineation between one step and another step may be merely for convenient reference in the present disclosure. It will be understood that in actual implementation there may not be a clear division or transition from one step to another subsequent step. There may be a certain amount of overlap among the steps and / or more than one step may occur or be performed concurrently in time, etc.

[0097] In the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity, terms such as “rail”, “track”, “rail tracks”, etc., may be used interchangeably. Various embodiments of the fixture proposed herein may be used with more than one type of rail tracks, e g., plain rail tracks, heigh-variant thermite welded rail tracks, step-featured thermite welded rail tracks, etc. The term “rolling stock” is used in a general sense and may refer to any one or more types of vehicles that can travel on the rails. Examples of rolling stock may include but are notlimited to railway vehicles (powered or unpowered), locomotives, freight cars, passenger cars, etc.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fixture 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a top view of the fixture 200 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the fixture 200 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2C, FIG. 2D, and FIG. 2E are different side views of the fixture 200 of FIG. 1. FIG 2F and FIG. 2G are different perspective views of the fixture 200 of FIG. I.

[0099] The fixture 200 includes a plate 300 and an overhang 400. The plate 300 and the overhang 400 are formed as one integral article. In some embodiments, the whole fixture 200 is formed as one unitary article by metal casting. In some other embodiments, the fixture 200 is machined from one piece of metal. In some embodiments, the fixture 200 is made by additive manufacturing.

[0100] The overhang 400 may be described as a rigid extension from the plate 300. That is, the plate 300 and the overhang 400 are not detachable from one another. The plate 300 and the overhang 400 are not displaceable relative to one another.

[0101] The detailed contours or profile may be varied from one example of the fixture 200 to another. To aid understanding, in the present disclosure, the plate 300 may be described as having a generally longitudinal shape with an overall plate length or a total plate length 420. The plate 300 defines a head interfacing edge 340 and a foot interfacing edge 350. A longitudinal axis 101 may be defined by an edge of the plate 300. For example, each of the head interfacing edge 340 and the foot interfacing edge 350 may be described as extending longitudinally or parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The plate 300 includes a clampable face 323 and a non-clampable face 321. The clampable face 323 and the non- clampable face 321 are generally opposing faces of the plate 300. The clampable face 323 and the non-clampable face 321 are disposed on opposing sides of the plate 300. That is, the clampable face 323 and the non-clampable face 321 are disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge 340 and the foot interfacing edge 350.

[0102] The clampable face 323 may include limiting stoppers 327. When one or more clamps 600 (e.g., mechanical clamp) are employed to clamp the fixture 200, the limiting stoppers 327 prevent the clamps 600 from moving out of the clampable face 323 or from moving off the fixture 200.

[0103] At least a part of the clampable face 323 defines a laterally-oriented normal axis or a lateral axis 105 that is perpendicular to the part of the clampable face 323. At least a part of the non-clampable face 321 defines a similarly laterally-oriented normal axis 105 that is perpendicular to the non-clampable face 321. The plate 300 has a plate thickness 427 defined as the distance between the clampable face 323 and the non-clampable face 321, measured along the lateral axis 105. The plate 300 has a plate height 425 defined as the distance between the head interfacing edge 340 and the foot interfacing edge 350, measured along a transverse axis 103. For the sake of convenient reference, in the present disclosure, the longitudinal axis 101, the transverse axis 103, and the lateral axis 105 are mutually orthogonal axes defined with reference to the fixture 200.

[0104] For the sake of brevity, in the present disclosure, reference to a longitudinal or longitudinally-oriented element, or the like, may be understood as referring to the element being disposed parallel or generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. Similarly, reference to a lateral or laterally-oriented element, or the like, may be understood as referring to the element being disposed parallel or generally parallel to the lateral axis 105. Similarly, reference to a transverse or transversely-oriented element, or the like, may be understood as referring to the element being disposed parallel or generally parallel to the transverse axis 103.

[0105] In some embodiments, the plate 300 has a uniform or similar cross-sectional profile along its total plate length 420. In some embodiments, the plate 300 may be an integrally-formed or unitary piece with more than one plate sections 310 (wing-shaped portions) of different dimensions and / or shape. The plate sections 310 may include curved surfaces conforming to plain rails 870 (also referred to as plain rail tracks or continuous weld rails). The plain rail track profiles can also be seen as the profile of non-joint parts of thermite-welded rails 880 (or thermite-welded tracks). In some embodiments, the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 313 are of similar lengths along the longitudinal axis 101, e g , as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the plate 300 may be described as including a plurality of plate sections 310 of various plate section lengths. In some embodiments, the first plate section 31 1 and the second plate section 313 are of dissimilar lengths along the longitudinal axis 101. In some other embodiments, the plate 300 may be described as including a first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 which have a similar length and height, but are asymmetrical about the transverse axis 103. Suchembodiments may be useful for joining two rail sections which exhibit a height difference. In some embodiments, the plate 300 may be described as including a plurality of plate sections 310 of various plate section heights 425. In some embodiments, the plate 300 may be described as including a plurality of plate sections 310 of various plate thicknesses 427.

[0106] In some embodiments, the plate 300 includes a plate offset section 331 disposed between two other plate sections 310. The plate offset section 331 includes a bridge 315 linking a plate section 310 to a bulge portion 333. The bulge portion 333 is configured to accommodate athermite-weldedjoint 881 ofthe thermite-welded rail 880. The embodiment of the fixture 200 shown in FIG. 1 includes one plate offset section 331 disposed between a first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 merely to aid understanding and not to preclude embodiments with a plurality of plate offset sections 331. The plate offset section 311 may be a bent, angled, or curved part in the plate 300. The plate offset section 331 may be a plate section 310 with a thinner plate thickness 427, disposed between a first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 with a comparatively thicker plate thickness 427. The plate offset section 331 provides a concave region 330 or a hollow region at the non-clampable face 321.

[0107] The first plate section 311 has a first non-clampable face 321 . The second plate section 313 has a second non-clampable face 321b. The plate offset section 331 has an offset non-clampable face 325. The offset non-clampable face 325 is at least partially laterally offset relative to the first non-clampable face 321a and the second non-clampable face 321b.

[0108] The first non-clampable face 321a and the second non-clampable face 321b may define or be disposed on a common plane 115. The offset non-clampable face 325 defines a deflection or deformation away from the common plane 115. In some embodiments, the clampable face 323 or an opposing face of the offset non-clampable face 325 may form a bulge 333 or a convex section. In some embodiments, the clampable face 323 or an opposing face of the offset non-clampable face 325 may form a corresponding bend. In some other embodiments, the clampable face 323 of the plate 300 may be substantially planar or disposed on a flat plane.

[0109] In some embodiments, the fixture 200 is characterized by a mirror symmetry about the transverse axis 103 intersecting a mid-point of the total plate length 420. In some embodiments, the fixture 200 is asymmetric about the transverse axis 103 intersecting a mid-point of the total plate length 420.[001 10] The overhang 400 may be a body 41 1 that extends out from the plate 300. The overhang 400 defines a slot 500. The slot 500 is defined in a part of the body 411 of the overhang 400 beyond the plate 300. The overhang 400 extends transversely away from the plate 300. The overhang 400 may extend laterally away from the clampable face 323 of the plate 300. The overhang 400 may extend transversely and laterally from the plate 300. The overhang 400 may be disposed proximally to the foot interfacing edge 350 and distally to head interfacing edge 340 of the plate 300. In a case in which the fixture 200 is oriented with the head interfacing edge 340 above the foot interfacing edge 350, the overhang 400 extends below the foot interfacing edge 350 to provide the slot 500 below the foot interfacing edge 350.

[0111] The slotted overhang 400 is configured to partially wrap the foot 830 of the rail 800 (the bottom beam of an I-shaped track) like a sleeve. The geometries of the fixture 200 realize a function of self-supporting the fixture 200 in the installation process.

[0112] The overhang 400 includes a body 411 that extends longitudinally for a body length 423. The overhang 400 may be shaped with two ends (e g., a first end 413 and a second end 415). The body length 423 may be taken as a longitudinal linear dimension extending from the first end 413 to the second end 415.

[0113] The slot 500 includes a longitudinally oriented opening 505. The longitudinally oriented opening 505 of slot 500 faces the same direction as the non-clampable face 321 of the plate 300. The slot 500 may be described as being open on three sides. The slot 500 extends longitudinally through the body length 423 or the length of the body, forming a contiguous opening 417 along three sides of the body 411. For example, the slot 500 may be configured to be open at the first end 413 of the body 411 and at the second end 415 of the body 411, as well as the side of the body 411 facing the same side as the non-clampable face 321 of the plate 300.

[0114] The slot 500 may be defined between a proximal slot surface 521 and a distal slot surface 511, with reference to the plate 300 or with reference to the foot interfacing edge 350. The proximal slot surface 521 and the distal slot surface 511 form opposing surfaces that define the slot 500 therebetween.

[0115] In some embodiments, the proximal slot surface 521 is part of a laterally extending proximal ledge 520. In some embodiments, the proximal slot surface 521 isdisposed on a part of the plate 300. Tn some embodiments, the proximal slot surface 521 is part of the foot interfacing edge 350.

[0116] In some embodiments, the overhang 400 includes a distal ledge 510. For the sake of brevity and to aid understanding, the present disclosure may make reference to a distal reference plane 111 that is coincidental with a base 405 of the overhang 400 or with a base of the distal ledge 510. The distal reference plane 111 may alternatively be defined as a base surface 407 of the overhang 400. For example, the distal ledge 510 includes a surface that faces away from the plate 300, also referred to herein as the base surface 407 for the sake of brevity. The base surface 407 and the distal slot surface 511 are oriented in opposite directions. For convenient reference, the distal reference plane 111 is defined as the plane in which the base surface 407 is disposed, the distal reference plane 111 being parallel or substantially parallel to the base surface 407.

[0117] In some embodiments, the slot 500 is defined between a proximal ledge 520 and a distal ledge 510 that are disposed transversely spaced apart from one another. In some embodiments, a part of the plate 300 serves in place of the proximal ledge 520.

[0118] In some embodiments, the distal ledge 510 presents a distal slot surface 511 that is wholly disposed on a flat plane, e g., wholly at a same elevation relative to the distal reference pl ne 111.

[0119] In some embodiments, the distal ledge 510 defines a first distal slot surface 513 at the first end 413 of the overhang 400. In some embodiments, the distal ledge 510 defines a second distal slot surface 515 at the second end 415 of the overhang 400. In some embodiments, the distal ledge 510 may define a sunken region 519 between the first distal slot surface 513 and the second distal slot surface 515. The distal ledge 510 (also referred to as a bottom step) may define a sunken region 519 to buffer and to restrict track deformation generated by vertical loading from a passing train.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first distal slot surface 513 and the second distal slot surface 515 are at the same elevation relative to the distal reference plane 111. For example, the distal slot surface 511 at the first end 501 and the distal slot surface 511 at the second end 503 may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0121] In some other embodiments, the first distal slot surface 513 and the second distal slot surface 515 are at different elevations relative to the distal reference plane 111. Forexample, the distal slot surface 51 1 at the first end 413 and the distal slot surface 51 1 at the second end 415 may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 111. In some embodiments, compared to the second distal slot surface 515, the first distal slot surface 513 is at a greater elevation relative to the distal reference plane 111. In some embodiments, compared to the first distal slot surface 513, the second distal slot surface 515 is at a greater elevation relative to the distal reference plane 111.

[0122] In some embodiments, the slot 500 has a uniform or substantially uniform crosssection throughout the body length 423. In some other embodiments, the slot 500 may have differently shaped and dimensioned cross-sectional profiles taken at different points along the longitudinal axis 101.

[0123] In some embodiments, the slot 500 at the first end 501 and the slot 500 at the second end 503 may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111. In some other embodiments, the slot 500 at the first end 501 and the slot 500 at the second end 503 may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 1 1 1

[0124] The overhang 400 may include one or more mounting elements 430. The one or mounting elements 430 may be disposed at the body 411. For example, the one or more mounting elements 430 may be configured for quick removal and / or mounting of a sensor 710, e.g., a plurality of slidably engageable elements 440 configured for detachable coupling between the sensor 710 (or the casing 711) and the overhang 400 (or the fixture 200). In some embodiments, a wall 431 of the overhang 400 provides a pair of parallel slider elements 440 (also referred to as fixation ledges). The sensor 710 may include an acceleration measurement module disposed in a protective casing 711 that provides complementary grooved elements 740 (or slider rails). The complementary grooved elements 740 and the slider elements 440 are preferably configured to slidingly engage each other, enabling quick assembly of the sensor 710 to the overhang 400. One or more elastically resilient pins 450 may be threaded through apertures at the end of the slider rails or grooved elements 740 to prevent the sensor 710 from becoming disengaged from the overhang 400. The body 41 1 of the overhang 400 may further provide threaded holes to receive two or more bolts, e.g., to further secure the sensor 710 to the fixture 200.

[0125] Various embodiments of the fixture 200 may be configured. The examples described herein with aid of the appended figures are merely to illustrate and not to be limiting.

[0126] Example I

[0127] Referring to FIG. 1, as well as FIG. 2A to FIG. 2G, the fixture 200 is configured with a mirror symmetry about the transverse axis 103. The plate offset section 331 and the overhang 400 are aligned along the transverse axis 103. A first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 extend longitudinally from opposing sides of the plate offset section 331. The overhang 400 is offset laterally relative to the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 313. The overhang 400 defines a proximal slot surface 521 and a distal slot surface 511 that are laterally displaced relative to both the first foot interfacing edge 351 (of the first plate section 311) and the second foot interfacing edge 353 (of the second plate section 313). The distal ledge 510 defines a first distal slot surface 513 and a second distal slot surface 515 that are disposed at the same distance from the distal reference plane 1 1 1. The head interfacing edge 340 of the first plate section 31 1 and head interfacing edge 340 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111. The foot interfacing edge 350 of the first plate section 311 and foot interfacing edge 350 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111. The overhang 400 provides a wall 431 at which mounting elements 430 are disposed for detachable coupling of a sensor 710.

[0128] Example II

[0129] FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B are perspective views of the fixture 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3C is a side view of the fixture 200 showing a hook shaped profile.

[0130] The plate 300 has a uniform cross section throughout the plate length 421. This embodiment of the fixture 200 does not include a concave region 330 or a plate offset section 331. The overhang 400 has a body length 423 that is similar to the total plate length 420. The overhang 400 includes a laterally extending proximal ledge 520 (providing a proximal slot surface 521) and a laterally extending distal ledge 510 (providing a distal slot surface 511). The proximal ledge 520 and the distal ledge 510 are spaced apart to define the longitudinally extending slot 500. The body 411 of the overhang 400 defines the opening ofthe slot 500 on three sides. A fourth side of body 41 1 provides a wall 431 at which a sensor 710 may be attached, e.g., with the use of adhesives, other fasteners, etc.

[0131] Example 111

[0132] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the fixture 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the fixture 200 showing the non-clampable face 321 of the plate 300. FIG 4C is a side view showing a variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0133] The fixture 200 includes one plate 300 with a plurality of the overhang 400 extending therefrom. The plate 300 is configured with thicker parts 324 (with a larger plate thickness 427) to define sections of the clampable face 323 to engage one or more clamps 600.

[0134] Example IV

[0135] FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of the fixture 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C are additional perspective views of the fixture 200 to show the proximal slot surface 521 and the distal slot surface 51 1. FIG. 5D is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0136] The fixture 200 includes one plate 300 with a body length 423 of the overhang 400 that is shorter than the total plate length 421 of the plate 300.

[0137] Example V

[0138] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture 200. FIG. 6B is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0139] The overhang 400 is configured as a block with a trapezoidal wall or a larger wall 431 (e g., compared to the embodiment of FIG. 5A) to provide more area for the attachment of the sensor 710.

[0140] Example VI

[0141] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture 200, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing the non-clampable face 321. FIG. 7C is a side view showing another variation of a hook shaped profile. FIG. 7D shows the fixture 200 as view from the non-clampable face 321 . FIG. 7E shows a top view of the fixture 200.

[0142] The fixture 200 includes a plate 300 that may be described in terms of a first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 flanking a plate offset section 331. The platethickness 427 may be about the same throughout the total plate length 421 , with the plate offset section 331 being formed by a curved or bended part of the plate 300.

[0143] The overhang 400 has a body length 423 that is similar in length to the total plate length 421. The overhang 400 defines a recess at the distal ledge 510. The recess 517 divides or defines a first distal slot surface 513 at a first end 413 of the overhang 400 and a second distal slot surface 515 at a second end 415 of the overhang 400.

[0144] Example VII

[0145] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture 200, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are perspective views of the fixture 200 showing the non-clampable face 321 and more details of the slot 500. FIG. 8D is a top view of the fixture 200. FIG. 8E is a side view of the fixture 200 showing another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0146] The plate offset section 3 1 has an upper edge that is indented. A comparison of the top views of FIG. 8D and FIG. 2A (or the side views of FIG. 8E and FIG. 2D) shows that the fixture 200 may be configured with a deeper slot 500 (e.g., with a distal ledge 510 that extends further along the lateral axis 105) or the fixture 200 may be configured with a shallow slot 500 (e.g., with a distal ledge 510 that extends along the lateral axis 105 to a lesser extent.

[0147] Example VIII

[0148] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture 200, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 9B is another perspective view, showing the non-clampable face 321. FIG. 9C is a top view of the fixture 200. FIG. 9D is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face 321 and FIG. 9E is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 9F is a side view showing the side profile of the fixture 200. The side profile may be described as another variation of a hook shaped profile.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 9D and FIG. 9E, the overhang 400 is configured with a trapezoidal shape Compared to the embodiments of FIG. 8B or FIG. 7B which have plate offset sections 331 configured with a “bow-tie” shape, the plate offset section 331 of FIG. 9B has a straight upper edge. As shown in FIG. 9F, the slot 500 is configured as a deep slot.

[0150] Example IX

[0151] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fixture 200, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C are perspective views of the fixture200 of FIG. 10A, showing the non -cl ampable face 321 and details of the slot 500 FIG. 10D is a top view of the fixture 200. FIG. 10E is a side view of the fixture 200 showing the side profile that is configured as another variation of a hook shape profile.

[0152] FIG. 10B shows the proximal slot surface 521 to be in the form of a first proximal slot surface 523 (at a first end 401 of the body 411 of the overhang 400) and a second proximal slot surface 525 (at a second end 403 of the body 411 of the overhang 400).

[0153] FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C show the distal ledge 510 configured to have a uniform or substantially uniform thickness throughout the whole of the distal ledge 510. The distal ledge 510 presents the distal slot surface 511 as a single flat or substantially flat distal surface. The slot 500 at the first end 501 and the slot 500 at the second end 503 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0154] FIG. 10D and FIG. 10E show the distal ledge 510 extending transversely and terminating at an offset to the non-clampable face 321. FIG. 10E shows a funnel-like shape to the slot 500, with a wider opening formed in part by a lower surface of the plate 300. In the example shown, the lower surface of the plate 300 is made up of the lower surface of the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 313. The termination of the distal ledge 510 (terminal end) at an offset to the non-clampable face 321 also contributes to a wider opening to ease reception of the foot 830 of a rail 800 into the slot 500.

[0155] Embodiment X

[0156] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 1 IB and FIG. 11C are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fixture 200 of FIG. HA. FIG. 1 ID is a side view of the fixture 200, showing a hook shaped side profile of the fixture 200. FIG. 1 IE and FIG. 1 IF are views of opposing faces of the fixture 200. FIG. 1 IE is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face 321 of the fixture 200. FIG. 1 IF is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face 323 of the fixture 200. FIG. 11G and FIG. 11H are perspective views showing details of the slot surfaces, e g., the first proximal slot surface 523, the second proximal slot surfaces 525, the first distal slot surface 513, and the second distal slot surface 515, etc

[0157] As shown in FIG. HE and FIG. 1 IF, the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 13 are disposed at different elevations (along the transverse axis 103) with reference to the distal reference plane 111 (defined by the distal ledge 510 or by a basesurface of the distal ledge 510) The distal slot surface 51 1 at the first end 501 and the distal slot surface 511 at the second end 503 are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0158] The slot 500 may define a slot axis 113 that passes through a center of the slot opening at the first end 501 and a center of the slot opening at the second end 503. The slot axis 113 may be a straight line in some embodiments (e g., FIG. 9D). In the embodiment of FIG. 1 ID and FIG. 1 IE, the slot axis 113 intersects the first end 501 and the second end 503 at different elevations (113a and 1 13b) with reference to the distal reference plane 1 1 1. The slot 500 at the first end 501 and the slot 500 at the second end 503 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 111. The body 411 of the overhang 400 may correspondingly be configured with asymmetry about the transverse axis 103, as shown in FIG. 1 IF.

[0159] Referring to FIG. HE, FIG. 11G, and FIG. 11H, the first distal slot surface 513 and the second distal slot surface 515 may be configured with different dimensions. For example, the thicker end of the first end 501 and the second end 503 may be provided with a smaller distal slot surface 511, relative to the other (thinner) end of the first end 501 and the second end 503. This facilitates a substantially equal distribution of mass or weight.

[0160] FIG. 1 IE shows that, in this embodiment, the first proximal slot surface 523 and the second proximal slot surface 525 are respectively disposed at different elevations relative to the distal reference plane 111, the elevations being measured in a transverse direction or along a transverse axis 103. Alternatively described, the proximal slot surface 521 at the first end 501 and the proximal slot surface 521 at the second end 503 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0161] FIG. 1 IE and FIG. 1 IF further show the first head interfacing edge 341 defined by the first plate section 311 and the second head interfacing edge 343 defined by the second plate section 313 being disposed at different or dissimilar elevations with reference to the distal reference plane 111. The first head interfacing edge 341 of the first plate section 311 and the second head interfacing edge 343 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart (h) from the distal reference plane 1 1 1.

[0162] FIG. HE and FIG. 1 IF further show the first foot interfacing edge 351 defined by the first plate section 311 and the second foot interfacing edge 353 defined by the second plate section 313 being disposed at different or dissimilar elevations (h) with reference tothe distal reference plane 1 1 1 The first foot interfacing edge 351 of the first plate section 311 and the second foot interfacing edge 353 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart (h) from the distal reference plane 111.

[0163] In FIG. 1 IE, the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 313 may be described as having the same length and height, but are asymmetric about the transverse axis 103. This configuration enables a secure coupling with two rail sections which have a relative height difference (or relative difference in elevation). Compared to the embodiments of FIG. 8B or FIG. 7B, the plate offset section 331 of the embodiment shown in FIG 1 1E is configured with straight upper edge, instead of a “bow-tie” shape.

[0164] Example XI

[0165] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the fixture 200 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C are respectively a top view and a bottom view of the fixture 200 of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D is a side view of the fixture 200, showing a hook shaped side profile of the fixture 200. FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F are views of opposing faces of the fixture 200. FIG. 12E is a side view (front view) showing the non-clampable face 321 of the fixture 200. FIG. 12F is another side view (back view) showing the clampable face 323 of the fixture 200. FIG. 12G and FIG. 12H are perspective views showing details of the slot surfaces, e.g., the first proximal slot surface 523, the second proximal slot surfaces 525, the first distal slot surface 513, and the second distal slot surface 515, etc.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F, the first plate section 11 and the second plate section 313 are disposed at different elevations (along the transverse axis 103) with reference to the distal reference plane 111 (defined by the distal ledge 510 or by a base surface of the distal ledge 510). The distal slot surface 511 at the first end 501 and the distal slot surface 511 at the second end 503 are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0167] The slot 500 may define a slot axis 113 that passes through a center of the slot opening at the first end 501 and a center of the slot opening at the second end 503. The slot axis 1 13 may be a straight line in some embodiments (e g., FIG. 9D). In the embodiment of FIG. 12D and 12E, the slot axis 113 intersects the first end 501 and the second end 503 at different elevations (113a and 113b) with reference to the distal reference plane 111. The slot 500 at the first end 501 and the slot 500 at the second end 503 are disposed at dissimilartransverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 1 1 1. The body 41 1 of the overhang 400 may correspondingly be configured with asymmetry about the transverse axis 103, as shown in FIG. 12F.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 12E, FIG. 12G, and FIG. 12H, the first distal slot surface 513 and the second distal slot surface 515 may be configured with different dimensions. For example, the thicker end of the first end 501 and the second end 503 may be provided with a smaller distal slot surface 511, relative to the other (thinner) end of the first end 501 and the second end 503. This facilitates a substantially equal distribution of mass or weight

[0169] FIG. 12E shows that, in this embodiment, the first proximal slot surface 523 and the second proximal slot surface 525 are respectively disposed at different elevations relative to the distal reference plane 111, the elevations being measured in a transverse direction or along a transverse axis 103. Alternatively described, the proximal slot surface 521 at the first end 501 and the proximal slot surface 521 at the second end 503 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane 111.

[0170] FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F further show the first head interfacing edge 341 defined by the first plate section 311 and the second head interfacing edge 343 defined by the second plate section 313 being disposed at different or dissimilar elevations with reference to the distal reference plane 111. The first head interfacing edge 341 of the first plate section 311 and the second head interfacing edge 343 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart (h) from the distal reference plane 111.

[0171] FIG. 12E and FIG. 12F further show the first foot interfacing edge 351 defined by the first plate section 311 and the second foot interfacing edge 353 defined by the second plate section 313 being disposed at different or dissimilar elevations (h) with reference to the distal reference plane 111. The first foot interfacing edge 351 of the first plate section 311 and the second foot interfacing edge 353 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart (h) from the distal reference plane 111.

[0172] Similar to the embodiments of FIG. 8B or FIG 7B, the plate offset section 331 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12E is configured with a “bow-tie” shape.

[0173] Example XII

[0174] FIG. 13 A and FIG. 13B are perspective views of the fixture 200 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the non-clampable face 321 and details of the slot 500. FIG. 13C and FIG. 13D are respectively a top view and a bottomview of the fixture 200. FIG. 13E is a side view (front view) of the fixture 200, showing the non-clampable face 321. FIG. 13F is another side view (back view) of the fixture 200, showing the clampable face 323. FIG. 13G and FIG. 13H are side views showing respective side profiles of the fixture 200 as viewed from opposing ends.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 13E, the distal slot surface 511 at the first end 501 and the distal slot surface 511 at the second end 503 are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane 111. Alternatively described, taking reference from the distal reference plane 1 1 1 , the distal ledge 510 defines a distal slot surface 51 1 that is at the same transverse elevation throughout the body length 423 of the overhang 400.

[0176] The proximal slot surface 521 at the first end 501 (first proximal slot surface 523) and the proximal slot surface 521 at the second end 503 (second proximal slot surface 525) are disposed at different elevations (along a transverse axis 103) relative to the distal reference plane 111. The slot opening at the first end 501 and the slot opening at the second end 503 are different in size.

[0177] The first head interfacing edge 341 of the first plate section 31 1 and the second head interfacing edge 343 of the second plate section 313 are disposed at different or dissimilar transverse distances apart (h) from the distal reference plane 111, i.e., the first head interfacing edge 341 and the second head interfacing edge 343 are disposed at different elevations relative to the distal reference plane 111.

[0178] In this embodiment, the first head interfacing edge 341 and the second head interfacing edge 343 are disposed at different elevations relative to the distal slot surface 511, and the first head interfacing edge 341 and the second head interfacing edge 343 are disposed at similar transverse distances apart from the respective first foot interfacing edge 351 and the second foot interfacing edge 353, respectively.

[0179] System

[0180] FIG. 14 shows a front view and a back view of a first fixture 210 according to the embodiment of FIG. 11 A to FIG. 11H FIG. 14 further shows a front view and a back view of a second fixture 220. The first fixture 210 and the second fixture 220 are configured to form a complementary or mirror-image pair. In use, the pair of the fixtures 200 may be positioned on either side of a rail 800.

[0181] An exemplary rail 800 is schematically represented in a perspective view in FIG. 15A solely to aid understanding. The rail 800 may represent a continuous welded rail or aplain rail. The rail 800 includes a head 810 and a foot 830, in which the head 810 and the foot 830 are connected by a web 820. A toe 831 extends from the foot 830. FIG. 15B represents a thermite-welded rail 880. The thermite-welded rail 880 distinguishes from the rail 800 with the thermite-welded joint 881 disposed between two rail sections that were welded together. Similarly, the thermite-welded rail 880 includes the head 810 and the foot 830, in which the head 810 and the foot 830 are connected by the web 820. The toe 831 extends from the foot 830.

[0182] FIG. 15D schematically illustrates an embodiment of the proposed rail clamp system 700 in which the rail 800 is engaged on both sides by a pair of the fixtures 200, with the respective toe 831 of the foot 830 of the rail 800 being received in the respective slot 500 of the pair of fixtures 200. The distal ledge 510 is disposed below the foot 830 of the rail 800. The proximal slot surface 521 may be in contact with the foot 830 of the rail 800.

[0183] Without one or more clamps 600 engaging the fixture 200, the fixture 200 resting on the foot 830 of the rail 800 may be subject to a moment force that tends to rotate the fixture 200 away from the web 820, about a fulcrum 850 at the foot 830. The slot 500 or the distal ledge 510 will interfere with an underside of the foot 830 and prevent further rotation before the fixture 200 topples off the rail 800.

[0184] In assembly, the fixture 200 can be clamped to the rail 800 with the head interfacing edge 340 in abutting engagement with a fishing surface 811 of the head 810 of the rail 800, and with the foot interfacing edge 350 in abutting engagement with the foot 830 of the rail 800.

[0185] FIG. 15D schematically illustrates another embodiment of the proposed rail clamp system 700 in which the thermite-welded rail 880 is engaged on both sides by a pair of the fixtures 200. The engagement between the thermite-welded rail 880 and the pair of the fixtures 200 is similar to that as shown in FIG. 15C. Additionally, the thermite-welded joint 881 is received by the plate offset section 331.

[0186] FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a top view of a rail clamp system 700 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. One rail 800 and a plurality of sleepers 840 are partially shown to avoid obfuscation. The foot 830 of the rail 800 is disposed on and secured to the plurality of sleepers 840, with the head 810 of the rail 800 supported above the foot 830 of the rail 800.

[0187] A defective part of the rail 800 is clamped between a pair of the fixtures 200. The configuration of the fixtures 200 may be selected to enable one of the plate sections 310 (e.g., the first plate section 311) to be secured to the rail 800 proximal to the defect 860, and with the overhang 400 disposed to avoid interference with the sleepers 840.

[0188] FIG. 17 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the rail clamp system 700. The defect 860 in this example is at or near a thermite-welded joint 881. The pair of fixtures 200 may be disposed to position the plate offset section 331 at the thermite-welded joint 881 , e g., the thermite-welded joint 881 of the thermite-welded rail 880 may form a bulging part or a protruding part. A plate offset section 331 of the fixture 200 may receive the thermite-welded joint 881 and the plate sections 310 of the fixtures 200 may engage the thermite-welded rail 880 to either side of the thermite-welded joint 881. A pair of the fixtures 200 may be clamped to the rail 800 by a plurality of clamps 600. The clamps 600 may be distributed longitudinally to engage respective clampable faces 323.

[0189] As shown, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixture 200 may be configured without mirror symmetry about a lateral axis 105. In use, the pair of fixtures 200 are selected and assembled to the rail 800 such that there is mirror symmetry about a longitudinal axis 101 (e.g., defined by the rail 800).

[0190] To further aid understanding, FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of a pair of the fixtures 200 and a rail 800. The rail 800 in this example may be referred to as a continuous welded rail (CWR) or a plain rail 870 in which the rails 800 are joined to form a longer uninterrupted track. Various embodiments of the fixture 200 may be used for CWR.

[0191] FIG. 19A shows an exploded view of a pair of the fixtures 200 and a thermite- welded rail 880 having one or more thermite-welded joints 881. Various embodiments of the fixture 200 having a plate offset section 331 may be used with the thermite-welded rails 880, e.g., by using the plate offset section 331 to receive the thermite- welded joint 881, as illustrated in FIG. 19B.

[0192] FIG. 20 shows the fixture 200 disposed on a plain rail 870 prior to the use of a clamp 600 to clamp the fixture 200 to the rail 800. Advantageously, the fixture 200 can rest (unaided by hand or clamp 600) on the foot 830 of the rail 800 without falling off the rail 800. One single person can rest a fixture 200 on each side of the rail 800 in turn, and then apply a clamp 600 to clamp the fixture 200 to the rail 800.

[0193] Tn the case of conventional fishplates 80 which have been in use for hundreds of years and even to this day, it takes three people to fix a pair of the conventional fishplates 80 to the rail 800 (e g., one person to hold one conventional fishplate 80 to one side of the rail 800, a second person to hold another conventional fishplate 80 to another side of the rail 800, and a third person to apply the clamp 600).

[0194] The plate 300 or one of the plate sections 310 (e.g., one of the first plate section 311 and the second plate section 313) may be placed to overlap a defect 860 in the rail 800.

[0195] FIG. 21 shows the fixture 200 disposed on a thermite-welded rail 800 prior to the use of a clamp 600 to clamp the fixture 200 to the rail 800. Advantageously, the fixture 200 can rest (unaided by hand or clamp 600) on the foot 830 of the rail 800 without falling off the rail 800. One single person can rest a fixture 200 on each side of the rail 800 in turn, and then apply one or more clamps 600 to clamp the fixtures 200 to the rail 800.

[0196] If the defect 860 in the rail 800 is at or near a thermite-weld joint 881, the fixture 200 may be placed with a first plate section 311 and a second plate section 313 flanking the thermite-weld joint 881. That is, the fixture 200 can offer the required structural reinforcement regardless of the location of the defect 860.

[0197] Advantageously, embodiments of the fixture 200 having a plate offset section 331 can be used with any of CWR (plain rails 870) or thermite-welded rails 880. In the case of the latter, the fixture 200 having a plate offset section 331 can be used for a case where the defect 860 is located at a thermite-welded joint 881 or where the defect 860 is located elsewhere other than at a thermite-welded joint 881.

[0198] FIG. 22 illustrates a common situation encountered when two rail sections 800 (801, 803) are braced together using conventional fishplates 80 bolted to the rail sections 800 (801, 803). When the two rail sections 800 (801, 803) are subject to different loads from a train or other rail vehicle moving from a first rail section 801 to a second rail section 803, a relative vertical displacement (transverse deflection) of one of the two rail sections 800 relative to another of the two rail sections 800. The bolted couplings between the conventional fishplates 80 and the rails 800 are not able to prevent this relative displacement. It can be appreciated that the relative vertical deflection will likely lead to greater damage of the rails 800 as the wheels of the train or other rolling stock travel from one rail section 800 to another.

[0199] FIG. 23 A and FIG.23B show the fixture 200 in assembly with two rail sections 800 (801, 803) (with the clamp 600 omitted to avoid obfuscation). As shown by the partial cross-sections, the slot 500 in the overhang 400 limits the extent of any relative vertical (transverse) displacement between the two rail sections 800 (801, 803).

[0200] FIG. 24 illustrates a situation where a new rail section 805 and an old rail section 807 are clamped together by a type of conventional fishplate 80. Typically, the older rail section 807 will have a head 813 that has been partially off such that the head 813 is thinner than the head 815 of a newer rail section 805. Conventionally, the respective tops of the heads of the older rail section 807 and the newer rail section 805 are aligned by clamping the conventional fishplate 80 at an angle or by bolting the conventional fishplate 80 to a higher part of the web 820 of the older rail section 807, as shown in FIG. 24. The bolted coupling between the conventional fishplate 80 and the rail sections 800 are typically not adequate for resisting relative vertical displacements between the rail sections 800 as heavy loads are applied to the tops of the rail sections 800 in turn, e.g., when the train or other rolling stock travels from one rail section 800 to another

[0201] FIG. 25 illustrates an application of the embodiments of the fixture 200 having a relative transverse offset between the first head interfacing edge 341 and the second head interfacing edge 343, e.g., embodiments of the fixture 200 as illustrated in FIG. 11 A to FIG. 13H. As shown by the partial cross-section in FIG. 25, the fixture 200 enables alignment of the respective tops of the heads of the older rail section 807 and the newer rail section 805, and at the same time, the slot 500 in the overhang 400 engages the respective rail sections 890 by the foot 830 and limits the relative vertical (transverse) displacement between the two rail sections 890.

[0202] In other words, when use of the rail 800 or wear results in a track height reduction, the step feature occurs when the ends of an older rail section 807 (or worn track) and a newer rail section 805 (new track) are welded using a thermite-welded j oint 881. The fixture 200 may be used for such step-featured thermite welded rails. The fixture 200 for step-featured thermite welded rail sections shares many structural features with the fixture 200 for height-invariant thermite-welded rail sections. The height difference between the old and new I-shaped rail sections can be taken into consideration by providing step features, e.g., in the plate sections 310 and / or in the overhang 400 or slot 500.

[0203] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 26, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system 700 or a rail clamp system may include the fixture 200 and a monitoring kit 709. The monitoring kit 710 may include an acceleration measurement module 720 configured to be in operable signal communication with a wireless data transmission module 730. In use, the acceleration measurement module 720 may be disposed in a casing 711 (collectively referred to as a “sensor” 710 for the sake of brevity) and the sensor 710 may be coupled to the overhang 400 of the fixture 200.

[0204] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 27, a rail repair and maintenance kit 900 may include a plurality of the fixtures 200 intended for use as pairs, e g., in the form of complementary pairs. The kit 900 may include one or more clamps 600 that may be used to clamp a pair of the fixtures 200 to a rail 800 that requires reinforcement. The kit 900 may alternatively or additionally include a plurality of the fixtures 200 and one or more sensors 710. The one or more sensors 710 may be interchangeably coupled to selected one or more of the fixtures 200. For example, the kit 900 may include a plurality of the fixtures 200 and at least one sensor 710, in which a selected sensor 710 selected from the at least one sensor 710 may be interchangeably coupleable to any one selected fixture 200 selected from the plurality of the fixtures 200. The fixtures 200 may be provided in the form of modular units that permit mix-and-match of various embodiments as described above to suit different rail configurations.

[0205] FIG 28 A shows an embodiment of the fixture 200 coupled with a sensor 710. The overhang 400 provides a more accessible location for placement of the sensor 710. In the example shown, the sensor 710 is attached to the wall 431 of the overhang 400. Advantageously, the sensor 710 is disposed away from the plate 300, leaving the clampable face 323 clear for locating one or more clamps 600.

[0206] FIG. 28B is a partial view of the fixture 200, giving a close-up view of the overhang 400. The overhang 400 may include one or more mounting elements 430 disposed on the body 411 of the overhang 400. In some embodiments, the one or more mounting elements 430 may include a plurality of slidably engageable elements 440. The sensor 710 may be configured to be detachably couplable with at least one of the mounting elements 430.

[0207] In some embodiments, the mounting elements 430 include one or more slidably engageable elements 440. In some embodiments, the one or more slidably engageableelements 440 may include a pair of elements disposed parallel to one another. Tn some embodiments, a slider stop 460 may be provided at a lower end of the one or more slidably engageable elements 440. FIG. 28C shows a sensor 710 in assembly, e.g., with one or more grooved elements 740 complementary engagement with the one or more slidably engageable elements 440.

[0208] For example, the sensor 710 may be quickly and correctly oriented and coupled to the overhang 400 by bringing the grooved elements 740 to slide along a pair of the slidably engageable elements 440. The sensor 710 may be prevented from sliding off the overhang 400 by the slider stop 460.

[0209] Optionally, any one or more of the slidably engageable elements 440 may be provided with a locking mechanism at an upper end of the respective slidably engageable element 440. For example, a through hole may be defined at the upper end of the plurality of slidably engageable element 440. An elastically resilient safety pin 450 may be threaded through the through hole. When assembled, the safety pin 450 prevents the sensor 710 from being released from engagement with the plurality of slidably engageable elements 440. The sensor 710 may be thus prevented from displacing upwards and disengaging from the overhang 400 as a result of vibrations.

[0210] Additional mounting elements may include locking nuts. A combined effect of reverse pressing forces from the mounting surface (the wall 431 of the overhang 400) on the locking nuts and the plurality of slidably engageable elements 440 (mounting ledges) can further secure the attachment of the sensor 710 to the overhang 400.

[0211] FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a casing 711 of the sensor 710, exploded to show a casing base 713 and a cover 715 to form an enclosure for the rest of the sensor 710. The cover 715 may include a connector opening 717 for the Lemo connector to pass through. The casing base 713 may include casing connector elements 719, e.g., bolt holes for bolts 718 to be threaded through and engaged with corresponding threaded holes in the body 411of the overhang 400. The casing 711 may include grooved elements 740 for slidable engagement with the fixture 200. The casing 711 may include a gasket or a rubber seal 716. Tn some examples, the casing 71 1 may be an TP-65 (e g., ingress protection graded dust- tight and impervious to waterjets) graded casing.

[0212] FIG. 29B are images of a circuit board of the acceleration measurement module 720 (also referred to interchangeably as the “measurement module”). The accelerationmeasurement module 720 includes an accelerometer and may be provided with a heavy- duty Lemo connector.

[0213] FIG. 29C are images of a circuit board of the wireless data transmission module 730. The wireless data transmission module 730 may include a 4GLTE module for wireless data transmission. Other wireless communications chips may be used in place of the 4G LTE module. A lithium-ion battery pack may be disposed under the circuit board

[0214] FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B are schematics for a circuit board forming part of the acceleration measurement module 720, disposed in the casing as part of the sensor

[0215] The acceleration measurement module 720 may be physically mounted on the surface of the fixture 200 which in turn may be coupled to permanent way tracks for realtime measurement and monitoring of the status of a clamped rail assembly (i.e., a pair of the fixtures 200 with one or more clamps 600 clamping the pair of the fixtures 200 to one or more rail sections 890).

[0216] The acceleration measurement module 720 may include a pre-programmed or pre-configured purpose-specific function circuit board (also referred to as the “measurement module” for the sake of brevity). The acceleration measurement module may embed a piezoelectric accelerometer to simultaneously measure the tri axial acceleration values of the rail clamp assembly 610. The acquired measurements or signals can be processed to provide a more comprehensive and reliable monitoring of a clamping status of the rail clamp assembly 610. The clamping status includes an indication of whether the clamp is loosened, an indication of whether the clamp is sufficiently tight, an indication of whether the clamp needs re-tightening, etc.

[0217] The proposed rail clamp assembly 610 enables the use of just one sensor 710 with one set of the fixtures 200. For example, the proposed rail clamp assembly 610 may include one pair of the fixtures 200 coupled with four clamps 600 distributed along the respective clampable faces 323 and one sensor 710 coupled to one of the pair of the fixtures 200. This presents a significant cost savings compared to conventional fishplate arrangements which typically require a sensor to be provided at each of the four clamps 600.

[0218] As the circuit board is placed in a casing 71 1 resistant to dust and rainwater, the acceleration measurement module 720 can work under various environments and weather conditions.

[0219] As described above, the casing 711 may include quick-mounting features tofacilitate mounting to the fixture 200 For example, the measurement module may be mounted on the fixture 200 by a slide-in mechanism. In addition, a plug-in connection may be used to link the wireless data transmission module 730to the measurement module.

[0220] The measured and recorded real-time vibration data may be transmitted by a wireless data transmission module 730 to a computing device, e.g., a computing device, including a remote computing device, etc. The data may be processed by the computing device and displayed in mobile phones and / or computer fixtures.

[0221] One application of the monitoring kit 709 includes remote monitoring, preventive maintenance, equipment health monitoring, etc. One exemplary application includes analysis of a state of the loosening of the rail clamp assembly 610 to reduce the number of times the rail maintenance crew is required to tighten the clamps 600. For example, with a clearer picture of the status of the clamping, the rail maintenance crew may choose to tighten the clamps 600 when necessary instead of blindly tightening the clamps 600 at hourly intervals. The rail clamp assembly 610 (includingthe sensor 710 mounted to the fixture 200) enables real-time collection and wireless transmission of data relating to a condition of the rail. The data can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote computing device to enable remote monitoring. It would be possible to reduce the frequency of the maintenance crew getting onto the tracks to inspect and / or tighten the clamps, without increasing the risk of catastrophic track failure. In some embodiments, the sensor 710 is configured to detect an anomaly in the vibration of the rail, in which the anomaly may be indicative of a fault (including, a potential fault) in any one or both of the rail and a rolling stock used on the rail. In some embodiments, the sensor 710 may be configured to raise an alarm or to trigger the maintenance crew to take appropriate corrective or preventive measures.

[0222] FIG. 30C, FIG. 30D, and FIG. 30E are schematics for a circuit board forming part of the wireless data transmission module 730, optionally also disposed in the casing 711.

[0223] The wireless data transmission module 730 is operably connected to the acceleration measurement module. The wireless data transmission module 730 may be configured to transmit the recorded real-time triaxial acceleration values of the rail clamp assembly 610, e.g., locally to the internal memory and / or wirelessly to a cloud server. The wireless data transmission module 730may include a 4G LTE module, a microcontroller, a Lithium-ion battery pack (e.g., with at least seven days of operational battery life), and aheavy-duty cable connector.

[0224] In some examples, raw data from the acceleration measurement module 720 is transmitted in 30-second chunks for the 4G wireless data transmission, which allows the users to retrieve the real-time data from the cloud server immediately. The users can therefore have real-time data to inform a decision on whether there is a need to inspect the loosening conditions of the rail clamp assembly 610 (i.e., in place of periodic physical sighting or in place of blindly periodically tightening the clamps).

[0225] The internal memory may provide automatic and simultaneous backing-up of the acquired and / or transmitted data as part of data security measures.

[0226] In some embodiments, the wireless data transmission module 730 may be physically smaller or integrated with the acceleration measurement module 720 so that the entire monitoring kit 709 may be a more compact and smaller unit detachably couplable to the overhang 400.

[0227] FIG. 31 is an image of a prototype of a rail clamp assembly 610 under testing. FIG. 32 is an image of onsite assembly of the sensor 710 to the rail clamp assembly 610, and more specifically to the overhang 400 of the fixture 200. FIG. 33 is an image of the sensor 710 connected to the wireless data transmission module 730. In this example, the wireless data transmission module 730and the sensor 710are connected by cable. During the tests, the sensor 710 was disposed at the overhang 400 and the wireless data transmission module 730 was disposed away from or spaced apart from the rail 800 (e.g., FIG. 31).

[0228] In some embodiments, the sensor 710 may be slid on the mounting elements 430 and then fixed to the fixture 200 by two locking nuts. The wireless data transmission module 730 may be linked to the acceleration measurement system module 720 by the cable with Lemo-B series end connectors, and the distance between the two modules can be adjusted by altering the cable length. The slide-in and plug-in assembling methods among the modules (e.g., the acceleration measurement module 720 and the wireless data transmission module 730) can significantly reduce the onsite installation time required. Once installed, the sensor 710 can provide a steady real-time monitoring of the rail clamp assembly 610 environment.

[0229] In one aspect, the present application discloses a modular smart universal rail clamp system 700 with an integrated vibration sensor that can be adaptive to any of various types of rails (e.g., train tracks), including but not limited to thermite-welded rails 880 andplain rails 870 (permanent way tracks). The system 700 may be configured to identify or isolate rail defects and provide real-time monitoring of clamped rail assembly clamping conditions on permanent way tracks. Application scenarios of the proposed rail clamp system include the emergency maintenance of defective tracks and the remote real-time monitoring of the vibration status of the rail clamp assembly 610 on permanent way tracks.

[0230] The system 700 integrates the fixture 200, the measurement module 720, and the wireless data transmission module 730, cooperating to enable the smart functionality described herein.

[0231] Features of the proposed system include a modular configuration to enable convenient replacement or interchangeability among various embodiments of each module and / or the fixture 200.

[0232] The fixture 200 is characterized by geometric features conforming to the profiles of thermite-welded rails 880 and plain rails 870 (e.g., CWR), enabling compatibility of the fixture 200 to a broad range of various types of rails.

[0233] The fixture 200 is characterized by a self-support mechanism which eliminates many of the difficulties conventionally associated with installation of conventional fishplates 80 or other rail components. This advantageous characteristic was verified with various prototypes of the fixture 200. The prototypes fabricated were found to be characterized by a line of gravity that intersects the overhang 400. For example, the fixture 200 could “stand” unaided on the ground, resting on the base or base surface of the overhang 400. When the fixture 200 is disposed on a rail 800 with the foot 8 0 of the rail 800 received (at least partially) in the slot 500 of the fixture 200, the fixture 200 could rest on the rail 800 unaided. The center of gravity of the fixture 200 is at a lateral offset relative to the plate 300, e.g., as compared to a conventional fishplate 80. Advantageously, it was found that only one person was required to assemble a pair of the fixtures 200 to a rail 800 and to clamp the pair of fixtures 200 to the rail 800.

[0234] The detection method of using one embedded accelerometer disposed at the overhang 400 to measure and evaluate the rail assembly clamping status is surprisingly more reliable than having a plurality of force sensors attached to each of multiple clamps

[0235] The wireless data transmission pattern of the wireless data transmission module 730 may be configured to enable the clamping status monitoring and to address errorsassociated with human recording and difficulties in detecting the location where the rail 80 requires attention form the rail maintenance crew.

[0236] The electrical components may be powered by batteries. In some examples, batteries that can last seven days per charge were used. It was determined experimentally that this battery power pattern suffices to make the sensor more portable and less dependent on the availability of power sockets

[0237] Other useful benefits of the proposed fixture 200 and rail clamp system 700 are described below. The rail clamp system 700 integrates three linearly connected component modules: the fixture 200 (also referred to as the universal rail clamp fixture), the measurement module (e g., acceleration measurement system module), and the wireless data transmission module 730. The rail clamp system 700 is configured to employ integrated vibration detection and data transmission technologies to measure and transfer the acceleration signals of the rail clamp assembly 610. The rail clamp system 700 enables analysis and monitoring the real-time security of major train lines.

[0238] The rail clamp system 700 can quickly return a defective track to a normal working state by enabling quick installation and effective isolation of the defect 860. The fixture 200 is adaptive to the thermite-welded rails 880 and plain rails 870 and can be used for isolating rail defects 860 promptly and efficiently. The fixture 200 includes curved surfaces and flat surfaces and are compatible or conformable to both thermite-welded and plain track profiles.

[0239] The overhang 400 enables a self-support mechanism enabling the fixture 200 to self-sit on the rail 800 during installation. The overhang 400 can also restrict vertical track deformation (deformation of the rail in a vertical direction) from wheels when trains pass over the rail 800.

[0240] The fixture 200 has a wide range of possible applications beyond use with fractured rails. For instance, the fixture 200 can also be used to secure the rail track by isolating visible minor defects like cracks and wearable surfaces.

[0241] The fixture 200 can be employed in the emergency maintenance of a defective track by isolating rail defects quickly. The integrated vibration detection and wireless data transmission technology then enable the function of real-time monitoring of the rail clamp assembly clamping status on the defect-isolated permanent way track.

[0242] The multi-functional fixture 200 can be useful for enhancing track transportationoperation, maintenance, and inspection. The fixture 200 also has the potential to be applied to non-defective tracks. For example, a plurality of the proposed fixture 200 may be installed at equidistant intervals along a non-defective track and used for instantaneous or real-time monitoring the working state of the entire main (train) line instantly.

[0243] The proposed system 700 may be described as a smart universal rail clamp fixture 200 with integrated vibration sensing for real-time monitoring of clamped rail assembly condition on permanent way tracks. The proposed system 700 enables improvement in the anti-accident capability of track transportation in the several aspects described above, not the least of which is the real and immediate benefit from a rapid and handy renormalization of defective tracks and the advanced real-time monitoring. The proposed system 700 has a wide range of applications. For example, the system 700 would be useful for detecting a defective wheel of a rolling stock. When a train with a defective wheel passes over the proposed rail clamp assembly, the output signal of the sensor will include an anomaly. The abnormal output signal of the sensor 710 can be used to alert the maintenance crew or to set off an alert or alarm.

[0244] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a fixture includes a plate and an overhang. The overhang rigidly extends from the plate. The overhang defines a slot beyond the plate.

[0245] The plate may define a head interfacing edge and a foot interfacing edge, each of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis, in which the overhang extends from the foot interfacing edge and disposes the slot parallel to and spaced apart from the foot interfacing edge.

[0246] The overhang may include a proximal slot surface and a distal slot surface, in which the proximal slot surface and the distal slot are spaced apart and define the slot therebetween.

[0247] The fixture may be characterized by a line of gravity that intersects the overhang.

[0248] The fixture may be characterized by a center of gravity that is laterally offset relative to the plate.

[0249] The plate may include a first plate section, a second plate section, and a plate offset section between the first plate section and the second plate section. The first plate section may define a first non-clampable face and a first clampable face disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge. The second platesection may define a second non-clampable face and a second clampable face disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge. The plate offset section may define an offset non-clampable face that is laterally offset relative to the first non-clampable face and the second non-clampable face.

[0250] The non-clampable face of the plate offset section may define a concave region.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first plate section and the second plate section may be of similar lengths along the longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the first plate section and the second plate section may be of dissimilar lengths along the longitudinal axis.

[0252] The overhang may include a distal ledge in which the distal slot surface is disposed on the distal ledge, and in which the distal ledge further defines a distal reference plane.

[0253] The overhang may include a body extending longitudinally for a body length between a first end and a second end, in which the slot extends longitudinally through the length of the body and forms a contiguous opening along three sides of the body, the three sides of the body including the first end and the second end.

[0254] In some embodiments, the slot at the first end and the slot at the second end may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane. In other embodiments, the slot at the first end and the slot at the second end may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

[0255] In some embodiments, the proximal slot surface at the first end and the proximal slot surface at the second end may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane. In other embodiments, the proximal slot surface at the first end and the proximal slot surface at the second end may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

[0256] In some embodiments, the distal slot surface at the first end and the distal slot surface at the second end may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane. In other embodiments, the distal slot surface at the first end and the distal slot surface at the second end may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

[0257] In some embodiments, the head interfacing edge of the first plate section and head interfacing edge of the second plate section may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane. In other embodiments, the head interfacing edge of thefirst plate section and head interfacing edge of the second plate section may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

[0258] In some embodiments, the foot interfacing edge of the first plate section and foot interfacing edge of the second plate section may be disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane. In other embodiments, the foot interfacing edge of the first plate section and foot interfacing edge of the second plate section may be disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

[0259] The distal ledge at the first end and the distal ledge at the second end may have different thicknesses.

[0260] The concave section may be aligned with the overhang along a transversely- oriented axis.

[0261] The concave section may be longitudinally displaced relative to the overhang.

[0262] In some embodiments, the body length and a total length of the plate along the longitudinal axis may be of a same length. In other embodiments, the body length may be shorter than the total length of the plate along the longitudinal axis.

[0263] The fixture may include a plurality of the overhang.

[0264] The overhang may include one or more mounting elements disposed at the body.

[0265] The one or more mounting elements may include a plurality of slidably engageable elements.

[0266] The fixture may further include a monitoring kit in which the monitoring kit is detachably couplable with at least one of the mounting elements.

[0267] In another aspect, a rail clamp system includes a pair of the fixtures and a clamp, in which the clamp is engageable with the respective clampable face of the pair of the fixtures.

[0268] The rail clamp system may include the pair of the fixtures being disposed unaided on a rail, in which the respective proximal slot surface of each of the pair of the fixtures is disposed on a foot of the rail to form a respective fulcrum.

[0269] The rail may include a head, the foot, and a web connecting the head and the foot, in which the respective head interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the head, the respective foot interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the foot of the rail, and in which the foot is at least partially receiving by the respective slot.

[0270] The clamp may be in a clamping engagement with the respective clampable face of the pair of the fixtures.

[0271] The rail clamp system may further include a sensor coupled to the respective overhang of at least one of the pair of the fixtures, in which the sensor is configured to sense vibration of the rail. The sensor may be configured to detect an anomaly in the vibration of the rail, in which the anomaly may be indicative of a fault in any one or both of the rail and a rolling stock used on the rail.

[0272] The rail clamp system in the clamping engagement across a first rail and a second rail, in which a respective foot of the first rail and the second rail is at least partially received in the respective slot of the pair of the fixtures, and in which a respective top of a head of the first rail and the second rail is aligned with one another, the respective head interfacing edge of the pair of fixtures being in abutting engagement with both of the first rail and the second rail.

[0273] A kit includes a plurality of the fixtures and at least one sensor, in which a selected sensor selected from the at least one sensor is interchangeably coupleable to any one selected fixture selected from the plurality of the fixtures.

[0274] All examples described herein, whether of apparatus, methods, materials, or products, are presented for the purpose of illustration and to aid understanding, and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive. Modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fixture comprising: a plate; and an overhang, the overhang rigidly extending from the plate, wherein the overhang defines a slot beyond the plate.

2. The fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the plate defines a head interfacing edge and a foot interfacing edge, each of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge extending parallel to a longitudinal axis, and wherein the overhang extends from the foot interfacing edge and disposes the slot parallel to and spaced apart from the foot interfacing edge.

3. The fixture as recited in claim 2, wherein the overhang comprises: a proximal slot surface; and a distal slot surface, the proximal slot surface and the distal slot being spaced apart and defining the slot therebetween.

4. The fixture as recited in claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixture is characterized by a line of gravity that intersects the overhang.

5. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fixture is characterized by a center of gravity that is laterally offset relative to the plate.

6. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the plate comprises: a first plate section, the first plate section defining a first non-clampable face and a first clampable face disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge; a second plate section, the second plate section defining a second non-clampable face and a second clampable face disposed on opposing sides of the head interfacing edge and the foot interfacing edge; and a plate offset section between the first plate section and the second plate section, theplate offset section defining an offset non-clampable face that is laterally offset relative to the first non-clampable face and the second non-clampable face.

7. The fixture as recited in claim 6, wherein the non-clampable face of the plate offset section defines a concave region.

8. The fixture as recited in claim 6 or 7, wherein the first plate section and the second plate section are of similar lengths along the longitudinal axis.

9. The fixture as recited in claim 6 or 7, wherein the first plate section and the second plate section are of dissimilar lengths along the longitudinal axis.

10. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the overhang comprises a distal ledge, the distal slot surface being disposed on the distal ledge, the distal ledge further defining a distal reference plane.

11. The fixture as recited in claim 10, wherein the overhang comprises a body extending longitudinally for a body length between a first end and a second end, and wherein the slot extends longitudinally through the length of the body and forms a contiguous opening along three sides of the body, the three sides of the body including the first end and the second end.

12. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the slot at the first end and the slot at the second end are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane.

13. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the slot at the first end and the slot at the second end are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

14. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the proximal slot surface at the first end and the proximal slot surface at the second end are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane.

15. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the proximal slot surface at the first end and the proximal slot surface at the second end are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

16. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the distal slot surface at the first end and the distal slot surface at the second end are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane.

17. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the distal slot surface at the first end and the distal slot surface at the second end are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

18. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the head interfacing edge of the first plate section and head interfacing edge of the second plate section are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane.

19. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the head interfacing edge of the first plate section and head interfacing edge of the second plate section are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

20. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the foot interfacing edge of the first plate section and foot interfacing edge of the second plate section are disposed at a similar transverse distance apart from the distal reference plane.

21. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the foot interfacing edge of the first plate section and foot interfacing edge of the second plate section are disposed at dissimilar transverse distances apart from the distal reference plane.

22. The fixture as recited in claim 11, wherein the distal ledge at the first end and the distal ledge at the second end have different thicknesses.

23. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 1 1 to 22, wherein the concave section is aligned with the overhang along a transversely-oriented axis.

24. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the concave section is longitudinally displaced relative to the overhang.

25. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the body length and a total length of the plate along the longitudinal axis are of a same length.

26. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the body length is shorter than the total length of the plate along the longitudinal axis.

27. The fixture as recited in claim 26, wherein the fixture comprises a plurality of the overhang.

28. The fixture as recited in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the overhang comprises one or more mounting elements disposed at the body.

29. The fixture as recited in claim 28, wherein the one or more mounting elements comprise a plurality of slidably engageable elements.

30. The fixture as recited in claim 28 or 29, further comprising a sensor, the sensor being detachably couplable with at least one of the mounting elements.

31. A rail clamp system comprising: a pair of the fixtures as recited in any one of claims 1 to 30; and a clamp, the clamp being engageable with the respective clampable face of the pair of the fixtures.

32. The rail clamp system as recited in claim 31, the pair of the fixtures being disposed unaided on a rail, wherein the respective proximal slot surface of each of the pair of the fixtures is disposed on a foot of the rail to form a respective fulcrum.

33. The rail clamp system as recited in claim 31, the rail having a head, a foot, and a web connecting the head and the foot, wherein the respective head interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the head, the respective foot interfacing edge is in abutting engagement with the foot of the rail, and wherein the foot is at least partially receiving by the respective slot.

34. The rail clamp system as recited in claim 33, wherein the clamp is in a clamping engagement with the respective clampable face of the pair of the fixtures.

35. The rail clamp system as recited in any one of claims 31 to 34, further comprising a sensor coupled to the respective overhang of at least one of the pair of the fixtures, the sensor being configured to sense a vibration of the rail.

36. The rail clamp system as recited in claim 35, wherein the sensor is configured to detect an anomaly in the vibration of the rail, the anomaly being indicative of a fault in any one or both of the rail and a rolling stock used on the rail.

37. The rail clamp system as recited in claim 31 in a clamping engagement across a first rail and a second rail, a respective foot of the first rail and the second rail being at least partially received in the respective slot of the pair of the fixtures, and wherein a respective top of a head of the first rail and the second rail being aligned with one another, the respective head interfacing edge of the pair of fixtures being in abutting engagement with both of the first rail and the second rail.

38. A kit comprising: a plurality of the fixtures as recited in any one of claims 1 to 30; and at least one sensor, a selected sensor selected from the at least one sensor being interchangeably coupleable to any one selected fixture selected from the plurality of the fixtures.

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