Adjustable Leaf Spring Switch Rail Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional switch rail support systems require high actuating forces, frequent lubrication, and complex assembly, especially in high-speed applications, due to varying dimensions and frictional challenges, leading to increased maintenance efforts and logistical complexities.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable leaf spring is integrated into a guide body attached to the stock rail, allowing for simplified tongue bearing and reduced rolling friction, which lowers actuating forces and eliminates the need for regular lubrication, with adjustable features like keyways and screw connections for secure positioning and easy adaptation to different geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If slidingly mounted rail tongues are used, then the switch can be adjusted, but considerable actuating forces occur and regular lubrication is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch adjustmentVSAvoidactuating force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sliding mechanical system with a rolling bearing system. The rolling element (wheel) mounted on the switch rail replaces the sliding contact with the slide chair, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This substitution dramatically reduces the actuating force required for switch adjustment while eliminating the need for regular lubrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If rolling bearings are used, then actuating forces are reduced, but special design measures are required to withstand high loads during rail vehicle passage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuating forceVSAvoidload bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic design where the rolling element is spring-loaded against the switch rail. During normal operation, the spring maintains constant contact force for smooth rolling. During high-load passage of rail vehicles, the switch rail deflects elastically, allowing the rolling element to lose contact temporarily and transfer loads to the slide chair through the spring mechanism, thus protecting the rolling element from excessive loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring acts as an intermediary element between the rolling element and the switch rail. It transmits the load from the rolling element to the switch rail during normal operation, and during high-load events, it allows the rolling element to disengage and transfer the load to the slide chair, protecting the rolling element from damaging forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the switch rail is mounted at several points, then support is provided, but different bearing types are required necessitating complicated storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidbearing configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal bearing arrangement where the same type of rolling element and slide chair combination can be used at multiple positions along the switch rail. The spring-loaded rolling element mechanism provides consistent performance across different locations, eliminating the need for different bearing types at different positions and simplifying storage and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly reduces actuating forces, minimizes maintenance, and allows for universal applicability, simplifying production and storage by maintaining constant mechanical properties and enabling precise adjustment, thus reducing wear and tear on components.

Implementation Method 1

a leaf spring (8) which is pretensioned to the switch rail (11) and on which the switch rail (11) is displaceably arranged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Due to the lower rolling friction over the entire stroke, the required actuating force is considerably lower than with conventional bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11236470B2Device for supporting a switch rail

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 WIELAND AUSTRIA GES M B H

AI summary

The invention relates to supporting a switch rail of a switch having a projecting leaf spring which can be pretensioned to the switch rail and on which the switch rail is displaceably arranged. Low friction and easy adaptation to the mounting position is possible in that the leaf spring is adjustably arranged in its longitudinal direction in a guide body which can be fastened to the stock rail.