Adjustable Rail Fastening Assembly With Segmented Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rail fastening assemblies for crane railways face issues with cyclic loads on ground anchor bolts leading to loosening, require frequent re-tightening, and necessitate complex shim shapes that are costly and difficult to manufacture on-site, while also experiencing sagging due to geologically unstable foundations.
Innovation Solution
A rail fastening assembly with separate fastening means for ground anchoring, platen assembly, and rail securing, allowing for independent adjustment and securement functions, including oblong holes for lateral adjustment and resilient materials for load distribution, reducing the need for frequent bolt unscrewing and enabling easier re-levelling with flat shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ground anchor bolts are used to secure the lower platen to ground, then the platen is firmly anchored, but the bolts experience cyclic loads leading to loosening and require frequent re-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient element is introduced as an intermediary between the lower platen and the ground anchor bolts. This resilient element absorbs cyclic loads and prevents direct force transmission to the bolts, eliminating the loosening problem while maintaining firm anchoring. The mediator converts harmful cyclic forces into manageable deformations within the resilient material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex shaped shims are used for re-levelling the rail, then height adjustment is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and on-site fabrication becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment function is segmented from the rail fastening system. Instead of requiring complex shims with specific shapes, the system uses simple, standardized shim components that can be manufactured independently. The adjustment mechanism is divided into discrete, interchangeable elements that achieve the same re-levelling function with much simpler geometry.
3Ease of operation
If projections and grooves are provided for auto-centring platens, then alignment is facilitated, but lateral forces are transmitted to ground anchors causing cyclic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element serves as a mediator between the platen alignment mechanism and the ground anchors. It allows the projections and grooves to perform their auto-centring function while absorbing the resulting lateral forces before they can transmit cyclic loads to the anchors. The mediator decouples the alignment function from the anchoring function.
4Device complexity
If ground anchor bolts are used for both anchoring and platen assembly, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment operations require unscrewing anchors increasing maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: ground anchoring is separated from platen assembly. Different fastening means are used for each function, allowing independent adjustment of platens without affecting the ground anchors. This segmentation increases initial device complexity but dramatically reduces maintenance time by enabling isolated adjustment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly (10) for fastening a railway rail (1), comprising a lower platen (11) provided with through holes (111) for anchoring the lower platen to ground (40) by means of anchoring means (15), an upper platen (12) superposable on the lower platen for supporting the rail (1), and a pair of rail fastening clips (142) for fastening the rail to the upper platen (12). The lower and upper platens comprise a pair of corresponding first holes (112, 121) distinct from the through holes (111), for removably securing the upper platen (12) to the lower platen (11) by first fastening means (16) independent of the ground anchoring means (15). The upper platen (12) and the rail fastening clips (142) comprise a pair of corresponding second holes (122, 144) distinct from the first holes and from the through holes, for securing the rail fastening clips (142) to the upper platen (12) by means of second independent fastening means (17). The first holes (121) of the upper platen (12) have oblong shape with a longer axis oriented transverse to the rail (1) so as to allow for lateral adjustment of the upper platen (12) relative to the lower platen (11).