Adjustable Railway Signal Mount for Track Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railroad wayside signal cantilevers and bridges face challenges in accommodating varying track center distances due to environmental and space restrictions, leading to instability and potential confusion for train operators regarding signal alignment with tracks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable mounts on cantilever and bridge structures allows for lateral adjustment of light signals along the length of the cantilever arm or bridge, enabling precise positioning of signals relative to actual track centers, using a combination of fixed and adjustable mounts with flexible mounting tracks and protective features like adjustable handrails and toe boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounts are used on cantilever and bridge structures, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the structure cannot accommodate varying track center distances leading to misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mounting system adjustable rather than fixed. The signal mounting apparatus includes adjustable mounts that can be repositioned along the cantilever arm or bridge structure, allowing the system to adapt to different track center distances while maintaining proper signal alignment with each track
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the mounting position parameter to be varied. The adjustable mounts can be positioned at different locations along the cantilever or bridge, changing the lateral distance parameter to match varying track center distances, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing simplicity and adaptability requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounts are implemented, then adaptability to varying track layouts is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into modular components. The adjustable mounts are separate, discrete units that can be independently positioned and secured at different locations along the cantilever or bridge, simplifying the overall complexity through modularity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through a standardized adjustable mounting apparatus that can be used across multiple locations with different track configurations. The same basic mounting mechanism serves multiple functions by adjusting to various track center distances, reducing the need for multiple specialized fixed mounting designs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If signals are positioned far from track centers, then lateral clearance restrictions are satisfied, but signal alignment with tracks becomes ambiguous causing operator confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the signal position adjustable rather than fixed at a standard distance. The mounting apparatus allows signals to be positioned at optimal lateral distances that satisfy clearance requirements while maintaining clear alignment with the associated tracks, resolving the contradiction between clearance constraints and alignment clarity
Data Source
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AI summary
An adjustable mount for a light signal assembly may comprise a fixture and a mounting track. The fixture may be configured to be attached to the light signal assembly. The mounting track may be configured to allow the fixture to be adjustably positioned in a direction substantially parallel to a length of a cantilever or bridge and mounted to the mounting track.