Angle Guide Plate Rib-Groove Adjustment for Rail Gauge Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fastening systems for railway vehicles require material- and labor-intensive modifications to adapt to different track gauges, which weaken the sleeper's cross-section and complicate tamping processes, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An angle guide plate with a rib that slides in a groove on the sleeper, allowing adjustment perpendicular to the rail's longitudinal direction, without requiring additional sleeper modifications, using a two-part design with positive locking elements and a tension spring for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the angle guide plate is positioned in a recessed area of the sleeper to allow support by the sleeper's shoulder, then the angle guide plate can be supported and guided, but the sleeper's cross-section is weakened and tamping becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional support surface contact to a three-dimensional groove-rib engagement. The rib protruding from the angle guide plate fits into a groove formed in the sleeper, creating a volumetric interlocking mechanism that provides support and guidance without requiring recessed areas that weaken the sleeper structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib-groove interface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the angle guide plate and the sleeper. Instead of directly positioning the angle guide plate in a recessed area, the rib serves as a mediating element that engages with the groove to provide the necessary support and lateral guidance while preserving the sleeper's structural integrity.
2Strength
If the sleeper is made higher in the rail bearing area to avoid recessed areas, then sleeper integrity is maintained, but labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the support function into two distinct components: the groove formed in the sleeper and the rib on the angle guide plate. This segmentation allows the sleeper to maintain its standard height and structural integrity while the adjustment mechanism is provided by the rib-groove engagement, avoiding the need for additional material or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib-groove mechanism is self-contained and self-adjusting. The rib can slide within the groove to accommodate different track gauges without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or additional sleeper modifications. This self-service capability eliminates the need for increased sleeper height or complex manufacturing processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the angle guide plate is made adjustable for different track gauges using traditional methods, then adaptability is achieved, but material and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability through the rib-groove sliding mechanism. The rib can move longitudinally within the groove to accommodate different track gauges, transforming the previously static angle guide plate into a dynamically adjustable component. This simple mechanical movement provides adaptability without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter change (track gauge adjustment) through the longitudinal movement of the rib within the groove. By changing the position of the rib along the groove, the effective position of the angle guide plate relative to the sleeper is adjusted, thereby adapting to different track gauges without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple components.
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
Enables adaptation to different track gauges with minimal material and labor, maintaining sleeper integrity and simplifying tamping, while reducing production costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a rib (15) which can be slidably received in a groove (16) formed in the threshold
Implementation Method 2
a tension spring (6), usually referred to as a clamp, and a suitable clamping element or hold-down device to tension the spring element
Implementation Method 3
a tension spring (6), usually referred to as a clamp, and a suitable clamping element or hold-down device to tension the spring element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7
AI summary
An angled guide plate for fastening rails for rail vehicles to a tie using a tension spring (6) that can be supported on the angled guide plate (4) comprises at least one support face, in particular a support shoulder (9), formed on a top side of the angled guide plate (4), for supporting the tension spring (6), a rail-side contact face (5) for a rail foot (3) of the rail (2), and an underside (19), on the opposite side from the top side, for supporting the angled guide plate (4) on the tie. Formed on the underside (19) is a rib (15) which can be received movably in a groove (16) formed in the tie, wherein a guide face extending at an acute angle to the rail-side contact face is provided such that, as a result of the rib (15) moving in the groove (16), an adjustment of the rail-side contact face (5) with a direction component extending perpendicularly to the contact face (5) can be effected.