Autorack Car Door Impact Protectors with Beaded Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo protection devices for autorack railway cars are often time-consuming and expensive to install, and they fail to protect all areas, leaving structures like posts and sidewalls exposed, which can cause damage to automobiles during transport.
Innovation Solution
The development of removably installable protectors and protector systems for autorack railway cars, which include mounts and mounting hardware to secure the protectors in place, allowing for easy adjustment and positioning over the car's structures. These protectors are constructed from non-abrading materials like plastic and are designed to be resilient to absorb impact without damaging the automobiles or the car's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior protection devices are installed on autorack railway cars, then some protection is provided against door contact, but installation is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is divided into multiple sections that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each section can be independently installed on the autorack structure, allowing for faster and more flexible installation compared to single-piece protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protector incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically positioned to match different door profiles and contact points. This adaptability allows the same protection system to be quickly reconfigured for different vehicle types without requiring complete replacement.
2Reliability
If prior protection devices are installed on autorack railway cars, then some areas are protected, but many structures remain exposed including posts and sidewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is designed as a universal system that can protect multiple different structures (posts, sidewalls, corners) with a single device type. The adjustable configuration allows the same basic protector design to accommodate various autorack structures, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system applies different protective features to different locations on the autorack structure. Each section of the protector can be positioned and configured to address specific local protection needs, such as corner posts versus sidewall areas, ensuring complete coverage with optimized protection at each location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If general placement protection devices are used to accommodate multiple door profiles, then some coverage is provided, but outermost contact points remain unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The protector includes adjustable elements that can be dynamically repositioned to match the specific door profile being transported. This allows the protection system to adapt to different door geometries and swing radii, ensuring that outermost contact points are always covered regardless of vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection system allows for changing key parameters such as protector position, angle, and extension length to match different door profiles. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains effective protection at the outermost contact points across various vehicle types without sacrificing adaptability.
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 provides effective protection for automobiles from damage caused by contact with autorack structures, while also being easy to install and remove, thus minimizing delays and costs. The protectors are designed to last for at least 10 years and are environmentally friendly, with the option for recycling and minimal environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The protectors are constructed from non-abrading materials like plastic and are designed to be resilient to absorb impact without damaging the automobiles or the car's structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Protective devices, methods and systems for installation on a railway car interior, such as an autorack car designed to transport automobiles. The protector covers structures of the railway car that could potentially damage the automobiles being transported. The protectors may be provided in different lengths to provide a suitable span of coverage of a railway interior structure. The protector has a body with a beaded segment that provides a protective barrier between the automobile, such as its door, and the railway post or other structure. The protectors can be mounted with fasteners or may include integral fastening elements for self-mounting to the railcar. The protector may be formed by assembling together a plurality of sections to provide a protector having a desired length for the installation location. Self-connecting features may be provided on the protector sections for assembly of the protector sections without the need for tools or other equipment.