Self-Propelled Ballast Cribber with Rail Clamp for Tie Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchor cribbing machines require the removal of rail and operation of a specialized ballast cribber to prepare railway for anchor application, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and still necessitate a ballast cribber for removing ballast even when anchors can be applied without rail removal.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled ballast cribbing machine with movable ballast cribbing assemblies and rail clamp assemblies that allows for the removal of ballast from under the rail without repositioning the machine, enabling anchor application directly next to the tie without additional tools or machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized ballast cribber is used to remove ballast from around the railroad tie, then the anchor application can be enabled, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ballast cribbing function and rail clamping function into a single integrated machine. The ballast cribber includes both a ballast removal mechanism and a rail clamp assembly that works together as one system, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs multiple functions: it removes ballast from around the tie, clamps the rail to prevent displacement, and prepares the area for anchor application. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and reduces the overall time required for the complete operation.
2Ease of operation
If the rail is removed to enable anchor application, then the anchor can be applied directly to the tie, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ballast removal function from the rail removal process. Instead of requiring complete rail removal, the machine selectively removes only the ballast around the tie while the rail remains in place, simplified by the integrated clamping mechanism that holds the rail steady during the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail clamp assembly is engaged before ballast removal to pre-position and secure the rail. This preliminary action prevents the rail from moving during the ballast removal process, eliminating the need for complex rail removal and reinstallation operations.
3Productivity
If the ballast cribber is positioned close to the tie edge, then more ballast can be removed, but the machine may engage the rail or ballast with sufficient force to drive it away from the rail
Solution Approach 1:
The rail clamp assembly is engaged before the ballast cribbing operation to apply a counteracting force that prevents the machine from being driven off the rail. This preliminary protective action allows the cribber to operate close to the tie edge with high productivity while maintaining position stability through the clamping force.
4Ease of operation
If multiple separate machines are used for ballast removal and anchor application, then each function can be optimized, but the overall process requires more equipment and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ballast cribbing function and rail clamping function into a single integrated machine. The ballast cribber includes both a ballast removal mechanism and a rail clamp assembly that works together as one system, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing operational time.
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
Facilitates efficient and labor-saving removal of ballast from under railroad ties, allowing for direct anchor application without rail removal, reducing operational time and equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a piston that is selectively extendible and retractable from a cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The clamp is coupled to a piston that is extendible and retractable relative to a cylinder for driving the rail clamp assembly into and out of engagement with the rail
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor cribbing machine includes a pair of ballast cribbing assemblies and a pair of rail clamp assemblies. The ballast cribbing assemblies are hydraulically-driven to push ballast away from the opposing sides of a railroad tie so that an anchor may be applied to the rail at the tie location. The ballast cribbing assemblies include support beams that are movable longitudinally relative to the rails and rotatable between an operative and a stowed position. The rail clamp assemblies are configured to engage the rail to prevent the machine from being driven off the rails in operation.