Railway Catenary Clamp with Rotational Joint and Elastic Pivots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for suspending rigid catenary profiles in railway transport are cumbersome and time-consuming to install, particularly in tunnel environments where conventional catenary cables cannot be used due to reduced tunnel gauges.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a body and clamp linked by a screw connection, featuring sliding pivots to absorb profile expansion and prevent friction, and a prismatic linkage between profiles to securely attach to a bracket with a single bolt, allowing for easier positioning and increased frictional contact for reduced sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp assembly with multiple fasteners and drill holes is used to secure the bracket, then the bracket can be firmly attached, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated clamp assembly. The clamp body incorporates both the bracket-holding function and the catenary profile suspension function, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing the number of assembly steps while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously secures the bracket to the tunnel ceiling and suspends the rigid catenary profile section. The single clamp structure performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate components, thereby reducing installation time without compromising attachment reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fasteners and adjustment mechanisms are used to allow variable positioning, then the clamp can be precisely adjusted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a rotational joint that allows the clamp body to rotate relative to the clamp base, enabling variable positioning of the catenary profile along the bracket. This dynamic adjustment mechanism provides positioning flexibility through a simple rotational movement rather than complex multi-component adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into two main segments: the clamp base that secures the bracket and the clamp body that suspends the catenary profile. These segments are connected by a rotational joint, allowing independent positioning of each segment while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If sliding pivots are added to the groove to prevent friction and absorb expansion, then the catenary profile can move freely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding pivots are made of elastic material that forms a flexible element within the groove. This elastic component allows the rigid catenary profile to move smoothly while absorbing thermal expansion, providing the necessary flexibility without requiring complex mechanical guides or multiple adjustment mechanisms.
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 clamp assembly simplifies installation by allowing variable positioning and secure attachment with minimal fastening, reducing installation time and ensuring stable suspension of rigid catenary profiles.
Implementation Method 1
sliding pivots, made of an elastic material, arranged inside the groove (33), to absorb any eventual expansion of the rigid catenary profile
Implementation Method 2
a clamp (10) for fixing said clamp assembly (1) to a bracket (2), said clamp (10) being linked to said body (4) by means of a screw connection (28) that allows rotation between both parts
Implementation Method 3
attachment means (19) adapted so as to press said first profile (11) and said second profile (12) against said bracket (2). The attachment means (19) comprise a first bolt (19) and a first nut (20), wherein the first bolt (19) is arranged through said second ends (15, 16) to exert jointly with the first nut (20) a force tending to bring said second ends (15, 16) together
Implementation Method 4
The first end (13) of the first profile (11) is flat and the first end (14) of the second profile (12) has a U-shaped groove to slidably house the first end (13) of the first profile (11), defining a prismatic pair that allows parallel displacement only
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Clamp (10) for suspending a rigid catenary profile section (3) from a bracket (2) in railway transport, wherein the clamp has a simplified structure requiring less time for its assembly. The clamp (10) comprises a first profile (11) and a second profile (12), both profiles (11, 12) being provided with respective first ends (13, 14) and respective second ends (15, 16) as well as respective central sections (17, 18) whose shape is adapted so as to press and embrace the bracket (2), and said profiles (11, 12) being linked to each other by their first ends (13,14), wherein the second ends (15, 16) incorporate connecting means to press the profiles (11, 12) against the bracket (2).