Portable Derailing Device With Angled Deflecting Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle derailing devices are limited to derailing vehicles traveling at low speeds, which restricts efficiency in cargo and passenger transportation and are not portable enough to be effectively deployed in high-speed environments, as they may be dislodged by faster vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A portable derailing device with a derail block and multiple clamping mechanisms, where the derail block is angled at less than or equal to 13 degrees and the device is at least 53 cm long, allowing it to deflect wheels from tracks at higher speeds while maintaining portability and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the derailing device size is increased to handle higher speeds, then the maximum derailing speed increases, but device portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the derailing device, specifically using a shallower angle (less than or equal to 13 degrees) for the wheel deflecting surface and increasing the length (greater than or equal to 53 cm). These parameter changes allow the device to effectively derail vehicles traveling at higher speeds (over 24 km/h) without requiring a proportional increase in overall device size, thus maintaining portability while achieving the speed handling capability.
2Speed
If the derailing device is made larger to increase speed capability, then the maximum speed handling improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves higher speed capability through optimized geometric parameters (angle ≤ 13 degrees, length ≥ 53 cm) rather than through structural complexity. The device maintains a relatively simple structure with a single derail block and clamping mechanisms, avoiding the need for multiple components or complex mechanisms that would otherwise be required to handle higher speeds.
3Speed
If a steeper angle is used on the derail block, then the device size can be reduced, but the maximum derailing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly inverts the conventional approach by using a shallower angle (≤ 13 degrees) rather than a steeper angle. This counterintuitive parameter change, combined with increased length (≥ 53 cm), allows the device to achieve higher speed capability. The shallower angle provides a more gradual deflection that can effectively redirect wheels at higher speeds without requiring excessive force or device mass.
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 the derailment of vehicles traveling at higher speeds, such as over 24 km/h, while maintaining portability and preventing damage to the device, thus enhancing transportation efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents by allowing faster and more efficient movement of cargo and passengers.
Implementation Method 1
The wheel deflecting surface is arranged at an angle with regard to a longitudinal axis of a track and is configured to deflect a wheel of a vehicle away from and off the track
Implementation Method 2
The at least three clamping mechanisms are positioned along the derail block and configured to engage with a rail of the track
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods for derailing a vehicle from a track are provided. In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes a directional derail block extending from a base and including a wheel deflecting surface arranged at an angle less than or equal to about 13 degrees with regard to a longitudinal axis of the track and designed to deflect the wheel away from the track. The length of the device is greater than or equal to about 53 centimeters (cm) (21 inches (in)).