Elastic Cover Slabs for Ballastless Track Derailment Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slab track structures with rigid or slightly movable connections between ceiling panels and rail support structures are prone to derailment, causing the wheel of the inner wheel pair to collide with the cover plate, leading to sideways movement of derailed vehicles out of the rail area.
Innovation Solution
The ceiling plates are mounted horizontally elastically, with a rubber-elastic intermediate layer between the wedge surfaces of the rail support structure and the counter-shaped recesses in the cover plates, allowing for sideways movement and preventing further derailment, and slotted holes for screws enable elastic displacement, ensuring the wheel is caught between the rail and cover plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ceiling panels are rigidly bolted to the rail support structure, then high-speed train stability is improved, but derailment safety deteriorates due to wheel-rim collision with panel edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic elastic connection. The ceiling panels are mounted on the rail support structure with elastic mounting means that allow horizontal displacement up to 50mm, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically during derailment events while maintaining stability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between ceiling panels and rail support structure. By introducing elastic mounting means with specific displacement characteristics (50mm horizontal displacement capability), the system transforms from a rigid fixed-parameter connection to a flexible variable-parameter connection that can accommodate extreme loading conditions.
2Reliability
If ceiling panels are made movable to prevent derailment collision, then derailment safety is improved, but high-speed train stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic mounting system provides conditional stability: rigid under normal operating conditions to support high-speed trains, but becomes flexible under extreme conditions to allow derailment protection. The system dynamically adjusts its mechanical properties based on the magnitude of applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for excessive displacement (up to 50mm) beyond normal operational requirements as a safety measure. This partial movement is intentionally designed to be activated only in extreme derailment scenarios, not during normal operation, thus maintaining stability while providing emergency protection.
3Reliability
If additional steel rails or metal frames are added to guide derailed wheels, then derailment safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panels themselves serve the dual function of structural support and derailment protection. The elastic mounting system enables the panels to actively participate in guiding derailed wheels back onto the track, eliminating the need for separate dedicated guidance structures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling panels are designed to perform multiple functions: supporting normal train traffic, providing derailment protection, and guiding derailed wheels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components such as separate guide rails or metal frames, simplifying the overall system.
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
This design prevents derailment by allowing the ceiling panels to move sideways, absorbing lateral forces and maintaining the vehicle on the track, eliminating the need for additional steel rails and metal frames, while allowing vehicles with rubber tires to drive safely.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber-elastic intermediate layer is provided between the wedge surfaces of the humps of the rail support structure and the mating surfaces of the recesses in the cover plate
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a ballastless track construction comprising a rail-supporting structure, for example a rail-supporting slab (1), a sleeper or the like, which is provided, in the region of the rail fastening (2), with wedge-shaped humps (3) of which the wedge faces are directed towards the centre of the track, wherein cover slabs (4) which can be travelled over are laid between the rails (5), have recesses 10 on the underside thereof that correspond to the shape of the wedge-shaped humps (3), and are bolted to the rail-supporting structure (1). In order, on the one hand, to allow rubber-tyred vehicles to travel over the cover slabs in a risk-free manner, for example in the event of a catastrophe, and, on the other hand, also to prevent a rail vehicle from passing completely outside the rails should said rail vehicle become derailed, the cover slabs (4) are mounted on the rail-supporting structure (1) so as to be horizontally elastically displaceable in a guided manner transversely with respect to the rail longitudinal axis. There is no need here for metal reinforcements of the concrete edges to protect the flanks of the cover slabs (4) from deflecting.