Guided Rail Manipulation Device for Automated Signal Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and time-consuming process of attaching conductive signal transmission elements, such as optical fibers, to track rails is complicated by the need for a clean and homogeneous contact surface, especially on objects connected to the ground, leading to wear and tear and environmental influences.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation device with automated actuation and guide means for pressing, fastening, and applying signal transmission elements to track rails, utilizing actuators, guide rails, and a housing unit to ensure precise and protected attachment, allowing for automated installation and environmental shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual attachment of signal transmission elements is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation device is designed to move and perform attachment operations autonomously along the rail. The device includes self-contained actuators, guide means for automatic positioning, and integrated manipulation units that perform cleaning, adhesive application, and element attachment without continuous manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself during the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical attachment operations with automated manipulation units equipped with electrical and/or fluidic actuators. These actuators control pressing means, adhesive application, and element fixation automatically, substituting human labor with mechanized systems that include sensors, control units, and automated feeding mechanisms.
2Reliability
If signal transmission elements are attached to the underside of rails, then protection from environmental influences is improved, but surface preparation and attachment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation device performs preliminary surface preparation actions before attachment. Cleaning units remove contaminants from the rail underside surface in advance, and the device prepares the contact surface by applying adhesive or activation treatment before the signal transmission element is pressed into place, ensuring proper bonding conditions are established beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances and components between the rail surface and the signal transmission element. Adhesive layers serve as intermediaries to bond the element to the rail, while manipulation units with pressing means act as intermediary mechanisms to apply controlled force and ensure proper contact and bonding during the attachment process.
3Loss of time
If automated manipulation devices are used, then installation time is reduced, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation device is divided into modular functional units including separate manipulation units for different operations (cleaning, adhesive application, element attachment), guide means for positioning, and actuation systems. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance while achieving comprehensive automation of the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation device is designed as a multi-functional system that performs multiple operations in sequence: surface cleaning, adhesive application, element positioning, pressing, and fixation. The device can attach different types of linear signal transmission elements to various surfaces (rail undersides, sleepers, overhead structures) using the same basic platform with adjustable manipulation units.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
Proposed is a manipulation device (1) for acting on an elongate object, in particular a railway rail (3), the manipulation device comprising: at least one manipulation unit (2) for acting on a surface (4) of the elongate object; and a coupling device for reversibly coupling the at least one manipulation unit (2) to the elongate object such that the at least one manipulation unit (2) can act on the surface (4), in particular the underside, of the elongate object, wherein the coupling device has a guide means for guided movement of the manipulation device (1) along a longitudinal direction of the elongate object. Also proposed are a combination and a system (16) having such a manipulation device (1), and a method for manipulating an elongate object.