Embedded Hydraulic Settlement Compensation for Concrete Sleepers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track systems face challenges with differential settlement due to train loads, leading to loose sleepers, track irregularities, and increased maintenance costs, as current compensation methods struggle to automatically and effectively address these issues without dismantling the concrete sleeper.

Innovation Solution

An embedded automatic track differential settlement compensation apparatus using oil pressure is installed on both sides of the concrete sleeper, featuring cylindrical rods, oil hydraulic cylinders, and pressure reducing valves, allowing for independent operation to compensate for differential settlements and maintain track integrity without dismantling the sleeper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional ballast track is used, then economical advantage is achieved, but differential settlement occurs due to vibration and dynamic load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeconomical advantageVSAvoidtrack bed stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The settlement compensation apparatus automatically detects and compensates for differential settlement using a sensor that monitors sleeper position and a hydraulic cylinder that self-adjusts to maintain track bed stability, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preserving the economical ballast track structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A hydraulic cylinder is employed to provide automatic compensation for differential settlement by adjusting the position of the sleeper relative to the ballast, using fluid pressure to counteract the effects of vibration and dynamic load on track bed stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Force

If track bed gravel is used to support sleeper, then load dispersion is achieved, but consolidation and lateral flow occur causing track irregularity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload dispersion capabilityVSAvoidtrack bed uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor is installed to detect the position of the sleeper and provide feedback signals that trigger the settlement compensation apparatus to automatically adjust and correct track irregularities caused by consolidation and lateral flow of the ballast

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If frequent maintenance is performed to correct track irregularity, then track bed uniformity is maintained, but maintenance cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack bed uniformityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The settlement compensation apparatus operates automatically to detect and correct differential settlement in real-time, eliminating the need for frequent manual maintenance interventions and reducing both maintenance time and costs while maintaining track bed uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If sleeper is dismantled to install compensation apparatus, then effective settlement compensation is achieved, but structural integrity and usability of sleeper are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettlement compensation effectivenessVSAvoidsleeper usability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The settlement compensation apparatus, including the hydraulic cylinder and sensor, is embedded within the structure of the concrete sleeper, allowing effective settlement compensation to be achieved without dismantling the sleeper and preserving its structural integrity and usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution automatically supports settlements and reduces pressure, improving the usability of concrete sleepers by enabling effective compensation for differential rail settlements, reducing maintenance costs, and maintaining track integrity without dismantling the sleeper.

Implementation Method 1

capable of automatically compensating for a track differential settlement due to a traveling load of a train using oil pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOil pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a spring having one end fixed to an oil hydraulic cylinder and the other end fixed to the cylindrical rod and configured to provide an expansion force enabling the cylindrical rod to move forward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3112533B1Rail tie having embedded automatic differential settlement compensation apparatus using oil pressure for railroad tracks

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 KOREA RAILROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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AI summary

By supporting a space generated by a settlement of the track bed gravel or asphalt roadbed underneath a concrete rail tie with cylindrical rods, and installing the present invention, one each separately, on the left and right sides of the concrete rail tie, recovery from settlements is automatic, and the response to differential settlements of the left and right rails of the track due to the train load can be easily facilitated, and by installing pressure reducing valves on the upper part of the concrete rail ties, pressure can be reduced while maintaining the track system as is without having to dismantle the concrete rail ties, and accordingly the usability of the concrete rail ties can be improved.