Inner Guide Rail Switch with Segmented Movable Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inner guide rail switches in rail transit systems require moving the entire heavy rail switch beam, making operations time-consuming and laborious, and prone to damage, necessitating frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design of an inner guide rail switch featuring a fixed beam assembly with four forks and four passageways, along with a movable beam assembly that includes multiple movable beams, allowing for convenient switching without moving the entire rail switch beam, thus reducing operational complexity and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire rail switch beam is moved during switching, then the train can change tracks, but the operation becomes time-consuming and laborious due to the heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The rail switch beam is divided into multiple independent movable beams (first movable beam, second movable beam, third movable beam, fourth movable beam) that can be moved separately. Each movable beam corresponds to a specific fork and passageway combination, allowing selective movement rather than moving the entire beam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable beams are extracted from the fixed beam assembly as separate, independently movable components. Each movable beam can be individually actuated to control specific passageways, separating the switching function from the structural support function.
2Reliability
If the entire rail switch beam is moved during switching, then track switching is achieved, but the rail switch beam is likely to be damaged and requires frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rail switch beam into multiple independent movable beams, the system isolates wear and damage to individual components rather than the entire structure. This allows for easier identification, replacement, and maintenance of specific damaged beams without affecting the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, monolithic rail switch beam to a dynamic assembly of independently controllable movable beams. This allows the system to adapt to operational requirements by moving only the necessary beams, reducing overall stress and damage accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple movable beams are used for switching, then switching convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex switching operation is simplified by dividing it into multiple independent, simple movements. Each movable beam handles a specific routing decision, transforming a complex single-beam movement problem into multiple simple, localized movements that are easier to control and manage.
Data Source
AI summary
An inner guide rail switch and a rail transit system having same. The inner guide rail switch includes a fixed beam assembly and a movable beam assembly. Four passageways are defined by the fixed beam assembly. The movable beam assembly includes six movable beams. The four passageways are switched through combined movement of the six movable beams.