Laser Rail Wheel Alignment for Road-to-Rail Railcar Movers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual alignment of rail wheels with different standard railway track gauges is inefficient and potentially hazardous, leading to misalignment and damage to railcar movers and tracks.
Innovation Solution
A laser alignment system mounted on a railcar mover, adjustable via mounts and structures, emits beams to align rail wheels with tracks, enhancing precision and safety during mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual alignment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment system with an optical laser alignment system. The laser alignment system uses laser beams to project alignment references, eliminating the need for manual measurement and visual estimation, thereby significantly improving alignment precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary tool between the alignment operator and the rail wheel. The laser beam serves as a precise visual reference that mediates the alignment process, allowing the operator to accurately align the rail wheel with the track without direct physical contact or complex mechanical measurement tools.
2Ease of operation
If manual alignment method is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The laser alignment system replaces time-consuming manual alignment procedures with rapid optical alignment. The laser beam provides immediate visual feedback, allowing operators to complete alignments much faster than manual methods while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive visual cues.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser alignment system is designed to be self-explanatory and self-aligning. The laser beam automatically provides the correct alignment reference without requiring the operator to understand complex measurement procedures, making the system easy to operate and improving productivity through rapid alignment completion.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable manual alignment with a precise laser optical system. The laser alignment system provides consistent, repeatable alignment references that eliminate human error and variability, significantly improving the reliability of rail wheel engagement with the track while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser alignment system provides visual feedback through the laser beam projection. The operator can see the alignment reference in real-time and adjust the rail wheel position accordingly, ensuring reliable engagement. This feedback mechanism eliminates the guesswork and inconsistency inherent in manual alignment methods.
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
Improves efficiency and reduces risks of injury and damage by accurately aligning rail wheels with tracks, ensuring smooth transitions from road to rail mode.
Implementation Method 1
a laser mounted to a frame of the railcar mover that assists with the alignment of the rail wheel and the rail of a track
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary
A laser alignment system for a railcar mover is disclosed herein. The laser alignment system may comprise a laser mounted to a frame of a railcar mover that assists with the alignment of a rail wheel and the rail of a track when switching from road mode to rail mode. In various embodiments, the laser may be mounted to the frame of the railcar mover via a mount and/or mounting structure that enable the laser to be moved and/or the orientation of the laser to be adjusted relative to the railcar mover. In some embodiments, the laser alignment system may include a window underneath the operator of the railcar mover so that a laser beam emitted by the laser can be seen by the operator.