Modular Elastic Rail Mounting for Faster Track Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous elastic rail support arrangements are complex to manufacture and maintain, especially when adapting to different conditions and require regular repairs or replacement of rail sections, and they do not effectively insulate against stray currents.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and easily maintainable continuous elastic support system for rails using elastomeric side and foot profiles, supported by discontinuous support and bracing elements, which are manually removable and adaptable to varying rail widths, and include electrically insulating properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional continuous elastic rail support arrangements are used, then rail support and vibration damping are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement is divided into modular components: rail profiles (U-shaped or channel-shaped), support elements (discontinuous, spaced apart), and bracing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous elastic support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail profiles serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the structural framework for support, contain the elastomeric damping material, offer lateral bracing surfaces for the rail, and create the elastic mounting environment. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If conventional continuous elastic rail support arrangements are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but adaptability to different conditions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are positioned discontinuously rather than continuously, allowing the spacing and configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on specific track conditions, rail types, and vibration characteristics. This dynamic configurability enables adaptation to varying conditions while maintaining effective vibration damping through the elastomeric material in the rail profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material is placed locally within the rail profiles at specific positions where vibration damping is most needed, rather than requiring a completely continuous elastic layer. This localized approach allows tailoring the damping characteristics to specific vibration problems while simplifying the overall structure and improving adaptability.
3Reliability
If conventional continuous elastic rail support arrangements are used, then rail mounting is achieved, but stray current insulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric material contained within the rail profiles acts as an intermediary substance between the rail and the support/bracing elements. This elastomeric intermediary provides both the elastic mounting function for stable rail support and the electrical insulation function to block stray currents, simultaneously addressing both requirements through a single material property.
4Reliability
If conventional continuous elastic rail support arrangements are used, then continuous support is achieved, but repair access and maintenance ease decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are arranged discontinuously with spaces between them, creating access points along the rail where maintenance personnel can reach the rail for inspection and repair. The modular nature of the rail profiles and support elements allows quick removal and reinstallation, maintaining continuous support functionality while enabling easy periodic access for maintenance operations.
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
Facilitates easy adaptation and maintenance, reduces downtime during repairs, and provides effective insulation against stray currents, particularly suitable for urban rail systems requiring quick maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
they also serve to dampen vibrations, for example, to reduce noise
Implementation Method 2
A flexible and easily maintainable continuous elastic support system for rails using elastomeric side and foot profiles
Implementation Method 3
A foot profile is arranged on the underside of the rail foot, preferably encompassing the rail foot laterally, and preferably also covering at least part of the upper side of the rail foot. A foot profile serves, for example, to dampen vibrations, but also to electrically insulate the rail from stray currents.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for the continuous elastic mounting of rails for rail vehicles. The invention provides an arrangement (1) for the continuous elastic mounting of rails (2) for rail vehicles, comprising a) a rail (2) with a rail head (21) which has a rail head underside (24), with a rail foot (23) and with a rail web (22) which connects the rail head (21) and the rail foot (23), wherein a rail chamber (3) is formed on both sides of the rail web (22) between the rail head underside (24) and the upper side (25) of the rail foot (23), b) two lateral profiles (4) made of elastomer material which are arranged on both sides of the rail web (22) in the rail chambers (3), extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail (2) and bear against the rail head underside (24), the rail web (22) and a part of the rail foot (23), c) two support elements (5) which are arranged on both sides of the rail web (22), extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail (2) and support the lateral profiles (4) in the direction of the rail (2), and d) two bracing elements (6) which are arranged on both sides of the rail web (22), extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail (5) and brace the support elements (5) against one another in the direction of the rail (2).