Device and method for securing functional objects between two rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fixing solar panels and other functional objects between railway lines are complex, time-consuming, and subject the panels to mechanical stress, reducing their functional surface area and hindering railway maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base unit with fixing elements that can be securely attached to the rails, allowing for easy placement and removal of functional objects like photovoltaic panels, using articulated mechanisms, cylinders, or pivoting triangular elements to ensure optimal fixing without reducing the panel's width or functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are fixed by inserting elements under the rails, then the panels can be secured between the rails, but the placement and fixing becomes complicated and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into separate components: a base unit that attaches to the rail and a separate attachment element that connects to the functional object. This segmentation allows for quicker installation as the base unit can be pre-installed on the rail, and functional objects can be attached later without complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing function is extracted from the functional panels themselves. Instead of the panels forming part of the fixing device, a separate base unit is used to perform the fixing function. This eliminates the need for complex insertion operations under the rails during panel installation.
2Reliability
If fixing elements are directly linked to functional panels, then the panels can be secured to rails, but the panels are subjected to mechanical stresses that may damage them and their functional surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is extracted from the functional panels and transferred to a separate base unit that attaches to the rail. The attachment element connects the base unit to the functional object, creating an intermediate connection that protects the functional panel from direct mechanical stresses during fixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit serves as an intermediary between the rail and the functional object. It absorbs and withstands the mechanical stresses of attachment to the rail, while the attachment element provides a protected connection point for the functional object, preventing direct stress transmission to the panel structure.
3Reliability
If fixing elements are disposed on functional panels, then the panels can be secured to rails, but the width of the panels is reduced and the functional surface area is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing elements are extracted from the functional panels and relocated to a separate base unit that attaches to the rail. This allows the full surface area of the functional panels to be utilized without obstruction from fixing elements, while the base unit provides the necessary attachment functionality.
4Reliability
If panels are permanently fixed to rails or ties, then the panels are securely positioned, but railway line upkeep and maintenance works are greatly reduced or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system transitions from a permanent fixed state to a dynamic, reversible state. The base unit can be easily detached from the rail and reattached, allowing railway maintenance personnel to access the rails when needed. This dynamic fixing approach maintains panel stability during operation while enabling maintenance access when required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for securing functional objects between the rails (2, 3) of a railway track comprising: —a base unit (4) sized so as to be disposed between the rails (2, 3), —a first securing element (5, 7) arranged so as to secure one part of the base unit (4) to one (2) of the rails, —a second securing element (6, 8) arranged so as to secure another part of the base unit to the other (3) of the rails, —at least one attachment element (9, 10) arranged so as to secure the base unit (4) to at least one functional object (11). The invention also relates to a method and a machine for placing and securing functional objects (11) between the rails (2, 3) of a railway track. The invention also relates to a reverse method and the machine can also be used for removing the functional objects (11).