Modular Temporary Railroad Support Structure for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for temporary railroad support structures during maintenance require significant traffic disruptions and speed reductions, as they are laborious and interfere with normal railroad operations due to the need for lengthy stoppages and complex setup processes.
Innovation Solution
A temporary support structure comprising a support beam per rail with cross beams housed in clearance holes, mechanically connected using steel profiles and position pins, allowing for efficient load transfer and easy installation without affecting the existing ballast or requiring sleeper replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temporary support structures are used with cross beams and support rails connected underneath, then the railroad track can be supported during maintenance, but the mounting and dismounting works are laborious and require very long traffic stoppage times
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into modular components: support beams with integrated clearance holes, cross beams with seating cells, and mechanical positioning means. Each component is independently manufacturable and can be quickly assembled and disassembled, eliminating the laborious mounting and dismounting processes of traditional support structures while maintaining track support reliability during maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support beams are pre-equipped with clearance holes and the cross beams are pre-equipped with seating cells and mechanical positioning means during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows for rapid field assembly without complex on-site fabrication or adjustment, significantly reducing traffic stoppage time while ensuring proper structural alignment and support capability
2Reliability
If traditional support structures with multiple components are used, then the track can be supported, but the mounting and dismounting processes are complex and interfere with normal railroad operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function and positioning function into a single integrated system. The clearance holes in support beams and seating cells in cross beams combine structural support with precise positioning capabilities. The mechanical positioning means integrates connection and alignment functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining full track support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support beams serve multiple functions: they provide vertical support through their structural design, enable positioning through integrated clearance holes, and facilitate connection through the mechanical positioning means. The cross beams similarly provide support, positioning, and connection functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall system while ensuring reliable track support during maintenance
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional support structures require wooden wedges and complex leveling, then correct track levelling can be ensured, but the works become more laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical system of wooden wedges and manual leveling with a precision-engineered mechanical positioning system. The clearance holes and seating cells are precisely manufactured with controlled tolerances to ensure correct track levelling and alignment. The mechanical positioning means provides repeatable, precise positioning without requiring manual adjustment of wooden wedges, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving installation ease and reducing labor requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
Temporary support structure that provisionally supports the railroad tracks (12) with traffic during the execution of works below the track, such as the jacking of a reinforced concrete box (13) for elimination of a level crossing.