Modular Track Slab with Adjustable Levelling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for laying railroad and tram tracks face challenges such as limited altimetric adjustments, high costs, and time-consuming processes due to the use of mortars-grouts, inadequate elasticity in track plane, and difficulties in replacing elastomeric components during the commercial life of the equipment, along with space issues and non-compatible dynamic stiffening values.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with prefabricated slabs equipped with adjustable levelling devices and stabilizing members that allow for ±30 mm altimetric adjustments and feature elastomeric supporting members for floating systems, enabling precise installation and operation on various subsoils and infrastructure types, including tunnels and curved layouts, with reduced dynamic stiffening for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If discrete supports are used for anti-vibrating floating solutions, then the laying of basins-slabs and elastomeric discrete supports takes place dry, but altimetric adjustments are not possible during laying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable supporting members that can be modified during laying to achieve altimetric adjustments. The supporting members include adjustment mechanisms (such as threaded rods or hydraulic jacks) that allow dynamic modification of the slab position vertically, enabling adaptation to floor irregularities while maintaining the dry laying approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the supporting members by incorporating adjustable length mechanisms. The supporting members can be extended or retracted to different lengths, allowing altimetric adjustments without requiring wet laying processes. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying floor conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If continuous supports with bedding mortars-grouts are used, then altimetric adjustments are possible, but important volumes of mortars-grouts are required involving high costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from the bedding mortar-grout system and relocates it to the supporting members. By removing the need for large volumes of adjustment mortar, the system reduces both material costs and construction time. The supporting members provide all necessary altimetric adjustments mechanically, eliminating the time-consuming mortar application and curing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/mechanical mortar-grout system with a purely mechanical adjustment system based on adjustable supporting members. This substitution eliminates the need for wet materials and allows for quicker, more precise adjustments without the delays associated with mortar setting and curing.
3Force
If central stoppers are used to contrast loads, then they are positioned in axis to the track, but they do not have adequate cross and longitudinal deformability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the stopper system. The stoppers are designed with localized deformation zones or materials that provide high deformability in the cross and longitudinal directions while maintaining sufficient load contrasting capability in the vertical axis. This local differentiation allows the stopper to adapt to track plane movements while still restraining vertical loads.
4Adaptability or versatility
If side stoppers made of steel-rubber are used, then they have adequate vertical, cross and longitudinal deformabilities, but they have space problems in some line layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the stopper function within the existing slab structure or supporting member system. By nesting the stopper mechanism within the slab thickness or alongside other components, the design eliminates the need for additional lateral space. The stopper functionality is incorporated into the vertical profile of the slab rather than requiring external horizontal space.
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
The system allows for efficient and flexible track laying with enhanced altimetric adjustments, reduced construction time and costs, improved anti-vibrating performance, and extended component lifespan, while maintaining compatibility with different track loads and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The floating, and not, slab (or basin) 101... is supported - in use - by springs... The seats of the springs are cylindrical and passes from the intrados to the extrados
Implementation Method 2
A modular system with prefabricated slabs equipped with adjustable levelling devices and stabilizing members that allow for ±30 mm altimetric adjustments and feature elastomeric supporting members for floating systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A module (100) for a system for the laying of underground and railroad and tram lines both in tunnel and on the surface, in particular railroad and tram lines, comprising a supporting slab (101) for the tracks (6), with substantially parallelepiped shape, the slab having at least four peripheral housings (1), passing from the extrados to the intrados and suitable to house respective adjustable levelling devices (120).