Monorail Rail Section Lower Articulation Longitudinal Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail tracks for overhead monorails, particularly E-rails with a simpler T-shaped profile, struggle to effectively absorb large longitudinal forces without complex designs or additional structural support.

Innovation Solution

The rail track design incorporates a lower articulated connection with a minimum cross-section of at least 6 cm², made of steel with a yield strength of at least 300 N/mm², and an axis of rotation offset outside the separation area, distributing longitudinal forces between upper and lower connections to prevent unintended opening or deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If E-rails with simpler T-shaped profile are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the ability to absorb longitudinal forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidlongitudinal force absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by increasing the cross-sectional area of the lower articulated connection to at least 6 cm² and specifying steel material with yield strength of at least 300 N/mm². These parameter modifications enable the simpler E-rail structure to absorb longitudinal forces up to 140 kN reliably, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and force absorption capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the axis of rotation is located on the lower edge of the separating area, then the articulated connection structure is simplified, but the reliability against unintended opening deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticulated connection structureVSAvoidresistance to unintended opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by offsetting the axis of rotation from the lower edge of the separating area by at least 5 mm in the longitudinal direction. This spatial repositioning creates a more favorable lever arm arrangement that distributes longitudinal forces between upper and lower connections, preventing torque-induced opening while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the cross section of the lower articulated connection is increased to at least 6 cm², then the strength against longitudinal forces is improved, but the material quantity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal force resistanceVSAvoidsteel material quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the increased cross-sectional area specifically in the lower articulated connection where longitudinal forces are most critical, while the upper articulation maintains a smaller cross-section. This localized reinforcement provides the necessary 140 kN force absorption capability with minimal additional material quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2276888B1Rail section for particularly single-rail hanging tracks
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 NEUHAUSER GMBH & CO
  • EP2276888B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2276888B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2276888B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Rail section for particularly single-rail hanging tracks, having one or more profile running rails (1) coupled to each other by at least one joint connection (2, 3) each, wherein each profile running rail (1) comprises an upper flange (4) and a lower flange (5). The joint connection (2, 3) comprises a minimum cross section (Q) of at least 6 cm2, particularly at least 7 cm2.