Movable Frog Point Locking Device for Rail Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railroad crossings with fixed frog points cause noise and wear due to diamond gaps, leading to discomfort for passengers and reduced lifespan of train wheels and infrastructure, necessitating the development of a locking device for movable frog points to ensure safe and quiet train passage.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a cradle support with a transverse slide and locking rollers that securely position the movable frog point on either side, utilizing resilient washers and anti-friction bearings for minimal maintenance and easy installation, allowing the frog point to transition between two stable positions based on the selected railroad path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed frog points are used in railroad crossings, then the structure is simple and stable, but diamond gaps cause noise and wear leading to reduced lifespan of train wheels and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The frog point is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to eliminate diamond gaps. The locking mechanism ensures the movable frog point maintains stable positions while enabling smooth transition between them, thereby eliminating noise and wear caused by fixed frog point structures.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If movable frog points are introduced to eliminate diamond gaps, then noise and wear are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to need for mechanical drive and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically lock the movable frog point in its steady positions without requiring continuous external control. The system self-regulates to maintain stable positions, reducing the complexity of the mechanical drive while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain frog point position, then derailment is prevented, but the ease of operation and maintenance increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates feedback through the interaction between locking rollers and curved recesses, which automatically engage when the movable frog point reaches its steady positions. This self-verifying mechanism ensures proper locking without requiring additional operational steps, maintaining ease of operation while preventing derailment.
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 locking device effectively eliminates noise and wear by maintaining the frog point in stable positions, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring smooth train passage with minimal friction or wear, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal roller which pushes the jaw in order to move the movable frog point
Implementation Method 2
conical resilient washers pressed against the longitudinal roller
Data Source
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AI summary
Locking device for crossings with movable frog point, including a cradle support with a central recess into which a movable frog point with transverse displacement in order to place thereof in two steady end positions is housed; characterized in that it comprises a pair of side left (10) and right (11) boxes, a transverse slide (9) through central part of which is connected to a movable frog point (8) being coupled in said side boxes (10-11), a widger (14) axial displacement of which carries the transverse slide (9) being guided inside said transverse slide (9), the widger (14) further comprising some depressions (30) into which the bottom of the locking rollers (25) is housed during the relative displacement of the widger (14) with respect to the transverse slide (9) and also during the whole movement of both elements (9-14).