Oblique Wheelset Rack for Intermodal Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for handling, carrying, and storing railroad car wheelsets are inefficient and unsafe, often requiring individual handling and securing, which leads to labor-intensive processes and risks of damage or loss during transport, especially when using conventional cargo containers or flatbeds.
Innovation Solution
A rack or support apparatus designed to hold multiple railcar wheelsets with axles oriented at an oblique angle, compatible with intermodal cargo container handling equipment, allowing for secure stacking and transport within standard container dimensions, reducing the need for individual handling and minimizing the risk of wheelset damage or loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wheelsets are loaded individually onto flatbed trailers or railroad flatcars with axles aligned perpendicular to the direction of travel, then the wheelsets can be transported, but personnel must be on the flatcar or trailer during loading which risks serious injury and the wheelsets require individual securing which is labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the wheelset transport system into modular rack units that can be handled as complete assemblies. Each rack is designed to hold multiple wheelsets in a standardized configuration, allowing the entire rack to be loaded as a single unit rather than handling each wheelset individually. This segmentation eliminates the need for personnel to be on moving flatcars during loading while maintaining efficient transport capacity.
2Productivity
If wheelsets are carried in staggered arrangements on flatcars to utilize available space economically, then space utilization improves, but bearing assemblies may be struck by adjacent wheelsets during loading or unloading causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces rack structures as intermediary elements between wheelsets that are being transported. These racks provide fixed positioning structures including side rails and cross members that physically separate and secure wheelsets in predetermined patterns. The rack acts as a mediator that maintains proper spacing and alignment, preventing adjacent wheelsets from striking each other during loading and unloading operations while still achieving economical space utilization.
3Productivity
If wheelsets are unloaded from flatcars for storage at facilities where wheels are reworked or installed, then the flatcar becomes available for other loads, but each wheelset requires individual handling again resulting in significant labor costs and requiring allocation of space for temporary storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple wheelsets into single rack assemblies that can be handled as one unit. When wheelsets need to be stored or delivered to repair facilities, the entire rack with multiple wheelsets can be unloaded in a single operation rather than handling each wheelset separately. This combining approach reduces the number of handling operations required, decreases labor costs, and minimizes the time wheelsets spend in storage or transit between facilities.
4Ease of operation
If the axial length of wheelsets (up to 89 5/8 inches) is greater than the interior width of conventional ISO cargo containers, then wheelsets cannot be carried with axles parallel to container width, but handling a container carrying multiple wheelsets in a single operation would be preferred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional arrangement of wheelsets within the container by orienting them at oblique angles rather than strictly parallel to the container walls. The rack structure allows wheelsets to be positioned at angles that optimize space utilization while maintaining accessibility for loading and unloading operations. This dimensional reconfiguration enables multiple wheelsets to be carried in a single container handled as one unit, achieving both handling efficiency and effective use of container volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack defining receptacles for holding railroad car wheelsets arranged in an echelon pattern with the axles of the wheelsets oriented obliquely with respect to the width of the rack. The rack is of strong yet light construction. The rack has a length and width about equal to those of a 20-foot ISO intermodal cargo container and is equipped with corner fittings compatible with conventional container-handling and container-carrying equipment.