Plastic Sand Container with Metal Support Frame for Rail Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanding systems for rail vehicles are heavy, expensive, and not cost-effective, while also failing to meet high safety requirements, particularly in terms of mechanical strength and resistance to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A sand container made of cross-linked polyethylene plastic, combined with a metallic support structure for fastening to the rail vehicle, which is easier to manufacture and maintain, and includes features like a transparent sight glass for fill level monitoring and protective surfaces for impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the sand container is made of metal (aluminum or steel), then the mechanical strength and durability are sufficient, but the weight increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining plastic (for the sand container body) with metal fastening means (for secure attachment). This composite approach allows the container to achieve sufficient mechanical strength through the metal fastening system while the plastic body reduces overall weight and manufacturing cost compared to an all-metal construction.
2Reliability
If the sand container is made of metal, then the durability and impact resistance are adequate, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a plastic sand container that is easier and less expensive to manufacture than metal containers. The plastic container can be produced through injection molding, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing costs while maintaining adequate service life for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
By using plastic for the container body and metal only for the fastening means, the patent achieves a balance between durability and ease of manufacture. The metal fastening components provide the necessary structural integrity and durability, while the plastic body is simple and cost-effective to produce.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sand container is made of plastic, then the weight decreases and manufacturing cost reduces, but the mechanical strength and impact resistance may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a composite structure where the plastic container body provides weight reduction and cost benefits, while metal fastening means are integrated to provide the necessary mechanical strength and impact resistance for secure mounting and operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the sand container is made of plastic, then the resistance to UV radiation and extreme temperatures improves, but the mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by selecting plastic materials with specific properties (high impact resistance, UV resistance, and low-temperature performance down to -40°C) and designing the wall thickness and structural parameters to maintain adequate mechanical strength while achieving improved resistance to environmental factors.
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 solution results in a lighter, less expensive sanding system that meets safety requirements, with improved resistance to impact, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures, allowing for efficient sand distribution and easy assembly, while maintaining mechanical strength and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the sand container can be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air nozzle projecting into the sand container. The sand container is filled with sand. When an outlet opening of the sand container is opened, the compressed air is blown out to the atmosphere, with sand being entrained.
Implementation Method 2
a heating device partially protruding into the sand container is fastened. The heating device serves to dry the sand so that freezing is avoided.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to provide a device (1) for a sanding system, comprising a sand container (2) which can be filled with sand and which has a discharge opening (12) for dispensing the sand, comprising fill level monitoring means (14) for monitoring the fill level of the sand container, and comprising fixing means (4) that are equipped to fix the device (1) to a rail vehicle below the floor level thereof, said device being inexpensive and simultaneously compliant with the high safety requirements in rail transport. This is achieved in that the sand container (2) consists of a plastic, and the fixing means (4) are formed on a metal support frame (3) that is connected to the sand container (2).