Protective Strip Application System for Buried Rail Fishplates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing buried rails in shared platforms, such as tramways, are costly, time-consuming, and expose the joints to prolonged weather and traffic exposure before sealing, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a chassis with wheels, a tape reel, a pressure roller, and securing means like welding or hot air generation, allowing for rapid and economical installation of a protective strip on fishplates, using materials like polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate, to create a watertight seal between the rail and the platform surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional in-situ cast joints are used to seal the rail joint, then the seal provides good protection against moisture and weathering, but the installation process is lengthy and costly, and the fishplate remains exposed to weather and traffic for months or years before sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The protective strip is applied to the fishplate before the final joint installation, providing immediate protection during construction and exposing the fishplate to weather and traffic for minimal time. This preliminary sealing action resolves the contradiction by achieving protection quality while dramatically reducing exposure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing process is divided into two segments: a temporary protective strip applied immediately for construction-phase protection, and the final in-situ cast joint installed later. This segmentation allows the fishplate to be protected from the start while avoiding the lengthy single-step installation process.
2Reliability
If traditional in-situ cast joints are used to seal the rail joint, then the seal provides good protection against moisture and weathering, but the installation process is costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex sealing process is segmented into a simple first step (applying a pre-fabricated protective strip) and a second step (final joint installation). This reduces the complexity of the immediate installation while maintaining the quality of the final seal through the use of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
A relatively simple and economical protective strip is used as a temporary sealing solution during construction. This disposable or short-term protective element provides adequate protection for the construction phase without requiring the complexity of a permanent joint installation at that stage.
3Productivity
If the fishplate is left unsealed during construction, then the installation process is faster and simpler, but the fishplate is exposed to weathering and road traffic for several months or years before sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The protective strip is installed as a preliminary measure during construction, providing immediate protection against weathering and traffic. This allows fast installation while preventing harmful exposure, resolving the contradiction between speed and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective strip acts as a cushioning protective layer applied beforehand during construction. It shields the fishplate from weathering and traffic impacts before the final permanent joint is installed, enabling both fast installation and protection from harmful 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
Enables immediate sealing and protection of rail joints during construction, reducing exposure to weather and traffic, and ensuring a durable, cost-effective solution for maintaining the integrity of the rail and platform interface.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening means may be welding means, preferably means for generating and blowing hot air at the point where the strip is pressed against the surface
Implementation Method 2
a roller for pressing the strip against the upper surface
Implementation Method 3
The fastening means may be welding means, preferably means for generating and blowing hot air at the point where the strip is pressed against the surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) for placing a protective strip (12) on an upper surface (11) of a fishplate (6, 7) provided on a first rail (3) intended for being buried, comprising: a frame (15); wheels (16-18), mounted on said frame and suitable for rolling over said rail (3); a dispenser (31) for said strip; a roller (34) for pressing the strip against said upper surface (11); and means (36) for securing said strip, preferably by gluing or welding, to the surface (11).