Rail Anchor Abrasion Prevention via Elastomeric Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete ties in railroad rail installations experience damage due to abrasion from steel rail anchors, which fail to effectively restrict longitudinal rail movement caused by temperature changes and train operations.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece elongated steel rail anchor with a bent end forming a receiving opening and indentation, combined with an elastomeric plate and rigid plate assembly, which positions the rail anchor below the concrete tie's contact level to prevent abrasion, ensuring the rail anchor does not directly contact the concrete tie.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steel rail anchor is used to restrict longitudinal rail movement, then the reliability of rail positioning is improved, but the concrete tie is damaged due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resilient element (elastomeric material) as an intermediary between the steel rail anchor and the concrete tie. This mediator allows the rail anchor to perform its function of restricting longitudinal rail movement while preventing direct contact and abrasion between the steel anchor and concrete tie surface. The resilient element deforms under load to provide the necessary restraint force without causing wear damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the interface between the rail anchor and concrete tie by introducing a resilient element with specific elastic properties. This parameter change transforms the interaction from direct rigid contact (causing abrasion) to elastic deformation (preventing wear), while maintaining the restraining function through the elastic recovery of the material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a resilient fastener is used to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, then the adaptability to temperature changes is improved, but longitudinal rail movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element serves as a mediator that provides both thermal adaptability and positional stability. It allows the rail to expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining longitudinal position control through its elastic restraining force, thus simultaneously addressing both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic solution where the resilient element can deform and recover elastically in response to thermal expansion and contraction forces. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to temperature changes while maintaining stable longitudinal positioning through continuous elastic restraint.
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 effectively restricts longitudinal rail movement while preventing abrasion and damage to concrete ties, maintaining the integrity of the rail infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
An elastomeric plate is placed on the top surface of the railroad tie
Implementation Method 2
the rail anchor is designed to protect the concrete tie from longitudinal movement of the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A rail anchor and a rail anchor assembly are provided for use with a concrete railroad tie. An elastomeric plate is placed on a top surface of the railroad tie. A rigid plate is placed on top of the elastomeric plate. The rail anchor is placed adjacent the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate. The rail anchor has a first end with a receiving opening and a second end with a receiving indentation to receive edges of the flanges of the railroad rail. The rail anchor has a center portion joining the two ends. The outer portion of the rail anchor extends downwardly an amount less than the thickness of the elastomeric plate and the rigid plate to avoid contact with the concrete railroad tie.