Rail Anchor Isolator for Concrete Tie Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete railroad ties are prone to damage from longitudinal rail movement due to temperature changes and train operations, as standard rail fasteners and anchors cause abrasion and erosion.
Innovation Solution
A rail isolator made of structural plastic, with a rectangular shape and support sections, is embedded in the concrete tie to absorb and manage longitudinal rail movement, protecting the tie from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel rail anchors are used to restrict longitudinal rail movement on concrete ties, then rail movement is reduced, but abrasion and erosion damage occurs to the concrete tie
Solution Approach 1:
A polymeric isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the steel rail anchor and the concrete tie. The isolator absorbs the harmful abrasion and erosion effects, allowing the steel anchor to restrict rail movement while protecting the concrete tie from direct contact with the steel anchor's abrasive surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric isolator serves as a sacrificial protective layer that can be replaced if degraded. Rather than protecting the expensive concrete tie directly from steel anchor abrasion, the isolator acts as a disposable protective barrier that absorbs the wear and tear.
2Ease of manufacture
If resilient fasteners are used to hold rail on concrete ties, then rail installation is simplified, but longitudinal rail movement occurs due to temperature changes and train operations
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric isolator acts as a mediator between the resilient fastener system and the concrete tie, allowing the fastener to maintain its simplicity while the isolator provides the necessary movement restriction and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator changes the physical parameters of the interface between the rail anchor and concrete tie, providing a layer that modifies friction, wear, and movement characteristics to reduce longitudinal rail movement while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 rail isolator effectively restricts longitudinal rail movement, reducing abrasion and damage to concrete ties during temperature changes and train operations.
Implementation Method 1
A rail isolator made of structural plastic, with a rectangular shape and support sections, is embedded in the concrete tie to absorb and manage longitudinal rail movement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an isolator particularly adapted for use with a rail anchor utilized in an application where railroad rail is installed on concrete ties. The isolator protects the concrete tie from contact with the rail anchor caused by longitudinal movement of the rail due to train acceleration of deceleration or expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. In one embodiment, the isolator is comprised of a structural plastic material and includes a front face section and a rear face section. The front face section and rear face section each comprise a generally rectangular structure, having a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges. Top and bottom sections join the front face section and rear face section and form part of the isolator. The rail anchor also comprises a support section that extends from an intersection of the rear face section with the bottom section. The rail isolator is designed to be embedded in a concrete railroad tie.