Rail Anchor Spreader With Adjustable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway maintenance methods require separate equipment for spike pulling and anchor spreading, necessitating multiple machines and operators, and often involve adjustments for different rail heights and risk of striking ties or ballast interference.
Innovation Solution
A combined rail anchor spreader and spike puller apparatus mounted on a vehicle, featuring pivotally mounted spreader arms, hydraulic cylinders, and anchor-engaging jaws that can adjust to various rail heights without manual intervention, allowing simultaneous spike removal and anchor spreading without risking tie or ballast damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment is used for spike pulling and anchor spreading, then each function can be performed with dedicated tools, but the number of machines and operators required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spike pulling and anchor spreading functions into a single integrated apparatus. The spreader assembly and spike puller assembly are mounted on the same vehicle platform, allowing both maintenance operations to be performed simultaneously by one operator, thereby reducing the number of machines and operators needed while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance vehicle is designed with multi-functional capabilities, housing both spike pulling and anchor spreading mechanisms. This universal apparatus can perform multiple railway maintenance tasks in one deployment, increasing productivity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments are made for different rail heights, then the apparatus can adapt to various rail configurations, but the operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamically adjustable components including telescopic arms with adjustable lengths and pivotally mounted spreader arms that can be repositioned. These dynamic mechanisms allow the equipment to adapt to different rail heights and configurations through mechanical adjustment rather than fixed positioning, maintaining versatility while reducing adjustment time through standardized adjustment procedures
3Ease of operation
If the spreader operates close to the ballast, then it can effectively spread anchors, but the risk of ballast interference and tie damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses pivotally mounted spreader arms that act as intermediaries between the hydraulic actuation system and the anchors. These arms can be precisely controlled and positioned, allowing the operator to apply spreading force effectively while maintaining safe clearance from the ballast and ties, thus preventing damage while achieving anchor spreading
Solution Approach 2:
The rail clamp assembly engages the rail before anchor spreading begins, providing a stable reference point and preventing unwanted movement. This preliminary action stabilizes the system and allows controlled anchor spreading without risking damage to surrounding components from uncontrolled motion or ballast interference
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
This solution reduces the number of machines and operators needed, enables efficient maintenance with adjustable mechanisms for different rail heights, and minimizes the risk of damage during operations, enhancing the efficiency and safety of railway maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an anchor spreader having a head assembly with a pair of telescoping spreader plates, controlled by hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
pivotally mounted spreader arms, wherein the mounting member has a longitudinal axis which extends in essentially the same plane as a longitudinal axis of the rail
Implementation Method 3
A rail clamp prevents longitudinal movement of the head during an anchor-spreading operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes.