Rail Vehicle Stability via Asymmetric Vertical Guideways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail transport systems are not suitable for transporting heavy loads effectively, lacking sufficient stability and flexibility to securely support vehicles against tipping and transmit high forces.
Innovation Solution
A rail transport system with a running rail featuring horizontal, upward-pointing tracks and vertical guideways on both sides of the center line, along with a rail vehicle equipped with axle modules and passive guide elements, allows for secure movement and energy supply through current-carrying rails, enhancing stability and load-carrying capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional rail transport systems with inclined A-shaped tracks are used, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot effectively transmit high forces and support heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The running rail is segmented into profile elements with distinct functional sections: a first section with upward-pointing running tracks for force transmission, and a second section with guide tracks for stability, connected by a vertical web. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its specific function while working together to solve the overall contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional inclined A-shaped tracks to horizontal upward-pointing tracks arranged at the same height, adding a vertical dimension to force transmission. The vertical guideways extend above and below the running tracks, creating a three-dimensional guidance structure that enhances force transmission capability beyond the traditional planar configuration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional single-guideway systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks sufficient stability to prevent vehicle tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric guideway arrangement with an upper vertical guideway above the running tracks and a lower vertical guideway below the running tracks. This asymmetric configuration creates balanced lateral support that prevents vehicle tipping while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideways extend in the vertical dimension, with upper guideways positioned above and lower guideways positioned below the running tracks. This vertical extension of guideways creates a three-dimensional stabilization system that effectively prevents vehicle tipping from multiple directions.
3Weight of moving object
If profile elements with uniform web width are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the structure cannot minimize weight while maximizing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical web connecting the first and second sections has a width that varies along its length, being wider at the first section and narrower at the second section. This local variation in web width optimizes the structural strength-to-weight ratio, providing maximum support where needed while minimizing material usage elsewhere.
4Length of stationary object
If current-carrying rails are positioned below the running tracks, then the overall height is minimized, but the distance between running track and guideway is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The current-carrying rails are positioned in the vertical dimension above the running tracks, utilizing the space between the running tracks and upper guideways. This vertical arrangement maintains a sufficient distance for effective energy supply while keeping the overall rail structure height minimized through optimized component placement.
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 system effectively supports heavy loads by providing increased stability and flexibility, enabling secure movement and energy supply, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems in handling heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
two running wheels (33) which are arranged such that they can rotate about vertical axes and by means of which the rail vehicle can be moved along the running tracks
Implementation Method 2
at least one passive guide element (34, 35), by means of which the rail vehicle can be guided along at least one vertical guideway (23, 24) of the running rail
Implementation Method 3
current collectors are provided on the rail vehicles, which interact with the current-carrying rails
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rail transport system for production processes, assembly processes and/or logistical processes, comprising a running rail (2) and a rail vehicle (3) which is movable along the running rail (2), wherein the running rail (2) in each case has a running track (22) and at least one guide track (22, 23) on both sides of a centre line (21), wherein the running tracks (22) are configured as horizontal, upwardly facing running tracks (22) arranged at least substantially at one height, an upper vertical guide track (23) which is arranged above the running tracks (22) is provided at least on a first side of the running rail (2), and a lower vertical guide track (24) which is arranged under the running tracks (22) is provided at least on a second side of the running rail (2). The invention further relates to a rail vehicle for a rail transport system.