Universal Clamping Mechanism for Rail Safety Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping mechanisms for securing safety barriers to rails are difficult to attach to rails of varying dimensions, requiring different mechanisms or modifications, which increases installation complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

A clamping mechanism with a movable point of attachment for the short rod, allowing longitudinal movement and pivoting, enabling secure attachment to a wide range of rail types without the need for different mechanisms or rod exchanges, facilitated by a linkage of pivotally interconnected rods and a locking mechanism that adjusts in steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the point of attachment of the short rod to the bottom rod or upper rod is immovable, then the clamping mechanism provides stable clamping force, but it is difficult to attach to rails of varying dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different rail dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The point of attachment of the short rod to the bottom rod or upper rod is made movable in the longitudinal direction, allowing the clamping mechanism to dynamically adapt to different rail dimensions. This movable attachment point enables adjustment of the clamping geometry without requiring different mechanisms for different rail types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If different clamping mechanisms are used for rails with deviating dimensions, then each rail type is securely clamped, but the number of different mechanisms and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure clamping of railVSAvoidnumber of different mechanisms required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed with a movable attachment point that enables a single universal mechanism to securely clamp various rail types with different dimensions. The mechanism maintains reliable clamping through its ability to adjust to different geometries rather than requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the short rod is exchanged for rails with deviating dimensions, then proper clamping is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproper clamping engagementVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable attachment point allows the same short rod to adapt to different rail dimensions through movement rather than requiring physical exchange of the rod. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly reduces installation time while maintaining proper clamping engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the clamping mechanism is rigidly positioned, then the structure is simple, but positioning on the rail becomes difficult and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of positioning on railVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable attachment point provides the necessary flexibility for easy positioning on the rail without requiring complex positioning mechanisms. The movement capability allows the mechanism to self-adjust to the rail geometry, simplifying the overall positioning process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 easy and cost-effective attachment of safety barriers to various rail dimensions, minimizing labor and installation costs while ensuring a clear railhead for unimpeded rail traffic.

Implementation Method 1

the linkage is made up of at least five pivotally interconnected rods, which five rods pivot about four pivot pins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical linkage and pivoting: Lever

Implementation Method 2

a fifth push rod is directly connected to the movable point of attachment of the short rod as well as to the other three rods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

The locking rod is provided with recesses, for example, in which a rod can be secured against spring force by pivoting of the locking rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

a rod can be secured against spring force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2670913B1A clamping mechanism for securing at least one object, in particular a barrier, to a rail, and assembly

Publication Date: 2017.03.29 TOUSSAINT CORNELIUS WILHELM ROBERT

AI summary

A clamping mechanism (100) for securing at least one object, for example a barrier (3), to a rail (5) comprising a rail web (11) and a rail head (9), which clamping mechanism (100) comprising a linkage comprising at least four rods (141, 143, 145, 147) which are pivotally interconnected via points of attachment, a short rod (143) is directly connected to an upper rod (145) and also to a bottom rod (141), which short rod (143) os movable from a first position to a second position and vice versa, in which first position of the short rod (143) the clamping machnism (100) can be positioned in al lateral section of the rail with some play, whilst in the second position of the short rod (143) the clamping mechanism (100) is clamped in position in the lateral section of the rail by means of the short rod (143).