Rail Clamp Handling With Lightweight Planetary Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail clamp handling arrangements are heavy and require lifting aids, making them cumbersome and inefficient for single-person operation.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight rail clamp handling arrangement utilizing a mechanical drive system with a support structure, lever arms, and a transmission mechanism powered by a high-speed electric motor and planetary gear, enabling synchronized movement of clamping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional heavy arrangements are used, then the clamping element can be effectively handled and positioned, but the arrangement requires lifting aids and cannot be easily moved by a single person

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidweight of arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The arrangement is divided into separate functional modules: a lightweight support structure, a mechanical drive unit with planetary gear, and clamping elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a mechanical drive system with planetary gear that provides mechanical advantage to counterbalance the weight of the clamping elements and support structure, enabling single-person operation without requiring additional lifting aids.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Manufacturing precision

If hydraulic systems are used, then the clamping elements can be positioned with precision, but the arrangement becomes more complex and less environmentally friendly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of drive system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic systems with a purely mechanical drive system using a motor and planetary gear mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, pumps, and associated control systems, reducing complexity while maintaining positioning precision through mechanical advantage and gear ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical drive system is designed to be self-contained and self-regulating, using the planetary gear mechanism to automatically provide the necessary force and positioning without requiring external hydraulic control systems or complex electronic controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If large wheel-equipped wagons are used, then the clamping element can be moved along the rail track, but the arrangement becomes heavy and requires lifting machines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility along rail trackVSAvoidweight of arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow the arrangement to adapt to different positions along the rail track. The mechanical drive system provides dynamic control of the clamping elements, enabling the lightweight structure to perform functions previously requiring heavy wagon-based systems.

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 a single person to easily maneuver the clamp handling system without lifting aids, providing an environmental advantage over hydraulic systems and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission mechanism powered by a high-speed electric motor and planetary gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a mechanical drive system with a support structure, lever arms, and a transmission mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

lever arms, and a transmission mechanism powered by a high-speed electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS12378730B2Rail clamp handling arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 UTV CENT AB

AI summary

This invention relates to rail clamp handling arrangement, for moving a clamping element (300) from a position in which said element fastens a rail (800) to a railroad sleeper to a sleeper releasing position and vise-versa, comprising a support structure/housing (500) having a lower part (501) with a central rail fit member (503) and arranged to extend transversally in relation to the longitudinal extension of the rail (800), wherein at each outer end portion (504) of said lower part (501) there is arranged connection means that provide pivot points (401) at an intermediate point of a pivotable lever arm (400), said lever arms (400) being arranged mirror symmetrically, a power and transmission arrangement (2, 3, 6) arranged to simultaneously move an upper part (405) of said lever arms (400) via an upper pivotal connection (402), a lower part (406) of said lever arms (400) comprising contact devices (403) arranged to move a clamping element (300), wherein said power and transmission arrangement (2, 3, 6) includes a power unit in the form of an electric motor (2) and a rotatable threaded shaft (6) arranged to transfer torque applied via said power and transmission arrangement (2, 3 6) into pivotal movement of said lever arms (400).