Rail Fastener Installation in Guard Rail Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic fasteners for railway tracks face installation challenges in congested areas like switches or turnouts, particularly where guard rails restrict access and require strong, precise forces, which can lead to difficulties and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A rail fastening apparatus featuring an elongated resilient fastener supported by a shoulder and retainer, allowing installation via vertical lifting and lateral movement, eliminating the need for strong perpendicular forces and accommodating restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a regular elastic fastener is installed on each side of the running rail before installing the guard rail, then the fastener can be installed, but the entire guard rail assembly must be removed if the fastener needs to be replaced or repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two independent fasteners: a first fastener for the running rail and a second fastener for the guard rail. This segmentation allows each fastener to be independently installed and replaced without affecting the other, resolving the contradiction where replacing one fastener previously required removal of the entire guard rail assembly.
2Area of stationary object
If a single clip holds down both the running rail and guard rail, then space utilization is improved, but the clip still requires strong driving force in a narrow space for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The single clip design is segmented into two separate fasteners with individual mounting locations. This allows each fastener to be installed independently using leveraging motion rather than requiring strong perpendicular driving force in a narrow space, while still achieving effective utilization of the available space between the rails.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying driving force perpendicular to the rail axis to force the fastener into place, the installation method inverts the approach by using leveraging motion where the fastener is pushed against the rail flange from below, utilizing the rail flange itself as the forcing element rather than requiring external driving force.
3Ease of operation
If a strong driving force is applied perpendicular to the rail axis to install the fastener, then the fastener can be forced into place, but it is easier to miss the intended target and damage surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The installation method inverts the traditional approach by pushing the fastener against the rail flange from below rather than forcing it perpendicular to the rail axis. The rail flange itself becomes the forcing element, which guides the fastener into place and prevents missing the target or damaging surrounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail flange acts as an intermediary element in the installation process. Instead of directly forcing the fastener into place with external tools, the fastener is pushed against the rail flange which then forces it into the correct position, providing guidance and preventing damage to surrounding components.
4Reliability
If the fastener is installed in a congested area with guard rails, then the rail can be restrained, but access to the fastener for installation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two separate fasteners mounted at different locations - one for the running rail and one for the guard rail. This segmentation provides independent access paths to each fastener, allowing installation and maintenance without requiring access to the congested area between the rails where guard rails are positioned.
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
Facilitates easy and safe installation and removal of fasteners in congested areas without causing injury or damage, reducing the complexity and brute strength required for installation.
Implementation Method 1
They provide a resilient restraint under applied loads when trains pass over the rails
Implementation Method 2
They also provide some holding force under longitudinal loads created when the rails and ties or tie plates expand and contract differently under temperature fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated rail fastener apparatus for use near an obstacle such as a guard rail, or other location where space is restricted. The fastener preferably extends past the obstacle and is provided with a shoulder having at least one elevated notch, positioned to allow installation of the clip with a vertical and lateral movement, and without the application of a large force perpendicular to the rail. A U-shaped embodiment of the fastener is also described.