Rail Fastening System with Adjustable Clamps for Damaged Ties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete railroad ties become unserviceable when a single tower is damaged, leading to costly and lengthy railroad shutdowns due to the need for replacing entire ties, as damaged fasteners can cause rail dislodgment and subsequent derailments.
Innovation Solution
A temporary rail fastening system using clamps and a baseplate that interpose the rail, allowing for adjustable securement to undamaged connectors, preventing rail movement and allowing damaged ties to remain in service until replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent tower-and-clip fasteners are used to secure rails to concrete ties, then rail stability is improved, but the entire tie becomes unserviceable when a single tower is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into modular components: a baseplate that can be independently positioned, multiple clamps that can be independently applied, and undamaged towers that remain functional. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to damaged ties by using only the intact portions for continued rail support.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static, permanent configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The clamps can be positioned at different locations along the tie, and the baseplate can be adjusted to accommodate varying damage patterns, enabling the system to adapt to different damage scenarios while maintaining rail stability.
2Reliability
If damaged concrete ties are replaced immediately after tower damage, then rail stability is maintained, but railroad shutdown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary fastening system is installed immediately upon detecting tower damage, before the damaged tie is removed. This preliminary action maintains rail stability during the replacement process, eliminating the need to shut down the railroad while heavy equipment is being mobilized and ties are being replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary fastening system acts as an intermediary solution between the damaged tie and the replacement tie. It provides continuous rail support during the transition period, allowing the railroad to remain operational while the damaged infrastructure is being replaced.
3Loss of time
If temporary fastening systems are deployed after damage, then railroad shutdown time is reduced, but the fastening system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temporary fastening system is designed as a universal solution that can be applied to various damage scenarios and tie types. The baseplate and clamp configuration can accommodate different damage patterns, making the system versatile enough to handle multiple situations without requiring specialized equipment for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient. The baseplate and clamps form an integrated assembly that can be independently installed and removed without requiring additional support equipment or complex installation procedures, reducing the overall complexity despite the temporary nature of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A rail fastening system is provided. The rail fastening system includes a fastener including a baseplate and at least one of clamp. The at least one clamp mounts with the baseplate and extends under a rail of a railroad to abut against a flange of the rail opposite a flange adjacent to the baseplate. Certain embodiments of the fastener include adjustment teeth to finely adjust the positioning of the clamps relative to the baseplate. Certain other embodiments of the fastener include slotted clamps that receive a baseplate.