Rail Fastening Device with Separate Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fastening systems are complex and require multiple anchor members and form-fitting structures, limiting design freedom and increasing construction costs, while also failing to efficiently manage lateral forces and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A rail fastening device featuring a separate holding member with a pressure surface that engages directly with the track, using minimal anchor members and an intermediate damping plate for soundproofing, allowing for flexible design and reduced assembly forces, with a tension clamp for vertical movement and adjustable height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple anchor members and form-fitting structures are used to secure the base plate to the track, then the holding reliability is improved, but the device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into functionally independent components: the base plate for mounting the rail, separate retaining elements for lateral force resistance, and minimal anchor members only for securing the retaining elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall complexity compared to integrated form-fitting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex form-fitting support structures are extracted and replaced with simple friction-based contact between the retaining element's pressure surface and the track surface. The anchor members are extracted from multiple fastening points and reduced to minimal anchoring only where needed for the retaining elements, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the base plate is directly anchored to the track with multiple anchor members, then the holding reliability is improved, but the design freedom of the base plate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is separated from the anchoring function by introducing independent retaining elements. This allows the base plate to be designed purely for its primary function of supporting and positioning the rail, while the retaining elements handle all anchoring and force resistance functions, maximizing design freedom for the base plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements act as intermediary components between the base plate and the track. They provide the friction-based contact and anchoring functions without requiring direct integration into the base plate design, allowing the base plate to maintain its simple molded structure while still achieving reliable force transmission to the track.
3Device complexity
If the retaining element is integrated with the base plate, then the device complexity is reduced, but the optimization of the holding function is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is separated from the base plate as an independent component, allowing it to be specifically optimized for its holding function through the friction-based pressure surface design, while the base plate remains a simple molded part. This segmentation enables specialized optimization without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is designed with a specific pressure surface geometry optimized for friction-based contact with the track surface. This local optimization of the holding interface is achieved without complicating the overall base plate design, as the specialized features are confined to the separate retaining element component.
4Ease of manufacture
If friction-based contact with minimal anchor members is used, then the design freedom and ease of manufacture are improved, but the holding reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical form-fitting connections are replaced with a friction-based contact system. The retaining element's pressure surface utilizes friction against the track surface to resist lateral and longitudinal forces, eliminating the need for complex interlocking geometries and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism transitions from form-fitting geometric constraints to friction-based force resistance. By changing the fundamental mechanism from mechanical interlocking to friction contact, the system achieves easier manufacture through simple molded parts while maintaining reliability through optimized friction surface parameters and minimal anchoring.
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
This solution simplifies the fastening process, reduces construction complexity, and effectively manages both vertical and lateral forces, providing enhanced soundproofing and adaptability to installation tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element has a frame part (8) that has a pressure surface (8a) which rests frictionally on the travel path (3)
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate plate (4) made of a low-stiffness material, in this case a plastic, is arranged between the base plate (1) and the travel path (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Device for fastening a rail (2) for rail vehicles, comprising a base plate (1) in particular designed as a metal molded part, which is detachably fixed to a fixed track (3), in particular made of concrete, wherein the rail (2) is fixed to the base plate (1) by rail retaining elements (1a), wherein the base plate (1) is subjected to force from above by means of a retaining element (6) which rests separately on the track (3) to secure it.