Single-Piece Rail Fastening Device With Interchangeable Wedges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fastening devices on sleepers are complex and time-consuming to install and adjust, requiring multiple parts and frequent changes of angle guides for fine adjustments, leading to inefficiencies in railway track installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece device comprising two angle guides, a positioning sole, and holding elements that allow for adjustable rail positioning and fixing, using interchangeable wedges for precise alignment and inclination, simplifying the assembly and maintenance process while maintaining secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate parts (angle guides, sole, holding elements) are used to secure the rail, then the rail can be firmly fixed on the sleeper, but the construction becomes complex and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sole and holding elements into a single integrated piece, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple components. This merging maintains the securing function while simplifying the overall construction and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sole (providing the mounting surface) and the holding elements (securing the angle guides), thereby reducing the number of parts needed while maintaining reliable rail fixation.
2Reliability
If traditional angle guides are used for rail positioning, then the rail can be secured, but adjusting the rail position requires replacement of the entire angle guide set
Solution Approach 1:
The angle guide assembly is segmented into a fixed mounting structure (integrated into the sole) and interchangeable positioning elements (wedges). This allows the wedges to be replaced for adjustment while the main structure remains in place, facilitating easy position modification without complete replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle guide system incorporates adjustable wedges that can be inserted or removed to dynamically change the rail position. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows flexible positioning while maintaining secure fixation, eliminating the need for complete angle guide replacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If fine adjustment of rail position is required, then precise positioning can be achieved, but multiple sets of angle guides with different dimensions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using different dimensional angle guide sets, the patent achieves fine adjustment by changing the parameter of wedge thickness. Multiple wedges with varying thicknesses can be interchanged to achieve precise positioning, maintaining the same basic angle guide structure while allowing continuous adjustment of the rail position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The subject of the present invention is a device for positioning and fixing at least one rail (17) on a sleeper (18) comprising: - two angle guides (9, 10) positioned in such a way as to clamp the rail (17) by a pincer effect, pressing against each of the axial edges of the foot of the rail (17), - a positioning sole (7) on the upper face of which the rail (17) and the angle guides (9, 10) are mounted, the sole (7) being intended to form an interface between the sleeper (18) and the elements mounted on the top face of the sole (7), - two retaining elements (19, 20) which are positioned on each side of the angle guides (9, 10) to keep these angle guides (9, 10) pressed against the edges of the foot of the rail (17), characterized in that the retaining elements (19, 20) and the sole (7) form one and the same single piece and in that, on the face thereof that is intended to press against the angle guides (9, 10) at least one of the retaining elements (19, 20) comprises an interaction surface suited to making it easier to insert a shim (15, 16) of the device between the retaining element (19, 20) and the corresponding angle guide (9, 10).