Rail Guide Devices for Ballast Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for track rehabilitation, which involve ballast cleaning and rail renewal, often disrupt the ballast cleaning process and subsequent tamping, as they require complete removal of the old track before new rails can be installed.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for the simultaneous storage and placement of new rails on the track during ballast cleaning, using a cleaning machine with rail guide devices and conveyor systems to maintain ballast cleaning efficiency and enable seamless tamping post-renewal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the old track is completely removed before new rails are installed, then the ballast cleaning process is disrupted and subsequent tamping is impaired, but new rails can be installed on the track
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by storing new rails on the track in advance of the cleaning machine's arrival. The rails are positioned on the track before the ballast cleaning occurs, allowing the cleaning process to proceed without interruption. After cleaning and tamping, the pre-positioned rails are then installed, eliminating the need to disrupt the cleaning process for rail installation.
2Ease of operation
If new rails are stored on the track in advance, then rail installation is facilitated, but the ballast cleaning process may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the track into multiple sections and positions rails in specific locations that do not interfere with the cleaning machine's operation. The rails are stored in areas that allow the cleaning machine to access and clean the ballast bed effectively. This spatial segmentation ensures both rail storage convenience and cleaning quality are maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic positioning where rails are initially placed in temporary storage positions on the track that clear the cleaning path. As the cleaning machine passes and completes its work, the rails are then moved to their final installed positions. This dynamic repositioning ensures cleaning quality is not compromised while facilitating ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If complete track removal is performed, then new rails can be installed, but time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by storing new rails on the track in advance of the cleaning machine's arrival. The rails are positioned on the track before the ballast cleaning occurs, allowing the cleaning process to proceed without interruption. After cleaning and tamping, the pre-positioned rails are then installed, eliminating the need to disrupt the cleaning process for rail installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuity of useful action by allowing the ballast cleaning process to proceed without interruption for rail installation. The cleaning machine operates continuously on the ballast bed while rail storage and subsequent installation occur in coordinated fashion, eliminating downtime and maintaining productive workflow throughout the track renewal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a method for renovating a track (3) by renewing rails (24) and cleaning a ballast bed (2), ballast (13) is continuously picked up by a clearing device (12), cleaned and then thrown onto the track (3) to re-establish the ballast bed (2). With respect to a working direction (8) of a cleaning machine (1), rails (24) that are ahead on the track (3) are raised and, respectively with respect to a transverse direction (30) of the machine, are moved outwards to a longitudinal side (25) of the machine. Behind the clearing device (12), the raised rails (24) are respectively placed down onto an area of the ballast bed (2) alongside sleeper ends (29) of the track (3).