Rail Lifting Head for Simultaneous Multiple Rail Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway rail handling apparatuses are limited to lifting and moving one rail at a time, which is inefficient for tasks requiring the handling of multiple rails or switch heads.
Innovation Solution
A rail lifting head with transverse beam and vertically mounted shaft members that can rotate between closed and open positions, allowing for the simultaneous lifting and movement of multiple rails, supported by ground engaging means to prevent overturning and distribute load evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing rail handling apparatus is used, then one rail can be lifted and moved at a time, but operational efficiency is reduced when multiple rails need to be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting head is divided into multiple independently controllable lifting mechanisms, each capable of lifting a separate rail. The first lifting mechanism and second lifting mechanism can operate simultaneously or independently, allowing multiple rails to be handled at once while maintaining structural modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting head is designed as a multi-functional device that can handle both single rails and multiple rails simultaneously. The same lifting head structure with multiple lifting mechanisms can adapt to different rail handling requirements, making the apparatus versatile for various railway maintenance tasks
2Productivity
If multiple rails are lifted simultaneously, then operational efficiency improves, but load distribution and stability become critical concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The total load is segmented across multiple independent lifting mechanisms, each bearing a portion of the total weight. This distribution of load across separate mechanisms improves stability and reduces the risk of failure, as each mechanism handles a manageable portion of the total load independently
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lifting mechanisms are combined within a single lifting head assembly, integrating their functions while maintaining independent operation. This merging allows simultaneous lifting of multiple rails while ensuring coordinated action and balanced load distribution through the unified lifting head structure
3Force
If a robust lifting structure is used to handle multiple rails, then load capacity increases, but the apparatus may not fit in tight spaces and narrow track locations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanisms are arranged in a nested or compact configuration within the lifting head, with components positioned to minimize the overall footprint. This nesting allows the robust lifting structure to maintain high load capacity while fitting within the constrained spaces of narrow track locations and tight work areas
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A rail lifting head (100) comprises a post member (104) having a lifting point (102) at its upper end adapted to be lifted by a lifting means (12) of a rail moving apparatus (10); two transverse beam portions (106A, 106B) extending on opposite sides of the post member (104) and cantilevered from the lower end of the post member; a rail bearing surface (110) provided on the transverse beam; and a number of rail retention pins (116) and rail retention blocks (114) which are removably mounted on the rail bearing surface. The rail lifting head (100) can be used with a railway rail handling apparatus (10) configured for track side operation comprising first and second ground engaging means (28) arranged on opposite sides of the apparatus and a support frame (14, 16, 18) spanning between the first and second ground engaging means (28). The rail lifting head (100) can be arranged on the support frame between the first and second ground engaging means (28).