Railway Rail Lifting Device With Integrated Roller And Jack
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for lifting and tensioning railway rails are time-consuming, expensive, and hazardous due to the need for multiple pieces of equipment and the use of separate jacks and rollers, which also cause friction and potential rail distortion, especially in high-speed tracks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable arm and roller that secures to the rail fastening assembly, allowing for lifting and tensioning without additional jacks or rollers, minimizing friction, and enabling free extension of the rail, thus reducing the need for off-track machinery and maintaining the rail's ideal extension distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate jacks and rollers are used for lifting and tensioning rails, then the rail can be lifted and tensioned, but the process becomes time-consuming, expensive, and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting jack and roller into a single integrated device. The jack is mounted directly on the roller, which is positioned under the rail. When the jack extends, it lifts the rail while the roller supports the weight and allows the rail to slide freely, eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: the roller supports the rail weight and reduces friction during lifting, while the jack provides the lifting force. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized equipment pieces, reducing both device complexity and operational hazards.
2Ease of operation
If separate jacks and rollers are used, then lifting can be achieved, but friction increases causing potential rail distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The roller acts as an intermediary between the rail and the lifting mechanism. It supports the rail weight and enables smooth movement during lifting, significantly reducing friction between the rail and supporting surfaces. This prevents friction-induced rail distortion while maintaining ease of operation.
3Force
If multiple pieces of equipment are used, then lifting capacity is sufficient, but operational hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the jack and roller into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be coordinated during operation. This simplification reduces operational hazards while maintaining sufficient lifting capacity through the combined functionality of the jack (providing force) and roller (providing support and movement).
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
The device allows for efficient and safe lifting and tensioning of railway rails, reducing operational costs and hazards, while maintaining the rail's integrity and stability, especially in high-speed applications, by eliminating the need for separate jacks and rollers and minimizing friction.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing friction
Data Source
AI summary
A railway-rail-lifting device for lifting a railway rail comprises an arm and a roller rotatably mounted to the arm. The arm is operable to be rotated to bring the roller to bear on the rail such that the roller exerts a lifting force thereon. Securing means are operable to releasably secure the device to a rail fastening assembly.