Rail Port Insert Elastomeric Orifice Prevents Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of water-based or solvent-based liquid friction modifier compositions in rail port inserts leads to evaporation, causing clogging and rendering railhead outlet ports inoperable due to the drying of these materials on steel surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rail port insert with an elastomeric body featuring a flow passageway and an orifice that closes when pressure is reduced, minimizing evaporation and preventing clogging, is designed to be press-fit or threadedly engaged within the railhead port, ensuring fluid communication with a conduit for lubricant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water-based or solvent-based liquid friction modifier compositions are used in open-faced outlet ports, then friction modification between rail and wheel is improved, but evaporation causes clogging and renders outlet ports inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric body (flexible material) that forms a closed orifice structure. The elastomeric material allows the orifice to remain sealed when not in use, preventing evaporation, while still permitting lubricant flow when pressure is applied during train passage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the orifice from permanently open to dynamically controllable. The orifice transitions between closed (when no pressure is applied) and open (when pressure from passing train forces it open), optimizing both evaporation prevention and lubricant delivery
2Ease of operation
If the orifice remains open to the atmosphere, then lubricant delivery is simplified, but evaporation and clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static open orifice into a dynamic structure that responds to pressure changes. The orifice automatically opens when train-induced pressure forces it open for lubricant delivery, then closes automatically when pressure is removed, preventing clogging while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric orifice structure is self-actuating, requiring no external control mechanism. It automatically opens in response to pressure from passing trains and automatically closes when pressure is removed, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control systems
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates clogging by maintaining the friction modifier composition in a liquid state, ensuring continuous operation of railhead outlet ports and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end
Implementation Method 2
the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~1D
AI summary
A rail port insert is provided. The insert comprises an outer casing comprising a tubular sidewall and a base, the sidewall and base defining a spatial volume therein, the base defining an inlet passage that extends through the base and that is fluid communication with the spatial volume, and an elastomeric body having a first end and a second end, the elastomeric body disposed within the spatial volume and affixed to an inner surface of the tubular sidewall, the base, or both an inner surface of the tubular sidewall and the base. The elastomeric body comprising a flow passageway having a length extending from the first end to the second end, the first end in fluid communication with the inlet passage of the base, the second end further comprising a depth-length and defining an orifice along the depth-length, the orifice moving from a closed position in the absence of any applied pressure within the flow passageway, to an open position when pressure is applied within the flow passageway. When the rail port insert is installed in a railhead port, the inlet of the outer casing is in fluid communication with a railhead conduit. Also provided is a method of inserting the rail port insert into a railroad outlet port, and use of the rail port insert.