Rail Transport Rack Module with Turning Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current railway rail transport systems face issues such as high frictional resistance leading to rail displacement, inability to adapt to different rail lengths or wagons, need for manual operation and greasing, and environmental concerns due to chemical lubricants.

Innovation Solution

A rack module system with turning beams of polygonal profile and arched design, featuring a clear space between rail layers to reduce friction and eliminate the need for chemical lubricants, allowing for adaptable and safe rail transport with reduced operator risk and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rails are pressed down by upper layers on turning beams, then loading stability is improved, but frictional resistance increases causing rail displacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading stabilityVSAvoidrail position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pressing function into multiple independent pressing beams that can be selectively positioned. Instead of a single continuous pressing structure, individual pressing beams are distributed across different locations, allowing localized pressing without creating excessive friction at any single interface. This segmentation enables stability while reducing displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the rails and the pressing beams. These rollers reduce direct friction contact by providing a rolling interface, allowing the pressing force to be applied while minimizing the frictional resistance that causes rail displacement during curve travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual greasing of turning beams is performed, then friction is reduced for rail movement, but operational complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail movement smoothnessVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates self-lubricating turning beams with built-in grease reservoirs and distribution mechanisms. The turning beams automatically supply lubrication to the rail-contact surfaces during operation, eliminating the need for manual greasing by operators. This self-service approach maintains smooth rail movement while removing the operational complexity and safety risks of manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If permanent pressing yoke system is installed on wagons, then rail transport capability is improved, but adaptability to different rail lengths and wagon types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail transport capabilityVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing beam system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The pressing beams can be repositioned, removed, or reconfigured based on the specific rail lengths and wagon types being used. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high rail transport capability while accommodating various operational requirements and equipment configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing beams are designed as universal components that can function across multiple configurations and applications. They can be used with different rail lengths, on various wagon types, and in different pressing arrangements. This multi-functionality provides both the productivity of a permanent system and the adaptability needed for diverse operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If chemical lubricants are used to reduce friction, then rail movement is facilitated, but environmental harm and operational safety issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverail movement facilitationVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses solid lubricant materials applied directly to the turning beam surfaces, replacing persistent chemical lubricants. These lubricant applications are designed to be simple, localized, and replaceable without creating long-term environmental contamination. The approach facilitates rail movement while minimizing harmful environmental effects through controlled, non-persistent lubrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4414502A1Rack module, system and method for transporting railway rails on railway wagons
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 CAPTRAIN POLSKA SP ZO O
  • EP4414502A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4414502A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4414502A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The subject-matter of the invention is a rack module for transporting railway rails on railway wagons, the rack module having a frame (1) with a first column (2) and a second column (3) with turning beams (5a,5b) attached and having a base (4) attached to the railway wagon. Furthermore, the rack module comprises separating means to create a gap in the form of a clear space between the rail head and the upper layer of the rail load placed on the turning beams (5a,5b). The rack module can be converted into a mobile yoke module. The subject-matter of the invention is also a system for transporting railway rails, with which railway wagons, preferably intermodal wagons for transporting containers, are built over, comprising at least one rack module according to the invention and a method for transporting rails on railway wagons having the system for transporting rails of the invention attached to them.