Rail Segment Joint Alignment via Pressure Distribution Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shuttle warehouses experience noise and vibration issues due to the joints between successive rail segments, which affect the smooth operation of distribution vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A pressure distribution bar is used to align the rail segments without fastening elements, supported by pressure transmission elements that apply a compressive force to maintain evenness and prevent height offsets, ensuring smooth and vibration-free running.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rail segments are joined using fastening elements (screws, bolts) to ensure structural stability, then the dimensional stability and strength of the rail connection is improved, but the running surface develops height offsets and irregularities causing noise and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure distribution bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the rail segments and the fastening elements. This bar distributes the clamping force uniformly across the running surface, preventing local height offsets and irregularities that would otherwise be caused by the fastening elements, thus eliminating noise and vibrations while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution of force in the connection region by applying uniform pressure through the pressure distribution bar. This transforms the discrete point loads from fastening elements into a continuous distributed load, ensuring the running surface remains flush and even, thereby preventing harmful vibrations and noise.
2Reliability
If fastening elements are installed in the running surface to secure rail segments, then the reliability of the rail connection is improved, but the smoothness and evenness of the running surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure distribution bar serves as a mediator that decouples the fastening function from the running surface. It allows fastening elements to be positioned below the running surface level while still providing secure connection, thus maintaining both reliability and surface smoothness without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the fastening elements from the running surface dimension to a lower structural dimension. The pressure distribution bar transfers the connection forces from below, allowing the running surface to remain uninterrupted and smooth while the fastening occurs in a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with vehicle movement.
3Strength
If rail segments are joined with fastening elements to ensure dimensional stability, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the distribution of pressure across the joint becomes uneven causing vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure distribution bar acts as a pressure-distributing intermediary that receives uneven forces from the fastening elements and transforms them into uniform pressure across the entire joint area. This mediator function ensures both strong connection and uniform pressure distribution, eliminating vibrations caused by uneven loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure distribution parameter from discrete and uneven (at fastening points) to continuous and uniform (across the entire running surface) by introducing the pressure distribution bar. This parameter transformation ensures stable and vibration-free operation while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A warehouse has a rack with an aisle and rails fastened to the rack extend along the aisle. The rails are made of rail segments that have a first profile section with a top side running surface. A distribution vehicle is movable along the aisle on the top side running surfaces and transports goods to be stored or retrieved from the rack. A pressure distribution bar is arranged where a first rail segment abuts a second rail segment. The pressure distribution bar has first and second length portions. The first length portion is supported against the first profile section of the first rail segment, the second length portion is supported against the first profile section of the second rail segment. A pressure transmission element has a first end supported from below against the pressure distribution bar and a second end supported against a counter bearing arranged at the rack.