Rail Support Base Plate with Elastic Holders for Adjustable Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail support systems are complex and difficult to assemble, with limited adjustability transverse to the rail's longitudinal direction, and require complete removal of fastening means for base plate insertion or removal.
Innovation Solution
A rail support system featuring a base plate with an elastic intermediate layer and holders that engage positively with a guide plate, allowing for adjustable rigidity and simplified assembly without penetrating the base plate with fasteners, using receptacles with elastic elements for preload adjustment and a toothing mechanism for fine adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the base plate is penetrated by fastening elements to connect the support to a base, then the support achieves secure attachment, but the base plate cannot be easily removed or inserted without complete removal of fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two independent parts: fastening means that penetrate the holder and elastic elements that extend from the base plate to engage with the holder. This segmentation allows the base plate to be easily installed or removed by simply disengaging the elastic elements, without needing to remove the fastening means that secure the holder to the base.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements act as intermediaries between the base plate and the holder. These elements extend from the base plate into the holder's receptacles, providing a mechanical connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This intermediary mechanism enables simple base plate removal and insertion while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base plate is made adjustable transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rail, then the support adapts to different positions, but the assembly and positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with movable guide pieces that can shift transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The guide pieces engage with corresponding structures on the holder, allowing the base plate to be dynamically adjusted to different positions. This dynamic design provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple assembly through form-fitting engagement.
3Reliability
If the elastic intermediate layer provides cushioning and stiffness adjustment, then the support absorbs vibrations and adapts to load conditions, but the structure becomes more complex compared to rigid connections
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic intermediate layer is designed with variable stiffness characteristics that can be adjusted by selecting different material compositions, thicknesses, or density values. This parameter-based approach allows the layer to provide optimal cushioning and load adaptation for different operating conditions without requiring complex multi-component structures. The layer's elastic properties naturally provide vibration absorption and load adaptation.
4Ease of operation
If the receptacles have clear inner height less than the sum of base plate and intermediate plate thicknesses, then preload is automatically applied, but the assembly requires precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacles are pre-designed with clear inner heights that are intentionally less than the combined thickness of the base plate and elastic intermediate layer in their relaxed states. This preliminary dimensional design ensures that when the components are assembled, the elastic elements are automatically compressed, applying preload to the base plate without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. The form-fitting engagement between guide pieces and holder structures provides the necessary positioning precision.
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 system simplifies assembly and adjustment, provides adjustable rigidity, and allows for vertical and horizontal adjustability of the rail support, enabling problem-free insertion and removal of the base plate without complete fastening system removal, while ensuring secure attachment to the base.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic intermediate layer running underneath the base plate
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element which is supported on the surface of the base plate extends from each holder
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a support (10) for a rail, comprising at least one baseplate (12) which receives the rail; a guide plate (16) which is below the baseplate and supports same; and receiving elements (44) of holders (22, 24), said holders receiving the baseplate in the end regions (52, 56) thereof and engaging interlockingly in the guide plate, which holders, outside of the baseplate (12), can be penetrated by fasteners (42, 142) for fastening the support, wherein each receiving element (44) is delimited by side walls (46, 48), a back wall (49) and a top wall (50) and is open at the bottom, and the side walls (36, 38) are sections of side limbs of the holder (22, 24), which extend, at least in regions, along a base wall (34) of the holder facing away from the receiving element, which base wall can be penetrated by the fastener (42, 142), which has a shank (43, 143) having a head (45, 145).