Rail Switch Position Check Device with Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end position checking devices for rail switches are bulky and require complex adaptations to different displacement paths, making them inefficient and difficult to set up accurately.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a linearly guided slide and a rotatably mounted lever that converts linear movement into rotary and then linear motion, allowing for a reduction in the distance of the output member's movement and enabling easy adaptation to various changeover paths through a lever ratio adjustment, using limit switches with blocking slides for precise actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gear device is used to convert linear movement of the test rod into movement suitable for end-position detection, then the end positions can be detected, but the installation space required increases and adaptation to different changeover paths becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the test rod movement conversion function from the end-position detection function. The lever mechanism converts linear movement to rotary movement, which then actuates limit switches through a separate linkage mechanism, dividing the complex gear device into simpler functional segments
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting linear movement directly to linear movement through complex gears, the invention inverts the approach by converting linear movement to rotary movement first, then using the rotary movement to actuate the limit switches, simplifying the overall mechanism
2Reliability
If multiple end-position test devices are arranged along the switch to verify correct positioning at numerous points, then detection of switch breaks and malfunctions improves, but the device must be adapted to different switching strokes at different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism with adjustable pivot point creates a universal testing device that can accommodate different switching strokes. By adjusting where the lever pivots, the same device configuration can test different positions along the switch blade, making the device versatile for multiple measurement points without requiring different device designs
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces dynamic adjustability through the lever pivot point, allowing the mechanical configuration to be changed based on the specific testing requirements at different switch positions, enabling the same physical device to adapt to varying stroke lengths
3Volume of moving object
If the linear path of the output element is shortened compared to the switching path of the tester rod, then space requirements are reduced, but the lever mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism introduces rotational (curved) movement to convert linear test rod displacement into rotary motion, which then drives the output element. This curved motion path allows compact packaging of the mechanism while maintaining the full measurement range, reducing the linear space required in the housing
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 reduces space requirements and enhances accuracy in detecting end positions, allowing for reliable and efficient detection of malfunctions while minimizing the risk of incorrect actuation.
Implementation Method 1
the gearbox comprises a lever, the first lever arm of which is driven by the input element and the second lever arm of which drives the output element
Implementation Method 2
The positions of the test rods are detected by electromechanical transducers, for example in the form of limit switches or tongue test contacts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for checking the final position of movable parts of a rail switch, comprising a checking rod which can be coupled to the movable part and a checking housing which comprises a gear mechanism having an input element that interacts with the checking rod and a linearly movable output element. The output element interacts with at least one final position switch in order to detect the two final positions of the movable switch part. The gear mechanism comprises a lever, the first arm of which is driven by the input element and the second arm of which drives the output element. The gear mechanism is designed to shorten the linear path of the output element in comparison to the adjustment path of the checking rod.