Rail Switch End Position Testing Device with Adjustable Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end position testing devices for rail switches are difficult to adapt to different displacement paths without complex conversion work, especially when installed, and are prone to mechanical stress from vibrations and thermal changes.
Innovation Solution
The end position testing device features adjustable switching edges on the rod and housing, allowing axial adjustment without opening the housing, with a circular cross-section housing for torsional stability and a movable tube design for compactness and ease of adaptation, along with spring-loaded limit switches for precise actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate end position testing device is assigned to each tongue rail with resilient pressing of the rod against the switch tongue, then precise detection of end positions is achieved, but adaptation to different Umstellhübe is only possible with considerable difficulty by opening the tester housing and changing the position of the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is made adjustable in the axial direction relative to the housing, allowing the switching edges to be repositioned dynamically. This enables the testing device to adapt to different Umstellhübe (displacement paths) by moving the rod axially and fixing it at the appropriate position, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial position of the rod is changed as a variable parameter to adapt the testing device to different displacement paths. By modifying the position parameter of the rod along the axial direction, the device can be configured for different switching strokes without requiring complex conversion work or opening the housing.
2Reliability
If multiple end position test devices are arranged along the rail switch to detect breaks and warping, then detection capability is improved, but each test device must be adapted to a different changeover stroke requiring complex adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
Each testing device incorporates an adjustable rod that can be dynamically repositioned axially to match the specific changeover stroke at its location. This dynamic adjustability simplifies the configuration of multiple devices along the rail switch, as each can be independently adapted to its local requirements without complex interconnections.
3Strength
If the housing is designed as a tube with circular cross-section for torsional stability, then mechanical robustness is improved, but the complexity of the housing structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a circular cross-section instead of a square or rectangular shape. This curved geometry provides superior torsional stiffness and resistance to vibrations while maintaining structural efficiency. The circular form naturally resists twisting forces better than angular shapes, enhancing the mechanical robustness of the testing device.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for examining the end position of displaceable parts of a rail switch, wherein at least one separate end position examining device (5, 6) is associated with each displaceable switch part (3, 4). Said end position examining device (5, 6) comprises a rod (8) and an examining housing (9) wherein the rod (8) is guided and wherein at least one end position switch (5, 6) which is used to detect both end positions of the displaceable switch part (3, 4) is arranged. According to the invention, the rod (8) comprises, in the region immersed in the housing (9) or the housing (9) at least two switching edges which are arranged at a distance from each other in the axial direction and which is used to actuate the at least one end position switch (5, 6). At least of the switching edges can be adjusted in the axial direction in relation to the other switching edge and is arranged in a fixed manner in the respective position.