Rail System Self-Leveling Mechanism for Sloped Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail systems for large-scale towers face challenges in maintaining level alignment on sloped surfaces and withstanding seismic loads without shearing or breaking, as they lack effective adjustment mechanisms to compensate for surface irregularities and seismic movements.
Innovation Solution
The rail system incorporates a self-leveling mechanism with dual adjustment mechanisms, featuring a first link coupled to the track and a second link connected to both the first link and leveling members, allowing for adjustable distance settings and seismic relief through translational and rotational movement, ensuring the tracks remain level and stable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid fixed-distance connections are used between tracks and leveling members, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to sloped surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed-distance connections with adjustable distance mechanisms that allow the rail system to adapt its configuration. The adjustment mechanisms enable dynamic modification of distances between tracks and leveling members, allowing the system to accommodate sloped surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through controlled adaptability.
2Strength
If rigid fixed connections are used between track components, then structural strength is improved, but ability to withstand seismic movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing movable and adjustable connections between track components. The adjustment mechanisms allow relative movement between connected elements, enabling the structure to absorb and dissipate seismic energy through controlled motion rather than rigid resistance, thereby improving earthquake resistance while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling modification of geometric parameters (distances and angles) between track components through adjustment mechanisms. This allows the structure to change its configuration in response to seismic forces, optimizing its mechanical properties dynamically rather than relying on fixed parameters that cannot adapt to varying load conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable distance mechanisms are added to compensate for surface irregularities, then adaptability to sloped surfaces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by implementing adjustment mechanisms at specific critical locations where adaptability is most needed, rather than throughout the entire structure. The distance adjustment mechanisms are strategically positioned between tracks and leveling members to provide localized compensation for surface irregularities, maintaining overall system simplicity while achieving the required adaptability at key points.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rail system (22) includes a track (50, 54), a plurality of leveling members (126) disposed below the track, and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms (136) disposed between the track (50, 54) and the plurality of leveling members (126), wherein each of the adjustment mechanisms (136) is coupled to the track (50, 54) and one of the leveling members (126).