Rail Train With Shared Trucks And Hydraulic Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail trains do not allow uniform flexing of rails as they traverse curves, leading to increased side loads and stress on stands, trucks, and couplers, and manual clamping mechanisms pose safety risks during loading and unloading operations.
Innovation Solution
The rail train design features shared trucks without couplers, allowing the tie-down car to be positioned anywhere, and uses hydraulically actuated, spring-tensioned clamps for rail support, along with retractable manipulating arms on the end car for improved rail handling and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tiers of stands are used to support rails, then the capacity to support multiple rails is improved, but the complexity of the stand structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail support system is divided into multiple independent tiers (first tier, second tier, third tier) that can be separately configured and positioned. Each tier acts as an independent support level, allowing flexible arrangement of rails while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane support structure to a multi-dimensional tiered arrangement. By stacking supports vertically (first tier at lower level, second tier at middle level, third tier at upper level), the system accommodates multiple rails without proportionally increasing horizontal complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stands are spaced 30 feet apart to support rails without excessive sagging, then rail support stability is improved, but the ability to allow uniform flexing during curves is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the rigid stand spacing by allowing the rail to flex relative to the stands through controlled mechanisms. The tie-down car includes features that permit the rail to move and flex uniformly during curves while maintaining stable support at the 30-foot spaced stands, converting a static support system into a dynamically adaptable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down car acts as an intermediary element between the rigid stand structure and the flexing rail. It provides a controlled interface that allows the rail to flex uniformly during curves while the stands maintain their stable 30-foot spacing, mediating between the conflicting requirements of stability and flexing capability.
3Device complexity
If manual clamping mechanisms are used to secure rails, then the simplicity of the clamping system is maintained, but worker safety during loading and unloading is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clamping operations with an automated or remotely operated clamping system. This substitution eliminates the need for workers to manually handle and clamp rails, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving worker safety during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping system is designed to automatically secure rails without requiring manual intervention. The system performs its own clamping function through automated mechanisms, eliminating worker exposure to hazardous manual operations while maintaining the essential clamping functionality.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the tie-down car is positioned near the center of the rail train to evenly divide rails, then the ability to prevent rail movement during curves is improved, but the flexibility to adapt to different train configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tie-down car position dynamically adjustable rather than fixed at the center. This allows the tie-down car to be repositioned along the rail train to accommodate different train configurations, vehicle lengths, and operational requirements while maintaining the ability to stabilize rail position during curves through its controlled flexing mechanism.
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
This design minimizes side loads on the rail train by allowing uniform rail flexing and enhances worker safety by enabling remote operation of clamping and rail manipulation, simplifying the unloading process.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulically actuated, spring-tensioned clamps for rail support
Implementation Method 2
hydraulically actuated, spring-tensioned clamps for rail support
Data Source
AI summary
A rail train for supporting multiple sticks of ribbon rail comprises a plurality of rail support cars having a single, centrally positioned rail support stand wherein adjacent rail support cars are supported on shared trucks. End cars include a tunnel for supporting the rails near their ends and one or more rail support arms pivotal at a first end about two axis and supporting a rail guide assembly at a second end for supporting a rail as it is pulled of the rail train. A rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.