Rail Transport Device With Three-Point Mounting Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail-bound transport devices are inefficient and unsafe for transporting rail vehicles at high speeds, requiring multiple devices to handle a single bogie and limiting transport speed due to stability concerns.

Innovation Solution

A rail-bound transport device with a frame having longitudinal support elements and transport device wheel sets, featuring a mounting plate connected via three connecting sections for optimal torsional flexibility, allowing for high-speed transport of rail vehicles with reduced derailing risk and simplified loading/unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple transport devices are used to transport a locomotive with two bogies, then the transport capacity is sufficient, but the device complexity and transport cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidnumber of transport devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wheel set receiving spaces into a single transport device, allowing one device to accommodate multiple wheel sets from different bogies. This merging of functions enables a single transport device to handle what previously required multiple devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining transport capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device is designed with universal receiving spaces that can accommodate wheel sets from various bogie configurations. The standardized interface and flexible positioning system allow the same device to handle different wheel set arrangements, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If transport devices move at high speeds, then transport efficiency improves, but the risk of derailment increases due to stability concerns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport speedVSAvoidderailment risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is designed to be movably connected to the frame, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to forces encountered during high-speed transport and cornering. This dynamic adaptation maintains optimal contact between the wheel sets and receiving spaces, preventing derailment while enabling high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the mounting plate, transitioning from a fixed rigid connection to a movable flexible connection. This parameter change allows the mounting plate to absorb and accommodate dynamic forces during high-speed transport and curve negotiation, maintaining stability and preventing derailment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the mounting plate is rigidly connected to the frame, then structural strength improves, but the transport device cannot safely navigate curves at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcornering ability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate employs a movable connection to the frame that allows dynamic adjustment during cornering operations. This dynamic capability enables the mounting plate to adapt to lateral forces and maintain proper alignment of wheel sets during high-speed curve negotiation, while still providing sufficient structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If conventional transport devices are used, then the transport system is simple, but the transport speed is limited to low speeds for safety reasons

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidtransport speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the mounting plate connection from fixed to movable, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining safety. This single parameter change allows the transport device to operate at speeds of 60-100 km/h without compromising stability or requiring complex additional safety systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3554914B1Transport device
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 RAILADVENTURE GMBH
  • EP3554914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3554914B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3554914B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport device comprising a frame element (2) that may have at least two longitudinal support elements (3a, 3b) which may be arranged in the transverse direction at a distance from one another. In addition, a mounting plate (40) for receiving transport goods may be provided, wherein the mounting plate (40) can be mounted to the frame (2) via three connecting regions.