Rail Wagon Handling System for Slab Track Support Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for laying and maintaining railway tracks, particularly slab-tracks, require auxiliary tracks and cranes, which are complex, bulky, unsafe, and limit the applicability of the process.

Innovation Solution

A handling system comprising a frame with zones and a guide, along with carriages and lifts, that allows for the efficient and safe movement and placement of support components like concrete slabs directly on the railway wagon, eliminating the need for auxiliary tracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If auxiliary tracks and cranes are used for laying slab-tracks, then support components can be transported and positioned, but the system becomes complex and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport component transportationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the auxiliary track and dock infrastructure from the system, extracting these unnecessary components while retaining the essential function of support component handling. The frame structure integrates all needed functions directly on the railway wagon, eliminating the need for external tracking systems and separate crane operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the frame structure, support component storage, and positioning mechanisms into a single integrated system mounted on the railway wagon. The carriage assembly merges transportation and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary tracks and cranes while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If auxiliary tracks and docks are required alongside the slab-laying area, then support components can be handled, but the applicability of the process is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess applicabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The railway wagon is designed as a multi-functional platform that can transport and position support components at various locations along the railway line without requiring specialized auxiliary infrastructure. The system adapts to different working positions by moving the wagon itself, making the process universally applicable to various railway maintenance scenarios.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms from a static infrastructure-based approach to a dynamic mobile platform approach. The railway wagon can move to different positions along the track, providing adaptability and versatility without requiring fixed auxiliary tracks or docks at each working location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional crane systems are used, then support components can be lifted and positioned, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport component placementVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a carriage assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the frame and support components. This carriage system provides controlled, stable positioning with proper support surfaces and restraint mechanisms, reducing the safety risks associated with direct crane handling while ensuring reliable placement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4549653A1Handling system for support components, wagon and rail vehicle comprising said handling system
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SRT SOCIETA A RESPONSABILITA LIMITATA CON SOCIO UNICO
  • EP4549653A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549653A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4549653A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a handling system (1) for support components (ST) for engaging a rail of a railway line; the handling system (1) comprises a frame (11) extending along a longitudinal trajectory (T1), which has a first and a second zone (Z1, Z2). The handling system comprises: a guide (12) extending along the longitudinal trajectory (T1), a first and a second carriage (13, 14) movable along the guide (12).