Rail Web Sand Remover With Angled Caliper Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sand removal technologies for railroad tracks, such as sand plows, often leave behind sand accumulated in the rail web, which is not effectively cleared, leading to ongoing maintenance issues in regions with shifting sand.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical sand remover system that includes an actuator and web wiper pads with a caliper mechanism, mechanically coupled to the actuator, which can transition between retraction and engagement states, using pneumatic pressure to remove sand from the rail web by engaging caliper arms at an angle relative to the rail web, mimicking the action of chisels or wood planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sand plows are used to remove sand from railroad tracks, then sand on the track surface is removed, but sand accumulated in the rail web remains uncleared
Solution Approach 1:
The sand removal system is divided into multiple functional components: a forward plow blade for removing bulk sand from the track surface, and separate mechanical sand removers with caliper mechanisms for clearing sand from the rail web. This segmentation allows each component to address specific sand accumulation zones, ensuring complete removal throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from surface-level sand removal to three-dimensional cleaning by introducing caliper arms that penetrate into the rail web structure. The caliper mechanism operates in the vertical dimension, reaching into the previously inaccessible rail web area to remove sand that traditional plows cannot reach.
2Reliability
If web wiper pads are engaged against the rail web to remove sand, then complete sand removal is achieved, but the mechanism requires complex actuation and control
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper mechanism incorporates movable caliper arms that can dynamically adjust their position between engaged and retracted states. This dynamic capability allows the web wiper pads to be pressed against the rail web when sand removal is needed, while being retracted during normal operation, reducing wear and simplifying control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical sand remover system is designed to be self-actuating through the coordinated movement of caliper arms and web wiper pads. The mechanism uses the natural movement of the sand plow along the track to automatically engage and disengage the cleaning components, reducing the need for complex external actuation systems.
3Reliability
If the caliper mechanism is constantly engaged to ensure complete sand removal, then cleaning effectiveness is maximized, but wear on web wiper pads and increased maintenance are resulting issues
Solution Approach 1:
The caliper mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the web wiper pads to be engaged only when sand removal is required and retracted during normal operation. This reduces unnecessary contact and wear between the pads and rail web, extending component life and reducing maintenance frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical sand remover removes sand from a railroad rail and includes an actuator and a pair of web wiper pads having a lateral dimension that corresponds to a lateral dimension of a rail web of the railroad rail. A caliper mechanism is mechanically coupled to the actuator and is operable thereby into a retraction state and an engagement state. The caliper mechanism includes a pair of caliper arms respectively coupled to the web wiper pads at an angle relative thereto.