Tilting Railcar Trailer With Auto Track Alignment for Remote Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for railcar storage are expensive, complex, and require dedicated rail infrastructure, making it difficult to efficiently store and access railcars, especially when demand varies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a trailer with a tiltable flatbed and a track assembly that can align with rail tracks, allowing railcars to be loaded and unloaded without dedicated rail infrastructure, and a winch system for assistance in loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional railcar storage facilities with rail infrastructure are used, then railcars can be stored and accessed, but the system becomes expensive and complex due to required rail switches and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a railcar mover as an intermediary device that transfers railcars between storage areas and loading areas. This mover acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex rail switch systems, as it can physically move railcars along guideways to any required destination without requiring multiple track configurations and switches
Solution Approach 2:
The storage facility is segmented into multiple storage areas and loading areas, with the railcar mover operating on guideways that connect these segments. This segmentation allows independent control and movement of railcars between different zones without requiring the entire system to be reconfigured, reducing overall complexity
2Reliability
If traditional railcar storage facilities with rail infrastructure are used, then railcars can be stored and accessed, but storage costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The railcar mover serves as a cost-effective intermediary that replaces expensive rail switch equipment. By using a single mover that can service multiple storage areas and loading areas, the system eliminates the need for multiple sets of rail switches and complex track infrastructure, significantly reducing capital and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 2:
The railcar mover is designed as a universal device that can service multiple storage areas and loading areas. This multi-functional approach means a single mover replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated track systems and switches, reducing overall infrastructure costs while maintaining full access capability
3Productivity
If railcars are stored in facilities near existing rail infrastructure, then transportation is facilitated, but location flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The railcar mover acts as a portable intermediary that can transport railcars to remote storage locations away from main rail infrastructure. The mover travels along guideways to connect remote storage areas with loading areas, enabling flexible site selection without requiring proximity to existing rail yards or switches
4Ease of operation
If complex rail switch systems are installed for flexible redirection, then railcar accessibility is improved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The railcar mover replaces complex rail switch systems as the intermediary for railcar redirection. Instead of mechanically complex switches that require frequent maintenance, the patent uses a simpler mover device that travels along guideways, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining flexible redirection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The railcar mover system is designed to be self-service in terms of operation, with automated control that reduces the need for manual switching operations and maintenance. The mover can service multiple areas sequentially, reducing operational complexity and maintenance burden compared to traditional switch systems
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 system enables efficient and cost-effective transportation and storage of railcars, allowing them to be moved to remote locations without the need for expensive switching equipment, thus reducing storage costs and increasing accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
as the flatbed is tilted downward towards the track
Implementation Method 2
an alignment device operably connected to the flatbed and configured to automatically align the track assembly of the flatbed with the set of rail tracks
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more arrangements, a system is presented for transportation of a railcar. The system also includes a trailer having a flatbed configured to move between a tilted position and a horizontal position. The flatbed has a track assembly that when the flatbed is tilted and the track assembly is aligned with a set of rail tracks, a railcar may be loaded by rolling the railcar from the rail tracks onto the track assembly of the flatbed. The system also includes an alignment device operably connected to the flatbed and configured to automatically align the track assembly of the flatbed with the set of rail tracks as the flatbed is tilted downward towards the track.