Railroad Track Alignment System with Adjustable Vertical Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing railroad track alignment systems are limited in their lifting capacity and are difficult to maneuver, leading to delays and increased safety risks due to improper alignment during installation, repair, or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A railroad alignment system comprising vertically adjustable vertical supports and a horizontal support with a clamp assembly that can securely lift and align tracks, featuring adjustable members to facilitate easy operation and efficient alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If existing alignment systems are used, then alignment function is provided, but lifting capacity is limited and maneuverability is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system is divided into multiple independent vertical supports that can be adjusted individually. Each vertical support operates independently to provide lifting force, enabling the system to handle heavier tracks while maintaining ease of positioning through individual adjustment of each support unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If existing alignment systems are used, then alignment function is provided, but operation complexity increases and project completion is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical supports incorporate adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different track weights and alignment requirements. The supports can be easily repositioned and reconfigured for various track sections, enabling quick adjustments without complex procedures, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If track weight increases, then lifting difficulty increases, but alignment importance remains critical for safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment safetyVSAvoidlifting difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment system is positioned and configured before the heavy lifting operation begins. The vertical supports are pre-adjusted to the required heights and positions, and the clamp assembly is prepared to engage the track. This preliminary setup ensures that when lifting is required, the system is already optimized to handle the track weight safely, maintaining reliability while reducing actual lifting difficulty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8684279B1Railroad alignment system
Publication Date: 2014.04.01 BLEDSOE JESSIE L
  • US8684279B1 patent drawing
  • US8684279B1 patent drawing
  • US8684279B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A railroad alignment system for easily and efficiently lifting and aligning railroad tracks during installation. The railroad alignment system generally includes first vertical support and a second vertical support with a horizontal support extending therebetween. The vertical supports are vertically adjustable through use of a pair of adjustment members. A clamp assembly extends downwardly from the horizontal support at a position midway between the first vertical support and second vertical support. Through use of a pair of adjustment members, the clamp assembly may be closed to secure a track in place for alignment and lifting.