Railroad Sleeper Laying Device with Automated Gripper Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machines and methods for laying sleepers on ballast-beds in railroad construction are inefficient, time-consuming, and require significant manual labor, leading to high costs and potential inaccuracies in sleeper placement.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a body with a commuting mechanism, a fork-lift, pivot-arms with grippers, and a cradle-arrangement with spring-loaded support-members that allows for automated movement and precise placement of sleepers at equidistant intervals, reducing manual intervention and the need for multiple machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual labor is used to individually lift and place sleepers, then placement accuracy and positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sleeper laying process into distinct functional modules: a picking mechanism that grabs multiple sleepers simultaneously, a transfer mechanism that moves them to the ballast bed, and positioning components that ensure correct placement. This segmentation allows automated handling of multiple sleepers in parallel, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precision through dedicated positioning components for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The picking mechanism uses mechanical grippers or clamps to grasp sleepers, the transfer mechanism employs conveyors or robotic arms to move them, and positioning systems use sensors and automated actuators to place them at correct locations. This substitution eliminates manual labor while preserving placement accuracy through controlled mechanical systems.
2Extent of automation
If multiple machines are used for automated sleeper installation, then labor requirements are reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate functions into a single integrated device. The picking mechanism, transfer mechanism, positioning system, and ballast bed interface are combined into one cohesive machine that can handle the entire sleeper laying process. This integration reduces the number of separate machines needed, simplifies the overall system, and lowers costs while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal components that perform multiple functions. For example, the picking mechanism can handle different sleeper types and sizes, the transfer mechanism can adapt to various ballast bed configurations, and the positioning system can accommodate different track layouts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized machines for each task, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sleeper laying methods are used, then equipment costs are lower, but the process becomes extensively time-consuming and expensive due to manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic components that can adapt and adjust during operation. The picking mechanism features movable grippers that can open and close to grasp sleepers, the transfer mechanism uses adjustable conveyors or robotic arms that can change position and speed, and the positioning system incorporates real-time sensors and actuators that dynamically correct placement. These dynamic elements enable rapid, automated sleeper laying while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized, modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for laying sleepers on a ballast-bed for railroad construction includes a body having a commuting-mechanism and a fork-lift on a first side of the body The fork-lift lifts and holds at least one set of sleepers above the ballast-bed. A pair of pivot-arms are movably coupled the body and include a gripper. The gripper moves a set of sleepers from the fork-lift from the first side of the body towards a second side of the body. A cradle-arrangement mounted on the second side of the body and the commuting-mechanism allow movement of the device. The pair of elongated fixed support-members is configured to support the set of sleepers moved by the grippers The pair of movable support-members has a reciprocating-movement with respect to the pair of elongated fixed support-members to successively release one sleeper of the set of sleepers at a time from the pair of elongated fixed support-members.