Railroad Tie Hardware Removal Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of replacing concrete railroad ties is labor-intensive and costly due to the difficulty in removing the mounting structures, such as metal towers, which interfere with the railroad tracks when trying to pull the tie perpendicular to the rails, often requiring the excavation of a trench to accommodate the towers' height.

Innovation Solution

A railroad tie hardware removing apparatus with a frame and tool mechanisms, including scissor-linked tool arms and linear actuators, allows for the removal of mounting structures from concrete ties without disturbing the rails, enabling the tie to be pulled perpendicular by breaking the towers free from the tie using hydraulic or electric tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If concrete railroad ties with towers are replaced by pulling the tie perpendicular to the rails, then the tie can be removed from underneath the tracks, but the towers interfere with the railroad tracks making removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetie replacement speedVSAvoiddifficulty of removing tie

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the tie removal process into two independent stages: first removing the clips that attach the rail to the tie, then removing the tie itself. This segmentation allows the tie to be extracted without the towers interfering with the rail, as the clips are removed first to release the mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by removing the clips before attempting to pull the tie. This preliminary step eliminates the interference problem, as the towers no longer conflict with the rail once the clips are detached, allowing smooth tie extraction without trench excavation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a trench is dug to accommodate the height of the tie with towers, then the tie can be removed without disturbing the rails, but the process becomes time consuming and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverail integrity during removalVSAvoidtime for trench excavation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by removing the clips before attempting to pull the tie. This preliminary step eliminates the interference problem, as the towers no longer conflict with the rail once the clips are detached, allowing smooth tie extraction without trench excavation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the clips from the system by removing them from the towers, separating the rail-fastening function from the tie structure. This extraction allows the tie to be removed independently without requiring space for the towers, eliminating the need for trench excavation while preserving rail integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual removal of clips and trench excavation is used, then the towers can be accommodated, but the cost of replacement becomes economically infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeasibility of tie replacementVSAvoidreplacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the clips from the system by removing them from the towers, separating the rail-fastening function from the tie structure. This extraction allows the tie to be removed independently without requiring space for the towers, eliminating the need for trench excavation while preserving rail integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention divides the tie removal process into two independent stages: first removing the clips that attach the rail to the tie, then removing the tie itself. This segmentation allows the tie to be extracted without the towers interfering with the rail, as the clips are removed first to release the mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces the time and cost associated with replacing concrete ties by allowing for the removal of mounting structures in place, eliminating the need for trench excavation and minimizing rail deformation, thus making the replacement process more efficient and economically feasible.

Implementation Method 1

at least one tool mechanism is operable to transition the at least one tool from a stored position wherein the at least one tool is spaced above the mounting structures and a working position wherein the at least one tool is in contact with one of the mounting structures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8739704B2Railroad tie hardware removing apparatus and methods

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 RAIL CONSTR EQUIP

AI summary

A railroad tie hardware removing apparatus and methods are provided. The apparatus includes one or more tool mechanisms each carrying one or more tools. The tools are positionable relative to a mounting structure or tower of a concrete railroad tie to remove the tower therefrom. Once the towers are removed, the tie can be pulled from underneath rails supported by the tie.