Railside Module Fastening Device with Movable Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for fastening trackside modules to rails require frequent adjustments due to rail type diversity and wear, often necessitating additional parts and limited positional flexibility, especially under vibration.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring two movable clamps with vertically extending brackets and non-parallel grooves on mating surfaces, allowing for adjustable and secure fastening of trackside modules using threaded fasteners, enabling easy re-positioning and maintenance without loosening the clamp from the rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamps are mounted on the base of a rail with fixed position, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different rail types and wear is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a movable section that can be adjusted along the rail base to accommodate different rail types and wear conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same clamp design to adapt to various rail scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-position clamp variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into distinct sections: a fixed mounting section attached to the rail base and a movable section that can be repositioned. This segmentation enables the fixed part to provide stable mounting while the movable part provides adaptability to different rail conditions.
2Reliability
If grooves are made in the connected surfaces, then the immunity to position change during installation and vibration is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Grooves are pre-formed in the connected surfaces of the clamp sections before assembly. These grooves are designed to receive corresponding protrusions or fasteners, creating inherent anti-loosening features that prevent position changes during installation and operation without requiring additional complex components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptor plates are used to change clamp position, then the adaptability to different positions is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable section of the clamp is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations along the rail base, it provides the mounting surface for the trackside module, and it incorporates the anti-loosening groove features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adaptor plates while maintaining full positional flexibility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp position is adjusted frequently, then the adaptability to rail wear is improved, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable section is designed with features that enable quick repositioning along the rail base, such as a sliding mechanism or adjustable mounting points. This dynamic design allows maintenance personnel to rapidly adjust the clamp position to accommodate rail wear without time-consuming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design incorporates self-aligning features and pre-positioned mounting locations that guide the adjustment process, reducing the skill level and time required for maintenance personnel to reposition the clamp as rail wear progresses.
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
Facilitates precise and secure mounting of trackside modules on both sides of the rail, enhancing resistance to vibrations and reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs by allowing for standardized sections and easy adjustment of module positions.
Implementation Method 1
two clamps that are clamped or are to be clamped on the base of the rail with the use of a screw mechanism
Implementation Method 2
grooves can be made in the surfaces that are connected. These grooves increase the immunity of screwed items to an undesired change of position during installation and during vibrations
Implementation Method 3
a pair of brackets is fastened with the use of (in particular threaded) fasteners to the walls and/or surfaces of the clamps
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fastening trackside modules to a rail having a base and a head. The device includes two clamps that are clamped on the base of the rail with the use of a mechanism that extends under the base of the rail. At least one of the clamps is movable. A bracket is fastened to at least one of the clamps and a trackside module is fastened next to the head of the rail. A pair of brackets is fastened with the use of fasteners to surfaces of each of the clamps. The brackets extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the rail and at least one upwardly extending section is fastened using second fasteners to at least one of the brackets outer side surfaces. At least one trackside module is fastened to an upper end region of at least one upwardly extending section.