Railway Rail Anchoring Device Vertical Adjustment Without Baseplate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Railway rail fastening systems require vertical adjustment and moderate stiffness without the need for expensive or heavy baseplates, particularly in slab track applications where ballast adjustment is not possible.

Innovation Solution

A railway rail anchoring device with a protrusion on its lower surface that engages with a corresponding recess in the underlying foundation, allowing for vertical adjustment and limiting lateral movement, combined with a separate fastening mechanism that bears down on the rail, eliminating the need for a heavy baseplate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an adjustable baseplate is provided to enable vertical adjustment, then vertical adjustment capability is improved, but cost and weight of the fastening system increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidweight of baseplate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the adjustment capability from a separate heavy baseplate and integrates it directly into the anchoring device itself. The anchoring device includes an adjustable portion with engagement features that allow vertical adjustment without requiring a distinct baseplate component, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the adjustment mechanism with the anchoring device into a single integrated component. The adjustable portion of the anchoring device combines both the anchoring function and the vertical adjustment capability in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate baseplate and adjustment mechanism components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If an adjustable baseplate is provided to enable vertical adjustment, then vertical adjustment capability is improved, but cost of the fastening system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcost of fastening system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the adjustment capability from an expensive separate baseplate and integrates it into the anchoring device. This integration eliminates the need for additional adjustment mechanisms and reduces the overall component count, leading to lower manufacturing costs while preserving vertical adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the adjustment mechanism with the anchoring device into a single integrated component. This consolidation reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining full adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a heavy baseplate is used to provide stiffness, then vertical stiffness is improved, but weight and cost of the fastening system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical stiffnessVSAvoidweight of baseplate

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the stiffness-providing function from a heavy baseplate and achieves it through the integrated anchoring device structure. The anchoring device with its engagement features and adjustable portion provides the necessary vertical stiffness without requiring a separate heavy baseplate, thereby reducing weight while maintaining structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If engagement features allow vertical adjustment, then vertical adjustment capability is improved, but lateral stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlateral stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different engagement characteristics to different portions of the anchoring device. The engagement features are designed with specific geometries that provide controlled vertical movement while maintaining lateral stability. The adjustable portion allows vertical adjustment through designed clearances or tolerances while the main body of the anchoring device maintains firm lateral engagement with the foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2951349B1Railway rail fastening assembly and method of forming an underlying foundation

Publication Date: 2018.03.28 PANDROL LTD

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e

AI summary

A railway rail anchoring device (12) for fastening a railway rail (16) to an underlying foundation (18), the anchoring device comprising a protrusion (28), the anchoring device protrusion being configured to cooperate with a corresponding recess (36) provided in a receiving portion associated with the underlying foundation.