Railway Equipment Mount With Post-Attachment Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for railway vehicle equipment require multiple people and lifting equipment to adjust the height of bulky equipment before attachment, leading to long downtimes and significant costs due to the need for pre-adjustment of the equipment's height.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device that allows height adjustment of equipment after it has been attached to the railway vehicle, utilizing a casing with a lever and adjustment rod system that maintains the equipment in position during adjustment, enabling a single operator to perform the task without lifting tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If equipment is fixed to the railway vehicle using conventional fixing devices, then the equipment can be attached to the vehicle, but the height adjustment must be performed before attachment requiring multiple people and lifting equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment operationVSAvoiddowntime for rolling stock
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device incorporates a movable bracket that can slide vertically within oblong holes in the casing, allowing the equipment height to be adjusted dynamically after attachment to the vehicle. The bracket is held in position by fixing elements (screws) that can be loosened for adjustment and tightened to secure the position, enabling flexible height modification without requiring removal of the equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device is divided into separate functional components: a casing attached to the vehicle, a bracket holding the equipment, and fixing elements connecting the bracket to the casing. This segmentation allows the bracket and equipment to be adjusted independently while remaining attached to the vehicle, eliminating the need for pre-adjustment and heavy lifting equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If equipment is adjusted to precise height before attachment, then optimal operation is achieved, but multiple people and lifting equipment are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment height positioningVSAvoidfixing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the equipment and the casing. It provides a stable mounting surface for the equipment while allowing vertical adjustment within the oblong holes of the casing. This intermediary structure enables precise height positioning without requiring complex pre-adjustment mechanisms or multiple people to handle the equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixing devices are used, then equipment can be attached to the vehicle, but height adjustment requires pre-positioning before fixation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device allows the bracket to move dynamically within the oblong holes of the casing after attachment. The fixing elements can be loosened to enable vertical movement of the bracket for height adjustment, then tightened to secure the desired position. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for height adjustment without requiring complex pre-positioning procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective height adjustment of bulky equipment on railway vehicles, reducing downtime and operational costs by allowing single-operator adjustments post-attachment, while maintaining equipment stability during the process.

Implementation Method 1

The fixing elements are capable of blocking the side face 26 of the casing bearing between the bracket 30 and the end support 13 when the fixing elements are tightened to the end support 13.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

When the fixing elements are loosened, the side face 26 is free to slide between the bracket 30 and the end support 13, the fixing elements sliding in the oblong holes 27.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The lever 22 is linked to a lower face 24 of the casing 20.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3300988B1Height-adjustable fixing device for railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.09.22 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3300988B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3300988B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for attaching equipment to a railway vehicle, adapted to allow height adjustment of the equipment. The device (10) comprises: - a housing (20) attached to the equipment, the side face (26) of the housing (20) having at least one oblong hole (27); - a bracket (30); - at least one fastening element (40) passing through the bracket (30) and through the side face (26) of the housing (20) via the oblong hole (27), the fastening element (40) securing the device (10) to the railway vehicle; - an adjustment rod (42) passing through the bracket (30) and through the underside (24) of the housing, the adjustment rod (42) being engaged in a clamping element (44). A movement of the clamping element (44) along the adjusting rod (42) causes a movement of the bracket (30) relative to the housing (20).