Railway Switch Spring Assembly for Wear-Resistant Trailing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switch mechanisms in railway turnout systems are prone to wear and damage due to unpredictable external forces, leading to inconsistent performance and increased maintenance needs, as the ramp mechanism properties degrade over time due to friction, corrosion, and wear.
Innovation Solution
A spring element comprising a torsion spring and a bending spring, mechanically and torsionally rigidly coupled, ensures consistent operation by transmitting torque without frictional losses, reducing wear and maintaining predictable behavior over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional spring mechanism is used in the ramp coupling, then the switch can be actuated, but the mechanical properties degrade over time due to friction, corrosion, and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring mechanism with a hydraulic or pneumatic actuating device. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact and friction between moving parts, thereby preventing wear and corrosion while maintaining consistent actuation forces over time. The fluid-based system provides reliable force transmission without the degradation issues inherent in mechanical spring systems.
2Force
If the preload force is adjusted via an adjusting screw, then the resistance force can be set, but the adjusting screw is subject to settling effects leading to loss of force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjusting screw system with a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure regulation system. This allows precise control of the preload force through fluid pressure adjustment without mechanical settling. The force stability is maintained through pressure compensation mechanisms inherent in fluid systems, eliminating the drift and settling problems associated with threaded mechanical adjustments.
3Reliability
If a locking coupling is used to hold the control slide, then the switch can be locked in position, but considerable forces are introduced into the turnout motor when the turnout is run over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical locking coupling with a hydraulic or pneumatic actuating device that provides controlled force application. This substitution allows the control slide to be held and moved without transmitting excessive forces to the turnout motor, as the fluid-based system can smoothly control force application and release, avoiding the sudden force spikes characteristic of mechanical locking mechanisms.
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
The coupled spring design reduces wear and maintenance requirements by maintaining consistent mechanical properties, ensuring reliable operation and reducing frictional losses, thus enhancing the durability and reliability of railway turnout switches.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element consists of a unit or assembly comprising a torsion spring and a bending spring, wherein the torsion spring and the bending spring are mechanically and torsionally rigidly coupled to one another, such that a torque is transmitted between the torsion spring and the bending spring
Implementation Method 2
the spring element consists of a unit or assembly comprising a torsion spring and a bending spring, wherein the torsion spring and the bending spring are mechanically and torsionally rigidly coupled to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a railway switch having an actuating apparatus (AMSM) which is configured to actuate the railway switch via an actuating slider. The railway switch has a splitting mechanism with a spring element (FE) that is configured to protect the railway switch drive from damage after splitting via the actuating slider. The spring element (FE) comprises a structural unit or an assembly having a torsion spring (TF) and optionally a further torsion spring (WTF) and a bending spring (BF). The torsion spring (TF) and the bending spring (BF) are mechanically coupled to one another in a torsionally rigid manner such that a torque on account of a force being introduced into the bending spring (BF) in a manner perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotation spring is transmitted between the rotation spring and the bending spring (BF). The invention further comprises an actuating apparatus (AMSM) for a railway switch.