Railway Switch Stiffener for Bridge Gap Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current track rail systems at the junctions of bridges or viaducts face instability and deformation issues due to the loss of support when structural elements separate, leading to instability and deformation under the weight of rolling stock, especially when the gap between elements is significant.
Innovation Solution
A track apparatus featuring stiffeners and reinforcements that are secured to the running rail and crosspieces, allowing axial sliding and transverse fixation to maintain stability across gaps, with elastic-type fixings and recesses for secure attachment, ensuring the running rail remains stable and deformation-free.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If reinforcement rails are introduced to support the running rail across the gap, then the running rail stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple reinforcement rails and transverse through rods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of support from the complex system of multiple reinforcement rails and through rods, replacing it with a single stiffener element that provides both longitudinal and transverse support. This simplifies the structure while maintaining the running rail stability across the gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides longitudinal support to the running rail, transverse support through the gap, and acts as a reinforcement element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reinforcement rails and through rods, reducing device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the running rail is fixed to sleepers at only one side of the work of art, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the running rail stability deteriorates when significant gaps occur between structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener acts as an intermediary element that connects the running rail to the sleepers and crossbeams. It provides a stable reference structure that maintains running rail stability even when the rail is fixed at only one side, as the stiffener compensates for the lack of fixation at the other side.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension of support by adding the stiffener element that extends perpendicular to the running rail direction. This additional dimensional support provides stability across the gap without requiring complex multi-point fixation systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reinforcement rails are made slideable relative to deck or abutment, then the adaptability to structural displacement is improved, but the running rail stability deteriorates due to lack of fixed support points
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to accommodate structural displacements while maintaining running rail stability. It can slide or adjust its position relative to the deck or abutment, providing both adaptability to movement and stable support for the running rail during such movements.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The present invention concerns a switch and crossing (1) for managing, at a running rail (2) mounted passing between two elements (3a, 3b) of a civil engineering structure separated by a gap, the relative movement of said two elements (3a, 3b), characterised in that it comprises: - a stiffener (4) arranged parallel to the rail (2) along a portion of the rail (2), the stiffener (4) having a length greater than the maximum relative distance of travel of the two elements (3a, 3b) of the civil engineering structure, - a reinforcement (5) providing the connection between the stiffener (4) and the rail (2), at a first element (3a) of the civil engineering structure, the rail (2) being mounted in such a way as to be able to slide axially on at least one sleeper (7a) by means of an attachment (8) that holds the rail (2), at the flange of same, stationary in terms of transverse and upward movement.