Rear Railgear Pivot Links With Interchangeable Pin-Off Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional railgear systems for road vehicles face challenges with high costs, complexity, reliability, and engagement issues due to the need for specific configurations and weldments, which limit their adaptability and usability across different vehicle sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A universal rear railgear system with interchangeable bolt-on pin-off designs and pivot links that allow for secure deployment and stowage, featuring a locking mechanism with interchangeable pin-off systems, including manual, air-operated, and cable-operated options, and an automatic mechanical lock system, eliminating the need for slotted links and accommodating various vehicle sizes without requiring specific weldments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional railgear systems use specific configurations and weldments for different vehicle sizes, then they can achieve proper engagement with railroad tracks, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal railgear system with standardized mounting brackets and interchangeable pin-off systems that can be adapted to multiple vehicle sizes and types without requiring custom weldments or configurations for each vehicle, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining engagement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The railgear system is divided into modular components including separate mounting brackets, guide wheel assemblies, and interchangeable pin-off systems that can be independently selected and configured based on vehicle requirements, simplifying the overall system while ensuring proper engagement
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional railgear systems use welded configurations for specific vehicle types, then they achieve stable attachment, but the adaptability to different vehicle sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that provide stable attachment across different vehicle types and sizes without requiring vehicle-specific weldments, thereby achieving both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration through interchangeable pin-off systems and adjustable mounting arrangements, enabling the same basic structure to adapt to different vehicle configurations while maintaining stable attachment through proven welding procedures
3Reliability
If conventional railgear systems use complex pin-off systems, then they achieve secure locking, but the ease of operation and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin-off system is segmented into interchangeable modular components that can be independently selected based on operational requirements, with each module providing secure locking through simplified designs that are easier to operate and maintain than integrated complex systems
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for rear railgear, pivot links, and pin-off systems. An example assembly including railgear, an attachment frame, a mounting bracket, upper and lower links is provided. The rail gear includes a pair of guidewheels, an axle, and an axle saddle; the attachment frame can connect to the axle saddle of the railgear; the mounting bracket is configured to attach to a vehicle; the upper link pivotably connected to the mounting bracket; and the lower link pivotably connected to the attachment frame, where the lower link is connected to the upper link via a pivot pin. The railgear can be secured in either the deployed or stowed position using various interchangeable pin-off systems, including but not limited to: a manual pin-off system, an air operated pin-off system, and a cable pin-off system. The railgear can also be secured in the stowed position using an automatic mechanical lock system.