Removable Composite Edge Slab for Railway Platform Gauge Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for renewing railway tracks in stations require demolishing and rebuilding the platform, which is costly, inconvenient for users, and necessary for each track renewal, as well as for gauge modifications, due to the fixed and non-removable nature of traditional concrete edge slabs.

Innovation Solution

A removable edge slab made of composite material with indexing and locking mechanisms for precise adjustment, allowing easy mounting and removal without obstructing access, and capable of being reused, thus reducing costs and assembly time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed concrete edge slab is used on a dock structure, then the platform provides stable support and clear boundaries for passenger boarding and alighting, but the platform cannot be adjusted or modified during track renewal operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to track renewal operationsVSAvoidease of platform modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The edge slab is divided into separate modular components: a horizontal plane body, vertical walls, and removable locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows the slab to be easily assembled, disassembled, and repositioned during track renewal operations without requiring demolition of the entire platform structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge slab transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic removable structure. The locking/unlocking means enable the slab to be securely fixed during normal operation and easily removed during maintenance, providing adaptability between different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional concrete edge slabs are used, then structural stability is maintained, but demolition and reconstruction are required for each track renewal, increasing costs and blocking access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of track renewal operationsVSAvoidtime for platform demolition and reconstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The edge slab is designed as a pre-fabricated modular assembly that can be quickly installed and removed. The locking mechanisms are pre-configured to enable secure attachment during normal operation and rapid detachment during maintenance, eliminating the need for time-consuming demolition and reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The edge slab can be easily removed from the dock structure during track renewal and stored or repositioned. The modular design allows the slab to be recovered and reused after maintenance operations, eliminating waste and reducing the need for continuous reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If the platform gauge is increased, then maintenance machine access is improved, but the existing platform structure cannot accommodate the change without demolition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegauge adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of platform modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform structure is segmented into the permanent dock structure and the removable edge slab. This allows the gauge to be adjusted by simply removing the edge slab, while the permanent structure remains intact and unchanged, reducing the complexity of modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge slab serves as a dynamic element that can be removed to increase gauge for maintenance operations and reinstalled to restore the original platform configuration. This dynamic capability allows the platform to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent structural modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If heavy concrete slabs are used for edge slabs, then structural strength is maintained, but handling equipment requirements increase cost and assembly time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of edge slabVSAvoidease of handling and assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal plane body is made of composite material consisting of a synthetic resin matrix reinforced with nylon fibers. This composite construction provides high structural strength while maintaining a lightweight design that can be handled by operators without heavy machinery, reducing assembly cost and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The material composition is changed from traditional heavy concrete to lightweight composite material. This parameter change maintains structural strength through the fiber reinforcement while significantly reducing the weight, making the slab easier to handle and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3006625B1Edge slab for a dock

Publication Date: 2017.12.06 PEAN

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

A curb slab (6) and a method for removing and installing such a curb slab (6) intended to be fixed on a quay structure (5), the slab (6) comprising a horizontal flat body (60) and locking/unlocking means (9) suitable for installing and removing said body (60) on said quay structure (5).