Rotatable Retaining Limb for Rail Mounting Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track-mounting devices face difficulties in easily and reliably positioning and mounting holders, such as bar holders, at desired positions on rails, especially at rail switches, due to the need for stable height retention and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A track-mounting device with a retaining limb that includes a second limb part rotatably connected to a first limb part via a hinge or joint, allowing rotation from a first to a second position, enabling easy positioning and adjustment of the holder along a vertical axis, maintaining constant height and facilitating mounting on rails with varying orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the holder is rigidly fixed to the fastening assembly, then the mounting structure is simple and stable, but the holder cannot be easily repositioned or adjusted at desired positions
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining limb incorporates a hinge joint that transforms the rigid connection into a dynamic, adjustable connection. The second limb part can rotate relative to the first limb part, allowing the holder to be positioned at different locations along the arc path while maintaining a stable connection when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining limb is divided into two separate limb parts connected by a hinge joint. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of the second limb part relative to the first limb part, enabling flexible adjustment without requiring complete disassembly of the mounting device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holder position is fixed relative to the fastening assembly, then the mounting is reliable and stable, but the device cannot adapt to varying rail orientations and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint enables the retaining limb to dynamically adapt to different rail positions and orientations. The second limb part can rotate to accommodate varying angles and locations while the fastening assembly remains securely mounted to the rail, maintaining stability throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable retaining limb structure provides multi-functionality, allowing the same mounting device to be used across different rail positions, orientations, and configurations. The hinge mechanism enables the device to universally adapt to various mounting scenarios while maintaining reliable attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable connection is added to enable position adjustment, then the holder can be easily repositioned, but the height stability of the holder may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint provides controlled dynamics, allowing rotation for positioning while maintaining structural stability when positioned. The connection transitions from a fixed rigid state to a movable adjustment state and back to a stable positioned state, enabling both ease of repositioning and height stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge joint is designed with inherent friction and mechanical stops that provide stabilizing resistance once the holder reaches its desired position. This prevents unintended movement and maintains height stability during operation, while still allowing deliberate repositioning when needed.
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 easy and reliable installation and positioning of holders at desired heights and orientations along the rail, ensuring consistent positioning of barrier or signal elements, particularly at rail switches, with the ability to adjust distances and orientations without compromising stability.
Implementation Method 1
the second limb part is rotatably arranged with respect to the first limb part such that the second limb part can be rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position with respect to the first limb part
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A track-mounting device (1) for mounting to a rail (2) of a track, in particular of a railway line, having a holder (10) for holding at least one functional element, a fastening assembly (20) arranged for fastening the track-mounting device in a releasable manner onto a part (4) of the rail, such as a foot of the rail, and having a retaining limb (30) arranged to connect the holder to the fastening assembly, wherein the retaining limb is arranged to displaceable position the holder with respect to the fastening assembly, wherein the retaining limb comprises a first limb part (32) connected to the fastening assembly and a second limb part (34) connected to the holder, wherein the second limb part is rotatably arranged with respect to the first limb part such that the second limb part can be rotated from a first rotational position (R1) to a second rotational position (R2) with respect to the first limb part, wherein the holder at the first rotational position of the second limb part is arranged at another position with respect to the rail and/or with respect to the fastening assembly than at the second rotational position of the second limb part, wherein the second limb part has an axis of rotation (A) with respect to the first limb part, wherein the axis of rotation is arranged substantially parallel to a vertical direction, when the_track-mounting device is mounted to the rail of the track.