Segmented Base Plate for Rail Fastening Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fastening systems face issues with premature wear of components due to long slots required for clamping elements, which compromise support and lead to material deformation under load, especially when an elastic layer is used, and require complex shim installation or replacement procedures.
Innovation Solution
A base plate divided into two parts with strategically positioned through openings allows for easy retrofitting and secure support, minimizing wear by ensuring continuous support even under high loads, and facilitates easy shim installation or replacement through point-symmetrical design and adaptive adapter pieces for adjusting hold-down force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If through openings for clamping elements are arranged centrally in relation to the longitudinal axis of the support plate, then the slots required to accommodate the clamping elements are very long, but this compromises support and leads to material deformation under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the through openings for clamping elements offset from the longitudinal axis of the support plate. This asymmetric arrangement allows the slots to be shorter while still accommodating the clamping elements, thereby maintaining support stability and preventing material deformation under load while enabling easy installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the base plate is divided into two parts for easy retrofitting, then installation flexibility is improved, but continuous support under high loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into two parts that can be installed separately for retrofitting flexibility. The first part includes a first through opening and the second part includes a second through opening. These segmented parts are designed to work together to provide continuous support under high loads while enabling easy installation and retrofitting.
3Ease of manufacture
If long slots are used to accommodate clamping elements, then installation is simplified, but premature wear of the elastic layer and backing plate occurs under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the through openings offset from the longitudinal axis, the patent creates shorter slots that reduce the contact area between the elastic layer and the slots. This asymmetric arrangement minimizes wear on the elastic layer and backing plate under high loads, thereby extending component service life while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 solution provides a rail fastening system with extended component lifespan, secure support under high loads, and simplified shim installation, ensuring optimal performance and reduced wear on material layers, while allowing for easy height regulation and adjustment of hold-down force.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (9, 10) which can be braced against a surface by means of a clamping element (15, 16), which sits on the guide plate (7, 8) and, when the system is fully assembled, with a free end exerts a hold-down force on a rail base (F) of the rail (S) to be fastened
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
System (1) for fastening a rail (S) to a substrate (U) and a base plate (2, 3) intended for such system (1). The system (1) comprises a guide plate (7, 8) for laterally guiding the rail S to be fastened, a spring element (9, 10) which can be clamped against the substrate U by means of a clamping element (15, 16), is located on the guide plate (7, 8) and, when the system (1) is fully assembled, exerts a holding force on a rail foot (F) of the rail (S) by means of a free spring arm (48, 49), and a base plate (2, 3) which is arranged to compensate for height differences between the guide plate (7, 8) and the respective substrate (U).The base plate (2,3) is to be divided into two parts (24,25) along a butt line (32) which is directed from one of the longitudinal sides (26,27) of the base plate (2,3) oriented transversely to the rail (S) to be fastened, at a distance (a1,a2) from its narrow side (28,29) to the through opening (30,31) and from there intersecting the through opening (30,31) in the direction of the narrow side (28,29) of the base plate (U).