Elastomeric Sleeper Base with Segmented Bonding Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sleeper soles for concrete railway sleepers lack a strong and durable connection between the elastomer layer and the connecting layer, which affects the stability and adhesion of the sleeper sole to the concrete sleeper.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a connecting layer with a first layer of threads covering at least 50% of its surface area and a second layer with a smaller thread coverage, allowing for a strong adhesive bond and penetration of concrete, enhancing the connection between the sleeper sole and the railway sleeper.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the first layer of the connecting layer is glued to the elastomer layer with high thread coverage, then the adhesive bond strength is improved, but the concrete penetration ability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive bond strengthVSAvoidconcrete penetration ability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting layer is divided into two distinct layers with different thread coverage characteristics. The first layer has high thread coverage (50-80%) for adhesive bonding to the elastomer layer, while the second layer has low thread coverage (20-40%) for concrete penetration. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the connecting layer are given different local qualities - the first layer has high thread density for adhesion, while the second layer has low thread density for penetration. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning specific functional properties to specific parts of the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the thread coverage in the connecting layer is increased, then the adhesive bond to elastomer is improved, but the connection to concrete deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting layer is segmented into two functional layers: the first layer with high thread coverage for reliable adhesive bonding to the elastomer layer, and the second layer with low thread coverage for strong mechanical interlocking with concrete. This segmentation allows both connection requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting layer functions as a composite structure combining two different thread coverage configurations in one integrated component. This composite design enables the structure to exhibit both adhesive bonding characteristics and mechanical interlocking characteristics, achieving overall connection reliability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This configuration ensures a robust and resistant adhesive bond and allows concrete to penetrate effectively, resulting in a stable and permanent connection between the sleeper sole and the railway sleeper, improving the distribution of horizontal forces.

Implementation Method 1

the first layer of the connecting layer is glued to a surface of the elastomer layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bond: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the second layer has openings bordered by the second threads of the second layer... allowing the concrete of the railway sleeper to penetrate well into the bonding layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPenetration:

Data Source

PatentEP4215671B1Sleeper sole for arrangement on the underside of a concrete railway sleeper
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 GETZNER WERKSTOFFE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4215671B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4215671B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4215671B1 patent drawingFigure 6~12

AI summary

Sleeper base (1) for arrangement on a bottom surface (2) of a concrete railway sleeper (3), wherein the sleeper base (1) comprises at least one elastomeric layer (4) and at least one bonding layer (5), wherein the bonding layer (5) comprises a first layer (7) formed from first threads (6) and a second layer (9) formed from second threads (8), wherein the first layer (7) and the second layer (9) are spaced apart from each other and are connected to each other by means of bonding threads (10), and the first layer (7) of the bonding layer (5) is bonded to a surface (11) of the elastomeric layer (4), and the first layer (7) has openings (12) enclosed by the first threads (6) of the first layer (7), and the second layer (9) has openings (13) enclosed by the second threads (8) of the second layer (9).where the area fraction of the first threads (6) in the first layer (7) is larger than the area fraction of the second threads (8) in the second layer (9).