Sliding Adjustable Chock Assembly for Thermal Deformation Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable chocks do not allow for sliding of supported equipment, which is necessary to accommodate deformations caused by temperature and pressure variations, limiting their structural safety and requiring time-consuming curing processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable chock kit with a rod and nuts, featuring a sliding element and anti-friction washers, allowing for easy installation and enabling the frame to slide relative to the support, reducing friction and accommodating deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grout or epoxy resin is used to chock the supports, then the equipment is securely anchored to the foundation, but operational activities are limited and curing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (grout or epoxy resin curing process) with a mechanical adjustment system consisting of an adjustable chock with threaded rod and nuts. This mechanical system provides immediate anchoring security without requiring chemical curing time, allowing operational activities to proceed immediately while maintaining reliable support and alignment of the equipment on the railcar floor.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed chocks are used to support equipment, then vertical alignment is provided, but transverse sliding is prevented causing large stresses during temperature and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed chock into a dynamic system that combines vertical constraint with horizontal sliding capability. The adjustable chock maintains vertical alignment through its threaded adjustment mechanism while allowing transverse sliding along the railcar floor, enabling the supported equipment to accommodate thermal and pressure deformations without generating excessive stresses, thus preserving structural safety margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter at the contact interface between the chock and railcar floor by introducing a sliding element with reduced friction coefficient. This parameter change enables controlled sliding in the horizontal direction while maintaining stable vertical support, allowing the system to adapt to dimensional changes in the supported equipment caused by temperature and pressure variations.
3Productivity
If adjustable chocks are used without sliding capability, then installation is expedited compared to grout, but the supported equipment cannot accommodate deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the conventional adjustable chock by adding sliding capability, transforming it from a purely vertical adjustment device into a hybrid system that provides both rapid installation (through mechanical adjustment without curing) and deformation accommodation (through horizontal sliding). This dynamic design maintains the installation speed advantage over grout while adding the adaptability to handle thermal and pressure deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the adjustable chock multi-functional by combining three capabilities: vertical adjustment for alignment, horizontal sliding for deformation accommodation, and secure anchoring to the railcar floor. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate systems, maintaining installation efficiency while adding adaptability to various operational conditions.
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
Facilitates quick installation and enhances structural safety by allowing equipment to slide, accommodating deformations without curing, thus improving the structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding element (7) provided on the upper bearing surface (132) of the bearing element (130) and having a reduced friction coefficient
Implementation Method 2
a rod (3') having an external thread (3'a) and extending through the through-holes. The through-hole (110a) of the first component has an internal thread (110b) cooperating with the external thread (3'a) of the rod (3').
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly includes an adjustable chock and a rod having an external thread. The adjustable chock includes a first component having an upper bearing surface and a first through-hole having an internal thread, a second component having a lower bearing surface and having a second through hole, and a bearing element having an upper surface and a third through-hole and a lower bearing surface in contact with the upper bearing surface of the first component. A portion of the first component extends into the second through hole, the rod extends through the first through hole and the third through hole, and the external thread of the rod engages the internal thread of the first though hole.