Spanning Rail Car With Trundle Carrier Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railroad systems using two sets of parallel tracks are limited in cargo capacity and efficiency, as they do not effectively utilize both tracks for trains, requiring additional technical features to accommodate variations in track distance and height.
Innovation Solution
A multiple track railroad system with engines and rail cars that span both sets of tracks, utilizing trundle carrier assemblies and cantilever supports to accommodate variations in track distance and height, and a dome-shaped suspension bridge to support the system, allowing for increased cargo capacity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If trains use only one set of tracks, then the railroad system is simple to operate and maintain, but cargo capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate track systems into a single integrated multiple-track railroad vehicle that spans both tracks simultaneously. The vehicle merges the functionality of two separate train operations into one unified structure, allowing it to utilize both tracks for cargo transport while maintaining operational simplicity through a single vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The railroad vehicle is designed with universal functionality to operate on multiple tracks simultaneously. The car body and truck assemblies are configured to span and ride on both parallel tracks, enabling the same vehicle to perform what would traditionally require two separate trains, thereby increasing cargo capacity without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If trains span both sets of tracks, then cargo capacity increases, but technical features must be added to accommodate track variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic compensation mechanisms that allow the truck assemblies to move relative to the car body in response to track variations. The truck assemblies can shift position laterally and vertically to accommodate differences in track distance and elevation, enabling the vehicle to maintain stable operation on both tracks despite variations in track geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle design allows for changes in geometric parameters such as the distance between truck assemblies and the orientation of wheels to accommodate track variations. The truck assemblies can adjust their spacing and angular orientation to match the actual track configuration, enabling the vehicle to operate smoothly on tracks with varying dimensions without requiring complex active adjustment systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard wheel trucks are used on multiple tracks, then manufacturing is simpler, but stability and adaptability to track variations are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into separate functional segments: a car body and multiple independent truck assemblies. Each truck assembly is designed as a discrete unit that can be manufactured using standard components, while the overall configuration of multiple trucks spanning two tracks provides the necessary stability. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing while achieving enhanced stability through the distributed arrangement of truck assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple track railroad system for use with two adjacent sets of parallel continuous tracks with the tracks having a distance therebetween and each set of tracks including two continuous rails having a distance therebetween. The railroad system includes an engine for pulling a train that has a set of wheels riding on at least two of the rails, and the engine has a width equal to at least one set of the tracks. The railroad system also includes at least one rail car connected to and propelled by the engine, wherein the rail car spans and extends beyond the outer rails of both sets of tracks. The railroad system further includes at least four car-trucks supporting the rail car, with two of the car-trucks on each of the sets of tracks, and each car-truck includes at least four wheels, with two wheels each riding on opposing rails of a set of the tracks; and trundle carrier assemblies, one each mounted to a bolster on each of the car-trucks with the upper end of the carrier assemblies being attached to the rail car to permit the car-trucks to move vertically or horizontally transverse on the tracks relative to the rail car to accommodate variations in the elevation or distance between the tracks.