Steel Tie Handling Device Using Hole Penetration and Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools and machines are inadequate for handling and lifting steel railway ties due to their design being based on wood ties, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of injury and back pain, as they cannot securely engage or disengage from steel ties without slipping or getting stuck, and lack the necessary leverage for easy positioning and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A device with an engagement member that fits into the tie's hole, a locking mechanism to secure it, and a working end with an angled handle for comfortable grip, allowing for secure lifting, pulling, pushing, rotating, and flipping of steel ties without slipping or getting stuck, and can be integrated into machines for enhanced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tongs are used to handle steel ties, then the tool can be inserted below the tie, but the tips cannot penetrate the steel tie and cannot provide strong holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a penetration tip for inserting into the tie hole, a locking mechanism with jaws for securing the tie, and a handle for operation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively, resolving the contradiction between penetration capability and holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to grip the steel tie from below like traditional tongs, the invention inverts the approach by penetrating the tie through its hole from above and locking internally. This inversion enables both penetration and strong holding force simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the tong tip is inserted underneath the steel tie for grasping, then the tie can be lifted, but the worker must tilt his upper body forward significantly increasing lower back pain risk
Solution Approach 1:
The tool changes the dimension of engagement by moving from underneath-the-tie insertion to through-hole penetration. This dimensional change allows the worker to maintain an upright posture while applying lifting force through the vertical axis of the handle, eliminating the need for forward tilting.
3Reliability
If the tong tip is used to grasp the steel tie, then the tie can be lifted, but strong force and wiggling movement are required to disengage the tip from underneath the tie
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-releasing: when the handle is withdrawn or the tool is tilted, the engagement member automatically disengages from the hole sidewall due to the geometry of the locking surfaces. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual wiggling or additional force to disengage.
4Ease of operation
If traditional tongs are used for steel ties, then the tool can grasp the tie, but the worker's feet are constantly in the area of movement of the tie and prone to being injured
Solution Approach 1:
The tool engages the tie through the top hole, which is a standard feature on all steel ties designed for maintenance operations. This universal engagement point allows the worker to stand clear of the tie's movement path while maintaining secure grasping capability, eliminating foot injury risk.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for lifting and handling steel ties (sleepers) or similar shape ties by the use of one of their top surface holes. The device comprises a straight or angled shape working end to which, on one side, is affixed more or less angularly, an engagement member bearing a recessed area like a notch both inserting and tilting thus locking themselves into aforementioned tie hole so the whole working end can now perform a plurality of operations (lifting, pulling, pushing, rotating and flipping) on the tie being installed or replaced on a railway bed. The other side of the working end is coupled to a straight or angled elongated member, with or without a handle, for manual operations. Alternatively the said other side of working end can be affixed to a variety of coupling member for further integration into a machine for assisted operations.