Railroad Switch Point Actuation via Synchronized Positive-Displacement Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed railroad switch points experience transverse deformations during movement due to uneven fluid distribution to hydraulic actuators, leading to wave-like configurations and reduced availability of the switching system, especially in high-speed lines with tight dimensional tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of synchronized positive-displacement pumps driven by a common motor through a single drive shaft ensures each actuator receives a predetermined volume of fluid per unit of time, maintaining synchronized motion and preventing transverse deformations by adjusting fluid flow based on the actuator's position along the switch length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If individual actuators are connected in parallel to the pressure fluid supply unit, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the fluid distribution to actuators becomes uneven causing transverse deformations of points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid distribution system by introducing individual control valves for each actuator, dividing the previously unified parallel supply into controlled individual channels. This allows independent regulation of fluid flow to each actuator, preventing uneven distribution and the resulting transverse deformations while maintaining the overall parallel architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters of pressure fluid supplied to each actuator by introducing adjustable control valves. These valves enable precise modification of fluid flow rate and pressure for each actuator individually, ensuring synchronized movement and proper curvature of switch points without transverse deformations.
2Device complexity
If actuators move points without synchronization control, then the control system is simple, but transverse deformations occur causing wave-like configurations at intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the movement state of each actuator is monitored and used to adjust fluid supply to other actuators. The control unit receives position feedback from actuators and automatically regulates pressure fluid distribution to maintain synchronized movement, preventing wave-like configurations and ensuring reliable switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of fluid supply to actuators, where the pressure and flow rate are continuously adjusted based on real-time actuator positions and movement speeds. This dynamic regulation ensures all actuators move in perfect synchronization throughout the switching process, eliminating transverse deformations and maintaining high system reliability.
3Shape
If multiple actuators are arranged along the longitudinal direction of points, then proper curvature can be achieved, but the risk of transverse deformations increases due to resistance variations in different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by providing individualized fluid supply regulation for each actuator positioned along the points. Each actuator receives pressure fluid with parameters specifically tailored to its local resistance characteristics, allowing actuators in high-resistance regions to receive increased flow while those in low-resistance regions receive reduced flow, thereby maintaining synchronized movement and preventing transverse deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies pressure and flow parameters of the hydraulic fluid supplied to each actuator based on its specific position and resistance characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters for each actuator, the system achieves proper points curvature while compensating for resistance variations, thereby eliminating transverse deformations and wave-like configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for moving railroad switch points, particularly high-speed ones comprising: at least two hydraulic actuators; a unit for supplying pressure fluid to said hydraulic actuators; said hydraulic actuators being driveable by means of control means actuating/deactivating said supply unit; the at least two hydraulic actuators being operatively connected each one to points at a different location; such that when the supply unit is actuated the pressure fluid is supplied to said actuators allowing points to be moved from a predetermined first initial position to a second limit position. The invention provides means for synchronizing the stroke of the at least two actuators which synchronization means are composed of a unit adjusting the amount of fluid per unit of time for each actuator and wherein the adjustment occurs by setting a predetermined volume of fluid per unit of time provided by each adjustment unit to each actuator. Advantageously synchronization means are composed of a positive-displacement pump for each actuator positive-displacement pumps being driven by a common motor by means of a common transmission.