Railroad Switch Point Actuation With Spring Holding and Sabotage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic railroad switch devices lack the ability to quickly and reliably move switch points and detect sabotage, such as cut or broken throw rods, leading to potential derailments and significant damage or harm.

Innovation Solution

An electro-hydraulic power switch machine with redundant mechanical springs and proximity sensors that uses electro-hydraulic power to move the throw rod against resistance, then relies on spring force for closure and holding, with sensors to detect and report any loss of holding force, ensuring rapid and secure switch point movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If existing hydraulic switches are used to move switch points, then the switch points can be moved, but the movement is too slow and cannot detect sabotage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitch point movement speedVSAvoidsabotage detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through proximity sensors that continuously monitor the position of the throw rod and switch points. When sabotage occurs (cut or broken throw rod), the sensors detect the abnormal position and provide feedback to the control system, enabling real-time detection and reporting of sabotage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical switch mechanisms with an electro-hydraulic power switch machine. This substitution enables faster actuation speeds while integrating electronic sensors and control systems that provide sabotage detection capabilities not available in purely mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If existing hydraulic switches are used, then switch points can be moved, but throw force is insufficient and response time is too long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrow forceVSAvoidswitch point response time

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hydraulic actuator within the power switch machine to generate high throw force. The hydraulic system provides sufficient force to move the throw rod against the resistance of redundant mechanical springs and the switch points, achieving rapid actuation in under half a second.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates redundant mechanical springs that are pre-loaded and positioned to assist the hydraulic actuator. When activation is required, the springs are already in position to provide immediate assistance, reducing response time and ensuring sufficient throw force is available instantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If redundant mechanical springs are used for holding force, then holding force is doubled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidspring assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses redundant mechanical springs as a form of beforehand cushioning or backup mechanism. These springs are pre-positioned to provide holding force and can take over if the hydraulic system fails or if sabotage occurs. The proximity sensors monitor the system to detect when the springs need to engage, providing a safety net without requiring complex active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution enables switch points to be moved in under half a second with double the throw force and holding force, detecting sabotage in real-time, preventing derailments and ensuring safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

uses electro-hydraulic power to move the throw rod against resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

relies on spring force for closure and holding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

with sensors to detect and report any loss of holding force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS12104331B2Saborage-resistant switch device for moving railroad switch points

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 RODRIGUES DILSON DOS SANTOS

AI summary

The switch machine disclosed uses electro-hydraulic power to move the throw rod against the resistance of redundant mechanical springs and the switch point, for half of its stroke. Once the switch points have moved past mid-stroke the spring force in the machine is released and assists in the closure of the switch points against the stock rail. All hydraulic force is removed when the power unit is turned off. The redundant spring assembly holds the switch points firmly against the stock rail with 2000 lbs of holding force. This machine can be described as a power operated spring switch.