Integrated Tie Changing Machine for Railroad Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railroad tie replacement processes require multiple machines and manual labor to remove old ties, spread anchors, and insert new ties, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled railroad tie changing machine with a tie changing boom, kicker assembly, and track jacks that can simultaneously hold tie plates, spread anchors, pull out old ties, and insert new ties, mimicking the construction excavator design for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate machines are used to remove old ties, spread anchors, and insert new ties, then each function can be performed by specialized equipment, but the overall process becomes complex and requires numerous workers and machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate machines (tie extractor, anchor spreader, tie inserter, plate placer) into a single integrated tie changing machine that performs all functions simultaneously. The machine includes a boom with gripper assembly for extracting ties, a kicker for positioning new ties, and mechanisms for holding tie plates and inserting them onto new ties, all operated by a single operator from a cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie changing machine is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: extracting old ties, spreading anchors, positioning and inserting new ties, and placing tie plates. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized machines and reduces the number of workers required.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional tie changing machines discard tie plates, then the tie extraction process is simplified, but additional manual labor is required to pick up and reposition tie plates
Solution Approach 1:
The tie changing machine integrates the plate holder and plate inserter mechanisms with the tie extraction and insertion systems. The plate holder captures tie plates during extraction, and the plate inserter automatically positions them onto new ties, combining multiple operations into a single automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine performs the tie plate handling automatically without requiring manual intervention. The plate holder and inserter mechanisms self-service the tie plate repositioning task that would otherwise require workers to manually pick up and place plates.
3Reliability
If separate machines are used for tie extraction and insertion, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall tie replacement process becomes slower and more labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated tie changing machine performs extraction, anchor spreading, tie insertion, and plate placement in a continuous sequence without interruption. The boom and kicker assemblies work simultaneously to remove old ties and position new ones, maintaining continuous productive action rather than sequential operations with idle time between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the extraction and insertion mechanisms into a single machine with coordinated assemblies, the system eliminates the need to reposition equipment between operations. The boom with gripper and the kicker work in coordination to continuously replace ties without stopping for machine repositioning or manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for the replacement of railroad ties is disclosed. The tie extends laterally under two rails and is attached to the rails via tie plates. An example rail changing machine includes a tie changing boom moveable to one side of the two rails. The tie changing boom including a gripping assembly for clamping the railroad tie. The tie changing boom is moveable between a proximate position and a distal position from the one side of the two rails to grip the tie and remove the tie from under the rails. A kicker is located on the opposite side of the rails from the tie changing boom and contacts one end of the tie to move the tie toward the tie changing boom. A pair of tie plate clamps to hold the tie plates in place when the kicker moves the tie.