Tie Plate Slide Structure for High-Rail Vehicle Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for distributing tie plates along railroad tracks require multiple workers, are prone to mechanical errors due to timing or distance measurements, and suffer from conveyor system inefficiencies due to wear and maintenance issues with belts and rollers.
Innovation Solution
A self-propel system for high-rail vehicles with a remote cab control and a tie plate slide structure that uses a friction roller for propulsion and a belt-free, slide-based conveyor system with sensors for precise tie plate placement, eliminating the need for additional operators and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple workers are used to operate the vehicle and distribute tie plates, then the tie plates can be distributed along the track, but the labor cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect railroad ties and triggers to automatically release tie plates, eliminating the need for manual operation by multiple workers. The vehicle distributes tie plates autonomously based on sensor detection of tie locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system using sensors for detection and triggers for tie plate release. This substitutes human-operated mechanical systems with an automated sensing and actuation system.
2Extent of automation
If timing or distance measurement mechanisms are used to distribute tie plates, then the distribution process can be automated, but mechanical tolerances cause inaccurate placement over long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual location of railroad ties and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust trigger timing based on real-time detection, ensuring accurate tie plate placement regardless of distance variations or mechanical tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces timing and distance measurement mechanisms with direct optical or electronic sensor detection of tie locations. This substitution eliminates the accumulation of mechanical tolerances that occur over long distances with geared timing mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If conveyor belts and rollers are used to transport tie plates, then the tie plates can be moved and positioned, but wear, soiling, and breakage increase maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes conveyor belts and rollers from the tie plate transport system. Instead, tie plates are moved along a slide surface, eliminating the components that require maintenance due to wear, soiling, and breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide surface is a simple, durable structure that does not wear out like belts and rollers. It can be easily replaced or maintained compared to the complex conveyor system, effectively using a simpler, longer-lasting alternative.
4Ease of operation
If the operator is positioned in the cab, then control is straightforward, but the operator cannot simultaneously perform other tasks and the system requires additional operators for remote control
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control system allows a single operator to simultaneously control the vehicle and perform other tasks such as operating equipment or monitoring the distribution process. The operator is not confined to the cab and can multitask, increasing overall productivity.
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
Enables efficient and accurate distribution of tie plates with reduced labor requirements, improved precision, and lower maintenance needs, enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness in railroad maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a friction roller engaging one of the first set of on road wheel assemblies, the friction roller drivably engaging at least one of the first set of on road wheel assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A tie plate slide structure comprises a tie plate slide frame having a first frame member and a second opposed frame member, the first frame member and the second frame member extending substantially parallel from a first upper end to a second lower end, a substantially central support structure extending from the first upper end to the second lower end, the substantially central support disposed between the first frame member and the second frame member, a support assembly having first and second rail wheels depending from a lower side of the tie plate frame, a gate assembly disposed near the lower end of the tie plate slide frame to discharge tie plates slidably moving downwardly along the first and second frame members and the central support structure.