Track Construction Machine With Hook-Shaped Rail Clamps for Tight Clearances

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track-laying machines are limited in their applicability, particularly for urban public transport tracks with both steel-wheeled and rubber-wheeled systems, due to space constraints and the need for adaptable gripping mechanisms that can handle various rail configurations.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of hook-shaped gripping devices on lifting tongs that allow for space-efficient operation, enabling the machine to grip rail heads in a pressure-free floating position and activate for secure lifting, with adjustable actuators and mechanisms for lateral and longitudinal displacement, allowing operation on both steel-wheeled and rubber-wheeled tracks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If roller lifting tongs are used to grip railway tracks, then the lifting function is effective, but the device occupies too much space and cannot operate in tight clearances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different track configurationsVSAvoidspace occupied by lifting tong

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using roller lifting plates that roll along the track, the invention uses hook-shaped gripping devices that engage with the rail head from above. This inverted approach allows the lifting tong to grip the track in a compact configuration, enabling operation in tight spaces between multiple rails while maintaining effective lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping mechanism transitions from a horizontal rolling contact (roller lifting plates moving along the track length) to a vertical engagement (hook-shaped devices gripping the rail head from above). This dimensional change allows the lifting tong to operate in the limited vertical space available in tight track configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If lifting tongs are designed for conventional steel-wheeled tracks, then they work on standard tracks, but they cannot operate on rubber-wheeled tracks with guide rails and conductor rails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different wheel systemsVSAvoidcomplexity of lifting tong design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting tong is designed with hook-shaped gripping devices that can engage with various rail types (standard rails, guide rails, conductor rails) without requiring different configurations. This universal design allows the same device to operate on both steel-wheeled and rubber-wheeled track systems, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If hook-shaped gripping devices are used to operate in tight spaces, then space efficiency is improved, but the gripping force may be insufficient for heavy lifting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness of lifting tongVSAvoidgripping force

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting tong incorporates hydraulic actuators that provide powerful gripping force through fluid pressure. This allows the compact hook-shaped gripping devices to generate sufficient holding force on the rail heads to support heavy lifting operations, despite their space-efficient design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 flexible and secure lifting of tracks with tight clearances, accommodating different rail types and configurations, including those with guide rails and conductor rails, without requiring extensive repositioning, and ensuring stable gripping even in confined urban environments.

Implementation Method 1

During a forward movement of the lifting and straightening unit, the hook-shaped gripping devices enclose the rail heads in a pressure-free floating position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-free floating position:

Implementation Method 2

the actuators are activated, pressing the hook-shaped gripping devices against the railway tracks and locking them in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pressing and locking: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a track section, including the running rails and the guide rails for rubber wheels, is lifted by fastening them together on the sleepers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLifting force application: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4442904B1Track construction machine and method for lifting a track

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 PLASSER & THEURER EXPORT VON BAHNBAUMASCHINEN GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a track construction machine (1) for lifting a track (4), comprising a machine frame (2) movable on railway rails (9) of the track (4) and a lifting and aligning unit (7) which includes lifting clamps (21) arranged on a unit frame (14) for gripping the respective railway rail (9), wherein each lifting clamp (21) has opposing clamp levers (29) which are adjustable relative to each other by means of actuators (32). A hook-shaped gripping element (34) is arranged on each clamp lever (29). The arrangement of only hook-shaped gripping elements (34) utilizes the advantages of a lifting clamp (21) while simultaneously saving space compared to a known roller lifting clamp.