Track Securing Barrier with Remote Locking and Adjustable Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing track safety devices require entry into the danger zone for adjustment and cannot be operated by a single person without tools, limiting their usability and accessibility for physically disabled individuals.

Innovation Solution

A track safety device with remotely controlled locking bolts and adjustable crossbeams, allowing segment-by-segment adjustment of height and distance from the track without entering the danger zone, operable by a single person using standard tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently attached locking bolts are used for securing the barrier, then the barrier can be securely locked to the track, but the locking bolt can only be released with the appropriate tool by a person entering the danger zone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidunlocking accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A cable mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operator outside the danger zone and the locking bolt inside the danger zone. The cable transmits the unlocking force remotely, allowing the locking bolt to be released without physical access to the barrier structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking operation is extracted from the danger zone by using a remotely operable cable mechanism. The cable pull mechanism is positioned outside the danger zone while the locking bolt remains on the barrier, separating the operator's location from the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If fixed barriers are installed at specific distances from the track to ensure safety, then the barrier provides adequate protection, but the barrier intrudes into the standard clearance area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety protectionVSAvoidclearance area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system incorporates horizontally adjustable booms that can be positioned at different distances from the track center. This dynamic adjustability allows the barrier to be optimized for specific safety requirements while minimizing intrusion into the standard clearance area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic cross beams with multiple locking points are used for adjustable barrier positioning, then the barrier can be adapted to different track clearances, but the adjustment requires multiple locking operations and tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustmentVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into a single cable-operated locking bolt mechanism. The locking bolt can engage with multiple holes in the cross member to secure the post at different horizontal positions, combining several locking operations into one unified mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the barrier field is suspended from open slots and keyhole holes for vertical adjustment, then the effective height can be changed, but the barrier requires multiple components and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustmentVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is segmented into modular components including the barrier field, posts, cross beams, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component while maintaining overall system coherence and simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4107332B1Track securing device
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 VALUWE HLDG LTD
  • EP4107332B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4107332B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4107332B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a track securing device in the form of a fixed barrier that is used on construction sites in the region of railway traffic. The object of the invention, namely that of specifying a track securing device that allows segmented adaptation of the effective height and of the distance from the travelled-over track region during operation without the need for the danger region of this track to be entered, wherein the adaptation work is possible by a single person without the aid of tools, and the track securing device is designed to be ergonomic in such a way that it can also be operated by physically disabled persons during operation, is achieved in that a transversely adjustable track securing device that can be mounted on tracks and switches is arranged as a protective device on the superstructure against the inadvertent entry to the track by workforces during work in the region of railway systems, wherein a latching bolt (6) for fixing a post (18) by latching into a bore (1) of a crossmember (16) is able to be remotely operated by means of a mechanical extension (4) guided outside of the danger region of the track.