Track Switch Sliding Wedge Mechanism for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional track switches are prone to wear and external intrusion, leading to reduced durability and speed limitations, and are unstable for high-speed operations, especially due to the weakness of movable peaky elements and lack of protection against solid materials, snow, or ice.
Innovation Solution
A track switch design featuring sliding switch rails connected via units with guides and sliding wedges, which are linked to a shift mechanism and axis, ensuring locking and stability by using fluorine plastic or similar composite materials for restrainers, and point rods connecting the wedges to the axis for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional movable peaky elements (contact tongues) are used in track switches, then the structure is simpler, but they are subjected to intense wear leading to reduced durability and speed limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the contact elements by transitioning from peaky (pointed) contact tongues to non-peaky (flat or rounded) contact surfaces. This parameter change reduces stress concentration and distributes wear more evenly, thereby improving durability without fundamentally changing the overall switch structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the contact elements, combining different materials with complementary properties. The non-peaky elements are made from materials that provide both wear resistance and mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between durability and structural simplicity
2Reliability
If conventional track switch construction is used, then the structure is simpler, but it is not protected from intrusion of solid materials, snow, or ice leading to incapacitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protective coverings or enclosures that act as barriers against solid materials, snow, and ice intrusion. These protective elements wrap around or cover the movable components, preventing contamination while maintaining the operational functionality of the track switch
Solution Approach 2:
The track switch construction is divided into segmented sections with protective elements positioned at critical locations. This segmentation allows protection to be applied selectively to vulnerable areas without enclosing the entire structure, balancing protection needs with structural simplicity
3Speed
If movable non-peaky elements are used, then they are more stable, but they are stubborn and unstable for higher speeds and are used only on in-house tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the non-peaky elements with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt to varying speeds. The elements incorporate flexible connections and damping mechanisms that maintain stability at low speeds while allowing necessary movement and flexibility at higher speeds, enabling use beyond in-house tracks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements or transition zones between the movable non-peaky elements and the fixed structure. These intermediaries act as buffers that absorb shocks and reduce instability, enabling the non-peaky elements to function reliably at higher speeds by mediating the forces transmitted during operation
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 design enhances durability and reliability, allowing higher speed operations while preventing external intrusions and ensuring stable fixation, thus improving safety and reducing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding wedge placed in the guide that is capable of moving longitudinally
Data Source
AI summary
A track switch that comprises track rails of basic (2), (3), straight, (4), (5) and lateral (6), (7) directions fastened on a slab track (1); sliding switch rails (8); (9) and point rails (10), (11) that are rigidly fastened to the slab track (1) by means of mounting means (12). The point rails and switch rails form points. The track switch comprises also a shift mechanism with a drive (14) and an axis (15), whereto sliding locks (16), (17) are connected. The point rails (10), (11) and the switch rails (8), (9) are connected with each other by means of units. Each of the units is a guide (18) that is rigidly fastened to the point rail, a wedge (19) that is rigidly fastened to the switch rail (8), (9), a cleat wedge (20) placed in the guides that is capable of moving longitudinally and fastened with its both ends to point rods (21) of the wedge (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The sliding wedges (20) are connected to each other by means of point rods (21), the last of the point rods being connected with the axis of the shift mechanism that is capable of rotating or moving longitudinally, and is set into motion by a shift drive mechanism. The sliding switch rails (8), (9) are connected to each other by means of spacing rods (22).