Trapezoidal Track Support Slab for Versatile Rail Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track support systems lack versatility in accommodating both straight and curved rail sections with a single design, and they do not efficiently support varying radii of curvature, which limits their application in forming bases for different track configurations.
Innovation Solution
A track support slab with an isosceles trapezoidal shape, featuring groove-like channels that kink or curve to accommodate straight rails, allowing for the same design to be used in both straight and curved track sections by alternating the slabs' orientation, and incorporating adjustable channel cross-sections and inclined surfaces for rail fastening and leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If track support slabs are designed with different shapes for straight and curved sections, then the suitability for specific track configurations is improved, but the number of different slab types and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of track support slab that can serve multiple functions: it can be used for both straight and curved track sections, and can accommodate different radii of curvature. This is achieved through the trapezoidal shape with specifically designed groove channels that can be oriented in different directions, allowing one slab design to replace multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry through the trapezoidal shape of the track support slab, where the parallel sides have different lengths. This asymmetric geometry, combined with the positioning of the groove channels, enables the slab to be oriented in different ways to accommodate both straight and curved track configurations using the same slab design.
2Ease of manufacture
If groove channels are designed with fixed cross-section, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different rail positions and curved sections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing groove channels with varying cross-sectional characteristics at different locations. The channels have different widths at the opening versus the bottom, and different orientations along their length, allowing them to accommodate rails in various positions and orientations while maintaining a manufacturable overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If track support slabs are arranged in alternating orientations for straight sections, then a single design can form straight track bases, but positioning precision and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric trapezoidal shape with specifically designed groove channel orientations enables alternating slab arrangements to align precisely. The geometry ensures that when slabs are placed in alternating orientations, the groove channels properly align to form continuous straight track bases, reducing alignment difficulties despite the alternating pattern.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a track supporting layer (1, 1'), which in the form of a series (27, 27') of such consecutively arranged track supporting layers forms a basis for the rails (9) of a track. The track supporting layer has the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, the legs of which define the course of the faces (2, 3) of the track supporting layer (1, 1') and the mutually parallel sides of which define the course of the lateral surfaces (5, 6) of the track supporting layer which extend in the longitudinal direction. The channels (8) running between the faces (2, 3) of the track supporting layer have a bent or arched course. The concave side (16) of this course faces the shortest lateral surface (6).