Turnout With Segmented Movable Beams For Reduced Area And Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turnouts occupy large areas, are heavy, and require high driving power due to their linear structure and vehicle-bound limitations, leading to resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A turnout design featuring a fixed beam and two movable beams that switch between different positions to form various passage configurations, reducing the occupied area, weight, and driving power, while simplifying the structure and reducing the number of tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional linear turnout structure is used, then the turnout can guide vehicles, but the turnout platform occupies a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The turnout is divided into a fixed beam and multiple movable beams (first movable beam, second movable beam). Each beam can independently move between different positions to form various passage configurations, reducing the overall occupied area while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable beams that can dynamically change positions between fixed and movable states. The first movable beam and second movable beam can switch between different locations (first position/second position, third position/fourth position) to adapt to different routing requirements, transforming a static linear structure into a dynamic reconfigurable system.
2Weight of moving object
If conventional turnout beams are designed for vehicle binding, then vehicle guidance is achieved, but the turnout beams become heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy conventional turnout beam is segmented into multiple lighter beams (fixed beam, first movable beam, second movable beam). Each segment only needs to support a portion of the vehicle load, reducing individual beam weight while collectively maintaining the guidance function through coordinated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The beams are designed with movable capabilities, allowing them to be positioned only when needed for vehicle guidance. The movable beams can be retracted or repositioned to clearances when not in use, reducing the effective weight and material requirements compared to continuously heavy structural beams.
3Power
If conventional turnout structure is used, then vehicle guidance is provided, but the driving device requires high power
Solution Approach 1:
The driving device only needs to move individual movable beams (first movable beam, second movable beam) rather than entire heavy turnout beams. This segmentation of the driven components significantly reduces the power requirements while the overall structure remains relatively simple with fixed and movable beam arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable beams are designed to move between discrete positions (first/second positions, third/fourth positions) rather than requiring continuous heavy structural movement. This dynamic repositioning of lighter components reduces the power demand on driving devices compared to moving entire conventional turnout beams.
4Device complexity
If conventional linear turnout structure is used, then vehicle routing is achieved, but the structure is complex and requires many turnout tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The turnout is segmented into a fixed beam and multiple movable beams that can independently position themselves. This segmentation allows complex routing configurations to be achieved through simple combinations of beam positions rather than requiring complex fixed track layouts, reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms a static complex track structure into a dynamic system where movable beams can reposition to create different passages. The first movable beam and second movable beam can switch between positions to form various routing configurations, simplifying the physical structure while maintaining high adaptability for different vehicle destinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A turnout includes a fixed beam, and a first and a second movable beams respectively on two opposite sides of the fixed beam. The fixed beam is arranged on a turnout platform. The first movable beam is movably arranged on the turnout platform between a first and a second positions. The second movable beam is movably arranged on the turnout platform between a third and a fourth positions. When the first movable beam is at the first position, the second movable beam is at the third position, the first movable beam is separated from the fixed beam, and the second movable beam and the fixed beam form a first passage; when the first movable beam is at the second position, the second movable beam is at the fourth position, the second movable beam is separated from the fixed beam, and the first movable beam and the fixed beam form a second passage.