Universal Rail Brace Assembly for Dual Stock Rail Groups
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rail brace systems require different components for light and heavy weight rail groups, leading to increased inventory and complexity in maintenance, as well as difficulties in identifying and replacing the correct assemblies in the field.
Innovation Solution
A universal rail brace assembly that can be adjusted to accommodate both light and heavy weight rail groups by using a reversible rail brace with specific contact areas and a rotatable wedge, along with a spring clip for secure fastening, allowing it to be mounted on a single brace plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different rail brace components are used for light and heavy weight rail groups, then proper support for each rail type is achieved, but inventory complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rail brace is designed with multiple fishing surfaces (first and second head fishing surfaces, first and second base fishing surfaces) that can engage with different rail configurations. The brace can be positioned in multiple orientations to accommodate both light and heavy weight rail groups, allowing a single universal component to replace multiple specialized components, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining proper support for each rail type
2Reliability
If different rail brace components are used for light and heavy weight rail groups, then proper support for each rail type is achieved, but maintenance time and replacement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal rail brace design allows maintenance personnel to use the same component and installation procedures for both light and heavy weight rail groups. The multiple fishing surfaces and configurable positioning enable rapid adaptation to different rail types without requiring inventory searches or specialized installation techniques, significantly reducing maintenance time while ensuring proper support
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional spiked anchoring is used, then simplicity of installation is maintained, but anchoring strength and resistance to lateral forces decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rail brace incorporates pre-formed fishing surfaces on both the head and base portions, along with multiple engagement surfaces configured for different rail types. These features are prepared in advance during manufacturing, allowing for strong mechanical engagement without requiring complex field installation procedures. The preliminary preparation of engagement surfaces maintains installation simplicity while achieving superior anchoring strength
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
This solution simplifies maintenance by allowing a single assembly to be used for both rail groups, reducing inventory needs and streamlining the replacement process, while ensuring secure fastening to prevent rail displacement and rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring clip having first and second legs with the first leg extending into the clip housing bore and the second leg applying a force on the rail brace top surface tending to bias the rail brace into contact with the stock rail
Data Source
AI summary
A rail brace assembly is adapted to buttress the head of a stock rail selected from one of two different stock rail groups mounted on the top surface of a brace plate. The assembly includes a stop block assembly also is affixed to the brace plate top surface. A rail brace moveable between a first brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a first stock rail group and a second brace position in which it buttresses the head of a rail from a second stock rail group, has a pair of spaced side walls, a upwardly facing top surface, first rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, second rail group head and base fishing surface contact areas, a first rail group brace plate contact surface and a second rail group brace plate contact surface. An elastic fastener cooperates with a clip housing to clamp the rail brace against the stock rail.