Rail assembly, bogie, bogie wheel and inflatable seal assembly
Rail assemblies for large, heavy systems such as telescopes must withstand large loads and are often located in remote locations, at elevation. Because of their location structures are assembled on site, one generally wants to reduce welding and durability of the structure is of interest. Structures and methods to mitigate misalignment of parts, while not requiring fixing those elements together is of interest.
A rail assembly is presented here. Rails and the joins therebetween, bogies, for travel on the rails, and a sealing system are presented. A structure for aligning rails is presented. Here, end surfaces of rails have a sigmoidal shape, which are aligned. An intermediate region has “pockets” in the end surfaces, where a key is inserted into the pockets to align the surfaces. Further, connecting bolts pass through the mating surface, in peripheral regions of the mating surfaces, from the outside of the rail. These connecting bolts are said to be at an angle between 30 and 60o to the travel direction. It is said that the sigmoidal shape mitigates sharp cusps at the ends of rails.
Detail of the bogie is also provided. Generally, multiple wheels are provided for engaging the rail(s), where wheels may be in pairs and aligned normal to each other i.e. engage surface and side of rail. Further, a seal assembly between elements of the structure are provided. An inflatable bladder is associated with a first element. A membrane is associated with a second element, where the bladder engages the second element when inflated.
Applicant(s):
National Research Council of Canada
Filing Date:
2021-Oct-07 (CA)
Inventor(s):
David Halliday
Nathan Loewen
Craig Breckenridge
Walter Brzezik
Mike Gedig
Colin Vincent
Independent Claims (Applied for):
Apparatus – 1, 11, 24 and 29
A number of aspects of a rail system are provided. Generally, the system is applicable to systems for large loads, and or where alignment of structures is important. An initial use case of telescopes is presented. It is indicated that the system my be be used in stadia with a movable roof. Other applications may well be possible.
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Technology Tree
Where am I? A rail system for large loads, where alignment is important is presented. While various aspects are presented, the Tree draws attention to the joint between rails.
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