Railway Switch Rod Support Assembly

Abstract

A solution for a railway switch rod support assembly is disclosed. The railway switch rod support assembly comprises a plurality of hangers which may include a first hanger and a second hanger. The railway switch rod support assembly may further include a plurality of insulating layers. The plurality of insulating layers is configured to insulate the rail from electrical interference. Furthermore, the railway switch rod support assembly includes a roller assembly comprising an axle and a roller. The roller assembly is disposed between the first hanger and the second hanger. The railway switch rod support assembly also comprises a tension assembly configured to apply tension to the roller assembly. The tension assembly is disposed between the first hanger and the second hanger. As such, the disclosed solution improves safety and reduces maintenance costs.

Claims

1. A switch rod support assembly (100A) configured to interface with a switch rod and a rail, the switch rod support assembly (100A) comprising: a first plurality of hangers (105AZ) configured to interface with a base of the rail; a tension assembly (131A) comprising a second plurality of hangers (120AZ), the tension assembly (131A) being configured to fasten the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) and the second plurality of hangers (120AZ) to the base of the rail; and a roller assembly (129A) configured to provide rolling of the switch rod along an axis (103X) perpendicular to the rail.

2. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) is in contact with a plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) configured to electrically insulate the rail from the switch rod.

3. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 2, wherein the plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) is made from material comprising polymer, polyester, urethane, fiberglass, industrial paper, ceramic, polytetrafluorethylene, graphene-based materials, polyimides, silicone elastomers, aramid paper, or a combination thereof.

4. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 2, wherein the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) comprises a first plurality of holes (122AZ) and further wherein the plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) comprises a second plurality of holes (124AZ).

5. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 4, wherein the pluralities of holes (122AZ, 124AZ) enable the positioning of the roller assembly (129A) at a plurality of positions within the switch rod support assembly (100A).

6. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 1, wherein the tension assembly (131A) further comprises: a bolt (112A); a nut (113A); a first cross brace (119A) configured to interface with the first plurality of hangers (105AZ); and a second cross brace (117A) configured to interface with the second plurality of hangers (120AZ).

7. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 6, wherein the first cross brace (119A) is welded to the first plurality of hangers (105AZ), wherein the second cross brace (117A) is welded to the second plurality of hangers (120AZ).

8. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 1, wherein the roller assembly (129A) comprises: a roller (107A); a bushing (109A); an axle (115A); and a cotter pin (126A).

9. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 8, wherein the roller (107A) is made from material comprising polyester, urethane, hardened steel, nylon, rolled glass, fiberglass, polyoxymethylene, or a combination thereof.

10. A kit configured to interface with a switch rod and a rail, the kit comprising: a switch machine; and a switch rod support assembly (100A), comprising: a first plurality of hangers (105AZ) configured to interface with a base of the rail; a tension assembly (131A) comprising a second plurality of hangers (120AZ), the tension assembly (131A) being configured to fasten the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) and the second plurality of hangers (120AZ) to the base of the rail; and a roller assembly (129A) configured to provide rolling of the switch rod along an axis (103X) perpendicular to the rail.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) is in contact with a plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) configured to electrically insulate the rail from the switch rod.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) is made from material comprising polymer, polyester, urethane, fiberglass, industrial paper, ceramic, polytetrafluorethylene, graphene-based materials, polyimides, silicone elastomers, aramid paper, or a combination thereof.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) comprises a first plurality of holes (122AZ) and further wherein the plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) comprises a second plurality of holes (124AZ).

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the pluralities of holes (122AZ, 124AZ) enable the positioning of the roller assembly (129A) at a plurality of positions within the switch rod support assembly (100A).

15. The kit of claim 10, wherein the tension assembly (131A) further comprises: a bolt (112A); a nut (113A); a first cross brace (119A) configured to interface with the first plurality of hangers (105AZ); and a second cross brace (117A) configured to interface with the second plurality of hangers (120AZ).

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the first cross brace (119A) is welded to the first plurality of hangers (105AZ), wherein the second cross brace (117A) is welded to the second plurality of hangers (120AZ).

17. The kit of claim 10, wherein the roller assembly (129A) comprises: a roller (107A); a bushing (109A); an axle (115A); and a cotter pin (126A).

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the roller (107A) is made from material comprising polyester, urethane, hardened steel, nylon, rolled glass, fiberglass, polyoxymethylene, or a combination thereof.

19. A switch rod support assembly (100A) configured to interface with a switch rod and a rail, the switch rod support assembly (100A) comprising: a first plurality of hangers (105AZ) configured to interface with a base of the rail, the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) being in contact with a plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) configured to electrically insulate the rail from the switch rod; a tension assembly (131A) comprising a second plurality of hangers (120AZ), the tension assembly (131A) being configured to fasten the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) and the second plurality of hangers (120AZ) to the base of the rail, the tension assembly (131A) comprising a bolt (112A), a nut (113A), a first cross brace (119A) configured to interface with the first plurality of hangers (105AZ), and a second cross brace (117A) configured to interface with the second plurality of hangers (120AZ); and a roller assembly (129A) configured to provide rolling of the switch rod along an axis (103X) perpendicular to the rail.

20. The switch rod support assembly (100A) of claim 19, wherein the first plurality of hangers (105AZ) comprises a first plurality of holes (122AZ) and further wherein the plurality of insulating layers (110AZ) comprises a second plurality of holes (124AZ), the pluralities of holes (122AZ, 124AZ) enabling the positioning of the roller assembly (129A) at a plurality of positions within the switch rod support assembly (100A).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the claims, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the claims.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a top perspective.

[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective, exploded view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a top perspective.

[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective, exploded view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a top perspective.

[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a planar view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a front perspective.

[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a planar, intersected view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a front perspective.

[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates a planar view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a side perspective.

[0026] FIG. 4B illustrates a planar, intersected view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a side perspective.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a planar view of a plurality of switch rod support assemblies, as shown from a top perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Various aspects will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References made to particular examples and implementations are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0029] Switch rods are vital components of moveable point frogs and provide necessary connection between the moveable point and the switch machine. As stated above, the switch rods undergo incredible stress in the field. Since the switch rods float above the ballast and below the running rail, the switch rods have minimal support between the switch machine and the moveable point.

[0030] However, this lack of support is in part unavoidable since the switch rods should not interfere with other components of the moveable point frog (or the ballast). With respect to the ballast, the switch rods generally should not interfere with the ballast because such interference would in itself introduce more stress due to the rods physically dragging against rough rock. Likewise, the switch rods generally should not interfere with the underside of the running rail because again that interference would cause metal-to-metal grinding which would be another form of undesirable stress.

[0031] The disclosed solution provides for a device that is configured to be positioned above the ballast and below the running rail such that the switch rods are supported. The disclosed solution enables this support without leading to undesired interference with the ballast and/or running rail.

[0032] Another issue with switch rods is noise. When a switch rod interferes with other components of the track and/or the ballast, considerable noise is created. This noise can be disruptive to rail operations, especially for passengers and operators.

[0033] As such, the disclosed solution provides for a device that is configured to be positioned above the ballast and below the running rail such that switch rods are supported. The disclosed solution thus protects the switch rods from generating undesirable noise due to interference with other components and/or ballast.

[0034] Updating and/or replacing entire components of track is expensive and potentially unwarranted. Assuming a switch rod is the only failing component, then the most logical choice is to simply replace the switch rod in lieu of performing more invasive replacement operations (such as replacement of the switch machine, adjustment to ballast, etc.). However, the mere replacement of a switch rod is in itself an invasive procedure.

[0035] As such, the disclosed solution is further configured to being retrofitted to existing track deployments. Stated differently, minimal, if no, changes need to be made to any one of (1) the switch machine, (2) the switch rods, (3) the moveable point frog, (4) the ballast, or a combination thereof. The disclosed solution may simply be attached to existing rail at or near the switch rod without necessarily manipulating the switch rods to a great extent. This enables the track to maintain an undisturbed state while being significantly improved.

[0036] Further, the disclosed solution relies on a plurality of hangers and a tension assembly in order to attach to the ventral side of the running rail (and above the ballast). As such, no drilling into the running rail is necessary. Therefore, the structural integrity of the running rail is maintained while the operation of the moveable point frog is unimpeded. As another benefit, railway personnel do not require overly specialized tools to install the disclosed solution.

[0037] Moveable point frogs generally may have the switch machine disposed on the mainline side or the divergent side of the track (as defined by the direction of travel). In other words, the switch machine may be at or near either one of the running rails. Track often faces issues with having several configurations of similar equipment to address the sidedness of equipment. This causes undue deployment costs as well as unnecessary maintenance of unlike components.

[0038] The disclosed solution is configured to address switch machines located on either side of the track. As such, the disclosed solution is versatile since installation is generally not limited by the placement of the switch machine (and the associated switch rods). This feature enables the disclosed solution to be deployed easily and at scale since the solution can address either side of the configuration of the track.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a top perspective. A plurality of axes is shown viz. a first axis 103X, a second axis 103Y, and a third axis 103Z. The axis 103X is perpendicular to the direction of rolling stock traveling along the track. The axis 103Y is parallel to the direction of travel of rolling stock moving along the track. The axis 103Z is vertical, as formed by the normal vector of the axes 103X, 103Y.

[0040] The plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z comprises a first switch rod support assembly 100A and a second switch rod support assembly 100B. The switch rod support assemblies 100A, 100B may be utilized individually or in combination. For example, in a mainline switch, three rods are typically used, namely (1) a throw rod, (2) a point detector rod, and (3) a lock rod. In contrast, a switch located in a yard may simply have a single rod. That stated, the switch rod support assemblies 100A, 100B may be utilized individually as necessary (or in odd-numbered configurations). One advantage of the switch rod support assemblies 100A, 100B is the ability to install more than one in serial along a switch rod. Stated differently, more than one switch rod support assembly may be installed to support the switch rod at multiple points (along the axis 103X).

[0041] Nevertheless, the disclosure shall reference the plurality of switch rod roller assemblies 100Z for illustrative purposes. To be clear, each of the switch rod roller assemblies 100A, 100B are the same and only differ in orientation and by reference number. Specifically, the switch rod support assembly 100A may utilize references using A whereas the switch rod support assembly 100B may utilize references using B. For example, a cotter pin belonging to the switch rod support assembly 100A may use 126A whereas the cotter pin belonging to the switch rod support assembly 100B may use 126B. However, both cotter pins 126A and 126B are the same design and configuration (unless stated otherwise)serving the same functionality and purpose.

[0042] The switch rod support assembly 100A comprises a plurality of hangers 105AZ. The plurality of hangers 105AZ comprises a first hanger 105AA and a second hanger 105AB. The plurality of hangers 105AZ is generally configured to attach the switch rod support assembly 100A to the base of the running rail (at the ventral side). In one aspect, the plurality of hangers 105AZ is configured to attach at the field side of the base of the running rail. However, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the switch rod support assembly 100A may be deployed with the plurality of hangers 105AZ attached on the gage side. As such, one advantage of the disclosed solution is the capability to be universally applied in either configuration. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the switch rod support assembly 100A may be deployed at or near switch machines located at either side of the track (as stated above).

[0043] The plurality of hangers 105AZ comprises a plurality of holes 122AZ. The plurality of holes 122AZ is comprised of a first plurality of holes 122AAZ (within the hanger 105AA) and a second plurality of holes 122ABZ (within the hanger 105AB). The plurality of holes 122AZ is generally configured to accommodate a roller assembly 129A (disclosed in detail below). As shown, the plurality of holes 122AZ is configured in order to allow the placement of the roller assembly 129A at various positions to accommodate the switch rod at varying heights (relative to the rail). For instance, a pair of holes (within the plurality of holes 122AZ) may be used that are nearer to the ballast to accommodate a lower-hanging switch rod. Likewise, a pair of holes (within the plurality of holes 122AZ) may be used that are nearer to the base of the running rail if the switch rods are positioned closer to the rail, i.e. away from the ballast.

[0044] The switch rod support assembly 100A comprises a plurality of insulating layers 110AZ. The plurality of insulating layers 110AZ comprises a first insulating layer 110AA and a second insulating layer 110AB. The plurality of insulating layers 110AZ is generally configured to prevent electrical current from flowing between the rails and the switch rods.

[0045] The plurality of insulating layers 110AZ is partially held in position, at the roller assembly 129A, via the axle 115A associated therewith. The plurality of insulating layers 110AZ is further keyed to mate with the upper portion of the plurality of hangers 105AZ in order to avoid rotational forces from undesirably moving the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ out of position. Specifically, the cross brace 119A assists with retaining the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ in position with respect to rotational forces.

[0046] Many railway systems rely on relatively low voltage signals that pass through the rail. Such signals may be used for communication along the track. If the switch rods were electrically charged, the switch rod support assembly 100A would carry current into the rail, thus interfering with track-based communications. To address this situation, the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ is configured to prevent current from passing between the switch rods and the rail.

[0047] Rolling stock may cause vibrations such that the switch rod may instantaneously interfere with the switch rod support assembly 100A during normal operation. For example, a shock may cause the switch rod to bounce into the switch rod support assembly 100A. When this type of contact occurs, the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ prevents the switch rod support assembly 100A from electrically connecting the running rail to the switch rod. As another example, interference may result from a misaligned switch rod that is dragging against the interior of the switch rod support assembly 100A.

[0048] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the types of interference are beyond prediction; however, the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ addresses the general problem of inadvertently carrying electrical current into the rail via the switch rod support assembly 100A. To further prevent electrical current from passing via the switch rods into the rail, the roller 107A may be similarly nonconductive. Therefore, the combination of the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ and the roller 107A substantially prevents electrical currents from passing between the switch rods and the rail.

[0049] The plurality of insulating layers 110AZ may comprise materials including polymer, polyester, urethane, fiberglass, industrial paper, ceramic, polytetrafluorethylene, graphene-based materials, polyimides, silicone elastomers, aramid paper, or a combination thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the selection of the material may be determined in part by operational conditions of deployment. For example, a metro rail that is indoors may have a different material selection than a traditional track deployed for heavy freight (outdoors). In general, the selected material should provide adequate resistance to damage if the switch rods interfere with the plurality of insulating layers 110AZ.

[0050] The switch rod support assembly 100A comprises a plurality of holes 124AZ. The plurality of holes 124AZ comprises a first plurality of holes 124AAZ (within the insulating layer 110AA) and a second plurality of holes 124ABZ (within the insulating layer 110AB). The plurality of holes 124AZ is generally configured to substantially align with the plurality of holes 122AZ within the plurality of hangers 105AZ.

[0051] The switch rod support assembly 100A comprises the roller assembly 129A. The roller assembly 129A comprises the roller 107A, a bushing 109A (obscured in the instant view), an axle 115A, and a cotter pin 126A. The roller assembly 129A is generally configured to enable the movement of the switch rod in a direction substantially parallel with the axis 103X. The switch rod may be placed above the roller 107A such that the combination of the roller 107A, the bushing 109A, and the axle 115A enables a rolling operation when the switch rod is moved by the switch machine (in order to move the moveable point that is operatively connected to the switch rod).

[0052] The roller 107A is disposed about the bushing 109A which is, in turn, disposed about the axle 115A. The axle 115A is disposed through the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ. The cotter pin 126A retains the axle 115A. The roller 107A may comprise a material including polyester, urethane, hardened steel, nylon, rolled glass, fiberglass, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin), or a combination thereof. In general, the material deployed should be substantially insulating as well as necessarily rigid. The bushing 109A may be made from materials similar to the roller 107A. To be clear, the bushing 109A and the roller 107A need not be made from the same material for any given deployment.

[0053] In one aspect, the roller assembly 129A may be configured as a non-rotating block wherein the roller 107A is substantially fixed. In this instance, the term roller is somewhat of a misnomer because the roller 107A may move so slowly or not at all such that the switch rod slides over the roller 107A. While this may seem counterintuitive, if the material of the roller 107A is selected with a low coefficient of friction, the rolling effect desired may still be achieved with a substantial rotation of the roller 107A (as loosely here). Stated differently, the benefits of the disclosed solution may still be achieved with such a modification of the roller assembly 129A.

[0054] The axle 115A is retained via the cotter pin 126A. One advantage of the disclosed solution is the capability of adjusting the roller assembly 129A to accommodate various positions (and movements) of the switch rods. In order to accomplish these types of adjustments, personnel may simply remove the cotter pin 126A in order to slip the axle 115A out of the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ. Then, the roller 107A (and bushing 109A) may be moved to a new position. Next, the axle 115A may be reinserted into the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ. Then, the cotter pin 126A may be reinserted as before. Such adjustment may be performed without adjusting the pluralities of hangers 105AZ, 120AZ and a tension assembly 131A.

[0055] The switch rod support assembly 100A comprises the tension assembly 131A. The tension assembly 131A comprises a bolt 112A, a nut 113A, a first cross brace 119A, a second cross brace 117A, and a plurality of hangers 120AZ. The plurality of hangers 120AZ comprises a first hanger 120AA and a second hanger 120AB. The force created by the tension assembly 131A enables the switch rod support assembly 100A to fasten to the base of the running rail. The desired tension is informed by the clamping force desired at the base of the rail under which the switch rod support assembly 100A is disposed.

[0056] The plurality of hangers 120AZ is generally configured to attach to the base of the running rail in a manner substantially similar to the plurality of hangers 105AZ, in one aspect. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the plurality of hangers 120AZ may be deployed on either the gage side or the field side of the track. The configurability enhances the deployment of the switch rod assembly 100A because the handedness of the switch rod is less of a constraining factor.

[0057] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the profiles of the plurality of hangers 105AZ, 120AZ may be different for a given track. Many rails are symmetrical at the base. However, certain rails may have a unique profile on the gage side versus the field side. As such, the plurality of hangers 120AZ may have a different profile than the plurality of hangers 105AZ. Thus, the disclosed solution supports different configurations of track but is not necessarily limited by such factors. In short, the disclosed solution may address a number of track configurations in either an non-customized or customized manner.

[0058] The plurality of hangers 120AZ is operatively connected via the cross brace 117A. Similarly, the plurality of hangers 105AZ is operatively connected via the cross brace 119A. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the roller assembly 129A provides the distancing and support at the ventral portion of the plurality of hangers 105AZ.

[0059] The cross brace 117A is configured to being disposed within the plurality of hangers 120AZ in a manner that provides desired spacing between the plurality of hangers 120AZ (with respect to the axis 103Y) as well as a locking surface for the bolt 112A and/or the nut 113A. In one aspect, the cross brace 117A may be welded into the plurality of hangers 120AZ.

[0060] The cross brace 119A is configured to fit into the dorsal surface of the plurality of hangers 105AZ. Again, in one aspect, the cross brace 119A is welded into the plurality of hangers 105AZ.

[0061] The cross braces 117A, 119A are operatively connected via the bolt 112A. The nut 113A provides the desired tension between the pluralities of hangers 105AZ, 120AZ. As shown, the bolt 112A and the nut 113A have no locking washers, locking nuts, additional nuts, etc. However, one of skill in the art may readily vary the hardware used in lieu of or in addition to the bolt 112A and/or nut 113A (as shown). For example, a locking washer may be disposed between the nut 113A and the cross brace 117A. As another example, a locking nut may be deployed above the nut 113A in order to further secure the tension assembly 131A in position.

[0062] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the bolt 112A and the nut 113A may be reversed, i.e., the head of the bolt 112A may be positioned at the cross brace 117A and the nut 113A may be positioned at the cross brace 119A. One advantage of the disclosed solution is to enable such flexibility in the field where personnel are addressing the various deployment conditions of a given track as well as the tools available.

[0063] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective, exploded view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a top perspective. The instant view depicts how the roller assembly 129A is configured. Further, the tension assembly 131A is shown in component parts (e.g., the bolt 112A, the nut 113A, etc.). As shown, the cross braces 117A, 119A are disconnected from the pluralities of hangers 105AZ, 120AZ (respectively); however, the cross braces 117A, 119A may be welded into position.

[0064] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective, exploded view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a top perspective. The instant view is a rotated view of the FIG. 2A above, thus showing more detail of the switch rod support assembly 100A.

[0065] FIG. 3A illustrates a planar view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a front perspective. The instant view shows the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ as accommodating the roller assembly 129A in one of many positions. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the axle 115A may be moved to a different position in order to accommodate a new position of the switch rod relative to the running rail.

[0066] FIG. 3B illustrates a planar, intersected view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a front perspective. The instant view shows the interface between the cross brace 119A and the bolt 112A. Further, the interface between the cross brace 119A and the plurality of hangers 105AZ is shown in more detail.

[0067] The cross brace 117A is shown as interfacing with the bolt 112A and the nut 113A. Additionally, the interface between the plurality of hangers 120AZ and the cross brace 117A is shown in more detail. Again, the plurality of hangers 120AZ and the cross brace 117A may be joined by welding.

[0068] FIG. 4A illustrates a planar view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a side perspective. Additionally, FIG. 4B illustrates a planar, intersected view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a side perspective. The instant view shows in more detail the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ. As stated, the roller assembly 129A may be positioned along any one of the holes within the pluralities of holes 122AZ, 124AZ. The instant view further illustrates the component parts of the roller assembly 129A as having a roller 107A and a bushing 109A.

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates a planar view of the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z, as shown from a top perspective. The instant view emphasizes that the ventral surface of the rail (at the rail base) will interface with a substantially flat surface as formed by the combination of the plurality of hangers 105AZ, 120AZ. Further, the cross brace 117A and the cross brace 119A are substantially flat at the dorsal surface in order to interface with the ventral surface of the rail (at the base).

[0070] The disclosed solution may be configured as a kit. For example, the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z may be included with the moveable point frog, the switch point, the running rail, the switch machine, or a combination thereof. This kit configuration enables operators, maintenance personnel and others to deploy the disclosed solution as part of a deployment/service for the associated component part.

[0071] For instance, a switch machine may be installed in the field. During this installation process, the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z may be installed at or near the switch rod(s). This process instantly provides the benefits associated with the disclosed solution. Specifically, the switch rods are protected from undue stress from the moment of installation. As such, the life of the switch rods is increased and maintenance costs are reduced.

[0072] One of skill in the art will appreciate that the kit may be sold with a moveable point frog and similarly installed at or near the switch rods. Likewise, if the switch point is being serviced and/or replaced, the plurality of switch rod support assemblies 100Z may be installed during this time, again, to provide the disclosed benefits. In sum, providing a kit is one further enhancement of the disclosed solution.

[0073] The foregoing method descriptions and diagrams/figures are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the operations of various aspects must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the order of operations in the aspects described herein may be performed in any order. Words such as thereafter, then, next, etc. are not intended to limit the order of the operations; such words are used to guide the reader through the description of the methods and systems described herein. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles a, an, or the is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

[0074] The preceding description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make, implement, or use the claims. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects illustrated herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims disclosed herein.