System and method for switching railcars using a static rail-track configuration

Abstract

The embodiments herein provide an onboard track switching mechanism for a railroad vehicle to switch from one track to another. Currently available onboard railroad vehicle switching mechanisms employ complicated coordination between one or more switching wheels and complex control systems. Accordingly, system and method for enabling a railroad vehicle to switch tracks is disclosed. The system comprises a a running track that supports an automotive a switching track comprising a set of static components and a switching mechanism installed on the automotive. the switching mechanism configured for controlling the movement of one or more switching wheels such that when activated, the switching mechanism is configured to facilitate engagement of the one or more switching wheels with the switching track for carrying out a track changing operation for the automotive.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A transportation system comprising a track switching mechanism, wherein the track switching mechanism comprising:
 a running track that supports an automotive;   a switching track comprising a set of static components; and   a switching mechanism installed on the automotive, the switching mechanism configured for controlling the movement of one or more switching wheels such that when activated, the switching mechanism is configured to facilitate engagement of the one or more switching wheels with the switching track for carrying out a track changing operation for the automotive.   
     
     
         2 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the automotive is a railroad vehicle. 
     
     
         3 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching mechanism is configured to be optionally engaged depending on a desired destination of the railroad vehicle. 
     
     
         4 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is elevated above the running track and the gauge of the switching track is same as the gauge of the running track. 
     
     
         5 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is positioned below the level of the running track and the gauge of the switching track is same as the gauge of the running track. 
     
     
         6 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is elevated above the running track and the gauge of the switching track is different as the gauge of the running track. 
     
     
         7 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is positioned below the level of the running track and the gauge of the switching track is different from the gauge of the running track. 
     
     
         8 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is positioned at the level of the running track and the gauge of the switching track is different from the gauge of the running track. 
     
     
         9 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track is at the level of the running track at an initial stage and elevates gradually to a level so as to enable a vehicle moving on the running track to pass under the switching track. 
     
     
         10 . The transportation system according to  claim 9 , wherein the gauge of the switching track is broader than the gauge of running track. 
     
     
         11 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the switching track comprises one of a mono-rail and a parallel-rail system. 
     
     
         12 . The transportation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the automobile further comprises a set of running wheels configured to be engaged with the running track. 
     
     
         13 . The transportation system according to  claim 12 , wherein the switching mechanism is configured to disengage the running wheels subsequent to the engagement of the one or more switching wheels with the switching track. 
     
     
         14 . A method for enabling a railroad vehicle to switch tracks, the method comprising:
 providing a running track that supports the railroad vehicle;   providing a switching track comprising a set of static components;   coupling one or more switching wheels to at least one rail coach, the one or more switching wheels arranged to run along the switching track;   installing a switching mechanism in the at least one rail coach of the railroad vehicle, the switching mechanism configured for controlling the movement of the one or more switching wheels; and   optionally activating the switching mechanism so as facilitate engagement of the one or more switching wheels with the switching track for carrying out a track changing operation for the railroad vehicle by disengaging the railroad vehicle from a first running track and engaging the railroad vehicle with a second running track.   
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein each rail coach of the railroad vehicle further comprises a set of running wheels configured to be engaged with the running track. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein activating the switching mechanism further comprises disengaging the running wheels subsequent to the engagement of the one or more switching wheels with the switching track. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the switching track comprises one of a mono-rail and a parallel-rail system.