Abstract

A rail-switching unit, functioning singly or combined with other same units as part of a track-switching unit of a track-switching system of a vehicle-guiding system is provided. The rail-switching unit includes a rotatable ensemble including a rotatable-hub with attached switch-rails and auxiliary components and stationary elements including a main fixed-rail, branch fixed-rails and a supporting structure, wherein the branch fixed-rails are attached to common rails and the rotatable-hub selectively rotates to allow an engagement of each switch-rail simultaneously with the main fixed-rail and with a corresponding branch fixed-rail with a purpose of creating alternative continuous rail paths for vehicles to move through the rail-switching unit. A mechanism is applicable to mono/multi-railed tracks, to supporting/suspended vehicles, to traditional/rail-wrapping wheels-assemblies, to diverge/merge/cross-points, and to a wide variety of track-switching configurations.

IPC Classes  ?

• E01B 25/12 - SwitchesCrossings
• A63G 21/14 - ChutesHelter-skelters with driven slideways
• E01B 23/06 - SwitchesPortable switchesTurnouts