# Efficient Railway Turnout Design: Leveraging TRIZ-Based Approaches
## 4 Results
### Design of the Crossing
The objective, therefore, is to reduce the current gap by applying Principle 17 (Transition into a New Dimension) and complementing the system with a mobile part, as indicated by Principle 15 (Dynamicity), which is represented in red in Figure 10. This enhancement not only minimises the existing gap, but also enables higher speeds in the railway operation. The advantage of using the mobile frog lies in its construction using higher-strength materials, which are divided into several independent assembled pieces. This feature allows easy replacement in the event of wear, without having to remove the entire rail, in accordance with principles 1 (Segmentation), 27 (Cheap, Short-Lived Objects), 13 (Do it in Reverse) and 35 (Transformation of Properties). The proposed design optimises the use of space by applying Principle 17 (Transition to a New Dimension), which makes it possible to construct a lighter and more robust part by applying Principle 8 (Anti-Weight). However, the most significant aspect to emphasise is its independence from the common crossing, making maintenance much simpler to  
Figure 8: Usual configuration of a crossing. Figure 10: Crossing with proposed mobile frog. Figure 9: Pointed frog. perform when replacement is necessary due to wear, in accordance with Principle 27 (Cheap, Short-Lived Objects). In addition, the collision between the wheel and the frog's nose when a wheel passes through an intersection can result in significant material wear. The proposed solution offers several advantages in this respect. Firstly, the part is easy to replace. This fact makes it easier to work on the active edge to prevent derailment. Secondly, the proposed solution allows the frog to re-align itself, effectively compensating for wear. These benefits contribute to improved maintenance and safety, reducing the potential for wear-related issues and ensuring smoother railway operations. The shape of this new element, as shown in Figure 10, simplifies the manufacturing process, which helps to reduce the cost of producing it (Principle 27 Cheap. Short-Lived Objects). It is also easy to replace, resulting in low maintenance costs. These cost-efficient features make the proposed solution economically viable and advantageous for use in railway systems. Compared to the current geometry, the proposed geometry allows a larger bearing surface (Principle 8. Anti-Weight), strengthening the system's integrity and simplifying maintenance of smaller parts, leading to overall cost savings. The increased bearing surface in the area defined by the wing rails reduces the descent of the wheel during the transition, resulting in the impact of the wheel flange on this surface being reduced as it transitions from the direct rail to the transition. As a result, the risks of derailment are reduced, and higher speeds are possible. Figure 11 shows a schematic of the proposed design. The different components of the crossing are represented in different colours. In the right side of the figure, the yellow arrow represent the vertical movement of the frog and associated elements. The component is not rigidly attached to the frog, but it can move upwards and downwards (Principle 15. Dynamic) by means of several lifting cylinders (Principle 28. Replacement of Mechanical System). This design feature allows improved performance, accommodating the wear of the rails resulting from continuous train passage. Four hydraulic cylinders are used for lifting and lowering, allowing fast shifting times (just a few seconds) and better access to the frog area to perform maintenance and repairs. The maximum vertical movement is limited by two lift stop plates, but for additional safety, four position sensors have been incorporated to ensure safe passage, which are located in the guiding tubes. This upward movement also solves the problem of alignment with the rails, effectively compensating for irregularities caused by wear affecting the frog. The system allows us to automatically reverse the situation, ensuring the safety of the operation (Principle 13.