A rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system and method

Abstract

This application discloses a monitoring system and method for longitudinal displacement of rails, aiming to reduce monitoring difficulty and shorten measurement time while ensuring measurement accuracy. The monitoring system includes a laser rangefinder, a positioning device, and a processing device. The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the processing device. The laser rangefinder is located to the side of the rail, with its emission direction forming a 90-degree angle with the longitudinal direction of the rail. The positioning device is mounted on the rail web. The laser rangefinder periodically sends a laser beam to the positioning device to measure the optical path between the light source and the positioning device. The positioning device includes at least one reflective surface to allow a portion of the arriving laser beam to return along its original path. The reflective surface has an angle greater than 0 with the rail. The processing device determines the longitudinal displacement distance and direction of the rail based on a set initial position, the optical path measured in two adjacent cycles, and the angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rail displacement measurement technology, and in particular to a monitoring system and method for longitudinal rail displacement. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature force within seamless track (CWR track) refers to the internal force generated in the long rails of seamless railway due to the resistance to thermal expansion and contraction caused by changes in rail temperature. The longitudinal distribution of temperature force along the long rail is related not only to factors such as rail type and the magnitude of rail temperature change, but also to the external resistance of the rail and the process of rail temperature change. With the use of rails approximately one kilometer long in seamless railway tracks, the temperature force generated by thermal expansion and contraction along the rail's longitudinal direction is difficult to release, potentially leading to rail breakage or bulging accidents. Therefore, temperature force detection of seamless railway rails is an important task for railway engineering departments.

[0003] Since directly detecting the temperature-force of rails is currently technically difficult, the method of calculating the temperature-force by measuring the displacement at both ends of long rails is more commonly used. When a certain temperature-force is reached, the rail needs to be released. Currently, railway rail displacement is mostly measured manually using methods such as displacement stakes, collimators, and image processing detectors. These methods require manual inspection along the line, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, has poor accuracy, and a long measurement cycle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a monitoring system and method for longitudinal displacement of rails, so as to reduce the monitoring difficulty and shorten the measurement time while ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0005] This application provides a rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system, including a laser rangefinder, a positioning device, and a processing device. The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the processing device. The laser rangefinder is located on the side of the rail, and its emission direction is at a 90-degree angle to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The positioning device is disposed on the web of the rail.

[0006] The laser rangefinder is used to periodically send laser beams to the positioning device to measure the optical path between the light source and the positioning device.

[0007] The positioning device includes at least one reflective surface for causing a portion of the arriving laser beam to return along its original path; wherein the reflective surface has an angle greater than 0 with the rail.

[0008] The processing device is used to determine the longitudinal displacement distance and displacement direction of the rail based on the set initial position, the optical path measured in two adjacent cycles, and the included angle.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the positioning device includes a reflective surface, the angle between the reflective surface and the rail is less than 45 degrees; the cross-section of the positioning device is a right triangle, the longer straight side of the right triangle is close to the web of the rail, the shorter straight side of the right triangle is perpendicular to the extension direction of the rail, and the hypotenuse of the right triangle faces the side where the laser rangefinder is located.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the positioning device includes two reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces forming an angle of 45 degrees with the rail; the cross-section of the positioning device is an isosceles right triangle, the reflective surfaces are the right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangle, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle faces the side where the laser rangefinder is located.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the positioning device includes four reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces and the rail are at an angle of 45 degrees, the cross-section of the positioning device includes two parallel isosceles right triangles, the reflective surfaces are the right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangles, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle faces the side where the laser rangefinder is located.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device is between 5 mm and 45 mm.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device is 30mm.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the processing device is specifically used for:

[0015] The displacement direction is determined based on the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path.

[0016] The current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0017] Based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance, the current longitudinal displacement distance is determined.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the processing device is specifically used for:

[0019] The displacement direction is determined based on the judgment result of whether two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path.

[0020] If two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, the current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; if two adjacent laser beams reach different reflective surfaces, the current displacement increment is determined based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0021] Based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance, the current longitudinal displacement distance is determined.

[0022] This application also provides a method for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, using the system for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail as described above, including:

[0023] The displacement direction is determined based on the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path.

[0024] The current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0025] Based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance, the current longitudinal displacement distance is determined.

[0026] This application also provides a method for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, using the system for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail as described above, including:

[0027] The displacement direction is determined based on the judgment result of whether two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path.

[0028] If two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, the current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; if two adjacent laser beams reach different reflective surfaces, the current displacement increment is determined based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0029] Based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance, the current longitudinal displacement distance is determined.

[0030] In this embodiment, the laser rangefinder measures the optical path between the light source and the positioning device through the reflective surface of the positioning device. The processing device can measure the optical path and the angle between the reflective surface and the rail, and finally determine the longitudinal displacement distance and displacement direction of the rail, thereby achieving the goal of reducing monitoring difficulty and shortening measurement time while ensuring measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first structure of the reflective device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a second structure of the reflective device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a third structure of the reflective device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the first method for monitoring longitudinal displacement of a rail provided in this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the second method for monitoring longitudinal displacement of rails provided in this application embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 The embodiments provided in this application are based on Figure 4 A schematic diagram for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of rails. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] like Figure 1 This application provides a monitoring system for longitudinal displacement of a rail, including a laser rangefinder 1, a positioning device 2, and a processing device 3. The laser rangefinder 1 and the processing device 3 are electrically connected. The laser rangefinder 1 is located on the side of the rail, and its emission direction is at a 90-degree angle to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The positioning device 2 is set on the web of the rail.

[0040] A laser rangefinder 1 is used to periodically send a laser beam to a positioning device 2 to measure the optical path between the light source and the positioning device 2; the positioning device 2 includes at least one reflective surface 21 for partially returning the arriving laser beam along its original path; wherein the reflective surface 21 has an angle greater than 0 with the rail; and a processing device 3 is used to determine the longitudinal displacement distance and displacement direction of the rail based on a set initial position, the optical path measured in two adjacent cycles, and the angle.

[0041] It should be noted that after the laser beam reaches the reflective surface 21, part of it will return along the original path. The laser rangefinder 1 obtains the laser beam that returns along the original path and judges the peak value to determine the optical path between the light source and the reflective surface 21.

[0042] In possible implementations, the reflective surface 21 of the positioning device 2 can be one, two, three, or more. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 To be continued Figure 5 The explanation is as follows:

[0043] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the positioning device 2 includes only one reflective surface 21, with the angle between the reflective surface 21 and the rail being less than 45 degrees. The cross-section of the positioning device 2 is a right-angled triangle, with the longer straight side of the right-angled triangle close to the rail web, the shorter straight side perpendicular to the extension direction of the rail, and the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle facing the side where the laser rangefinder 1 is located. Here, h is the height of the positioning device 2, A is the angle between the reflective surface and the plane containing the rail web, and S is the measurable displacement range. This structure is relatively simple, and displacement is easily determined in specific embodiments.

[0044] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 3 As shown, the positioning device 2 includes two reflective surfaces 21, with the reflective surfaces 21 forming a 45-degree angle with the rail. The cross-section of the positioning device 2 is an isosceles right triangle, with the reflective surfaces 21 forming the right-angled sides of the isosceles right triangle, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle facing the side where the laser rangefinder 1 is located. Here, h is the height of the positioning device 2, A is the angle between the reflective surfaces and the plane containing the rail web, and S is the measurable displacement range. Because this structure has two right-angled reflective surfaces 21, if the laser beams emitted in two adjacent cycles reach the same reflective surface 21, the absolute value of the difference in their optical path length is equal to the displacement increment of those two cycles. However, in specific embodiments, it is necessary to determine whether the beam passes through the right-angled vertex of the isosceles right triangle.

[0045] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, the positioning device 2 includes four reflective surfaces 21. The reflective surfaces 21 form a 45-degree angle with the rail. The cross-section of the positioning device 2 includes two parallel isosceles right triangles. The reflective surfaces 21 are the legs of the isosceles right triangles, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle faces the side where the laser rangefinder 1 is located. Here, h is the height of the positioning device 2, A is the angle between the reflective surfaces and the plane containing the rail web, and S is the measurable displacement range. Because this structure has four reflective surfaces 21, if the laser beams emitted in two adjacent cycles reach the same reflective surface 21, the absolute value of the difference in their optical path length is equal to the displacement increment of those two cycles. However, in specific embodiments, it is necessary to determine whether the beam passes through the right-angle vertex and base of the isosceles right triangle.

[0046] compared to Figure 1 The structure shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure shown has higher measurement accuracy because... Figure 1 The optical path difference measured between two adjacent periods of the structure is small, while the displacement increment is relatively large. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The structure shown has high precision because the absolute value of the optical path difference measured between two adjacent cycles is equal to the displacement increment of the two cycles.

[0047] In existing rail standards, the height difference between the rail web surface and the rail base is limited. However, during later maintenance, mechanical equipment will contact the rail base. Therefore, the height of the positioning device 2 must be less than the height difference between the rail web surface and the rail base. Thus, the height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device 2 can be between 5mm and 45mm. The height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device 2 can be determined based on the displacement measurement range required in the specific implementation. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device 2 is 30mm.

[0048] It should be noted that, Figures 2 to 4 The structure of the positioning device 2 shown can be modified according to the ideas of the embodiments of this application, for example, by using two or more such devices. Figure 1 It consists of right-angled triangles as shown, or more similar ones can be set up. Figure 4 The isosceles right triangles shown can be used to determine displacement, and this can be achieved by combining them with the corresponding displacement determination methods. Therefore, the embodiments of this application do not necessarily reflect the intended use of the isosceles right triangles. Figures 2 to 4 The structure of the positioning device 2 shown is limited, and its variations are still within the protection scope of this application.

[0049] based on Figures 2 to 4 The positioning device 2 shown has the following structure. In specific implementation, the processing device 3 can perform the following processing:

[0050] For example, based on Figure 2 The positioning device 2 shown has a structure, and the processing device 3 is specifically used for:

[0051] The displacement direction is determined based on the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path.

[0052] The current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, as well as the included angle.

[0053] Based on the initial position, displacement direction, current displacement increment, and previous longitudinal displacement distance, determine the current longitudinal displacement distance.

[0054] For example, based on Figure 3 and Figure 4The positioning device 2 shown has a structure, and the processing device 3 is specifically used for:

[0055] Based on the judgment result of whether two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface 21, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, the displacement direction is determined.

[0056] If two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface 21, the current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; if two adjacent laser beams reach different reflective surfaces 21, the current displacement increment is determined based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0057] Based on the initial position, displacement direction, current displacement increment, and previous longitudinal displacement distance, determine the current longitudinal displacement distance.

[0058] In this embodiment, the laser rangefinder 1 measures the optical path between the light source and the positioning device 2 through the reflective surface 21 of the positioning device 2. The processing device 3 can measure the optical path and the angle between the reflective surface 21 and the rail, and finally determine the longitudinal displacement distance and displacement direction of the rail, thereby achieving the goal of reducing the monitoring difficulty and shortening the measurement time while ensuring measurement accuracy.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a method for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail is also provided, employing the above-described system for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, including:

[0060] 501, Determine the displacement direction based on the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path;

[0061] 501. Based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle, determine the current displacement increment;

[0062] 501. Based on the initial position, displacement direction, current displacement increment, and previous longitudinal displacement distance, determine the current longitudinal displacement distance.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment also provides a method for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, which employs the above-described system for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, including:

[0064] 601. Based on the judgment result of whether two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, the displacement direction is determined.

[0065] 602. If two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, the current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle. If two adjacent laser beams reach different reflective surfaces, the current displacement increment is determined based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle.

[0066] 603. Based on the initial position, displacement direction, current displacement increment, and previous longitudinal displacement distance, determine the current longitudinal displacement distance.

[0067] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 4 The diagram shows a structure for measuring longitudinal displacement. Where o is the light source, and L... i For the previous optical path measured in the previous cycle, L i+1 The current optical path is measured for the current cycle, and ΔS is the position increment between the two measurements. Combining the judgment results of whether the laser beams in the two adjacent cycles reach the same reflective surface and the included angle A, the displacement direction can be determined. Combining the initial position and the longitudinal displacement distance of the rail determined in the previous cycle, the current longitudinal displacement distance is determined.

[0068] It should be understood that the terminology used in this application, such as "department," is one way of distinguishing different components, elements, parts, sections, or components at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may also be used in this application to replace the aforementioned terms.

[0069] The terms "first" or "second" used in this application are only for distinguishing the relationship between the components and do not imply that they must be different. If other terms can achieve the same purpose, other terms may also be used in this application to replace the above terms.

[0070] Although this application has been illustrated and described with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them; those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of this application; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application; therefore, this means that all such substitutions and modifications that fall within the scope of this application are included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for longitudinal displacement of a rail, characterized in that, The system includes a laser rangefinder, a positioning device, and a processing device. The laser rangefinder is electrically connected to the processing device. The laser rangefinder is located on the side of the rail, and its emission direction is at a 90-degree angle to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The positioning device is mounted on the web of the rail. The laser rangefinder is used to periodically send laser beams to the positioning device to measure the optical path between the light source and the positioning device. The positioning device includes at least two reflective surfaces, the reflective surfaces forming a 45-degree angle with the rail; wherein, the cross-section of the positioning device is an isosceles right triangle, the reflective surfaces being the legs of the isosceles right triangle, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle facing the side where the laser rangefinder is located; or, the cross-section of the positioning device includes two parallel isosceles right triangles, the reflective surfaces being the legs of the isosceles right triangles, and the vertex of the right angle of the isosceles right triangle facing the side where the laser rangefinder is located; the reflective surfaces are used to cause a portion of the arriving laser beam to return along its original path; The processing device is used to determine the longitudinal displacement distance and displacement direction of the rail based on a set initial position, the optical path measured in two adjacent cycles, and the included angle; specifically, it is used to: determine the displacement direction based on the judgment result of whether the laser beams in two adjacent cycles reach the same reflective surface, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path; if the laser beams in two adjacent cycles reach the same reflective surface, determine the current displacement increment based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; if the laser beams in two adjacent cycles reach different reflective surfaces, determine the current displacement increment based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; and determine the current longitudinal displacement distance based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance.

2. The rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device is between 5mm and 45mm.

3. The rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the cross-sectional shape of the positioning device is 30mm.

4. A method for monitoring the longitudinal displacement of a rail, employing the rail longitudinal displacement monitoring system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, include: The displacement direction is determined based on the judgment result of whether two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, and the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path. If two adjacent laser beams reach the same reflective surface, the current displacement increment is determined based on the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle; if two adjacent laser beams reach different reflective surfaces, the current displacement increment is determined based on the displacement direction, the absolute value of the difference between the current optical path and the previous optical path, and the included angle. The current longitudinal displacement distance is determined based on the initial position, the displacement direction, the current displacement increment, and the previous longitudinal displacement distance.

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