Monitoring system and method for monitoring events or situations in a railway infrastructure

Abstract

The present invention provides a monitoring system (104) comprising at least two interconnected sensors (102a, b, c) for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure (100) by detecting vibration at multiple sensor locations, wherein each sensor (102a, b, c) is integrated in a housing of an electrical connector directly connected to a traffic infrastructure equipment for deriving vibration patterns (109a, b, c) from the detected vibration, a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure (100) using a monitoring system (104) and a traffic infrastructure (100), in particular railway infrastructure, provided with such monitoring system (104).

Description

[0001] Monitoring system and method for monitoring events or situations in a railway infrastructure

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention concerns monitoring system comprising at least two interconnected sensors for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure as well as a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure using the monitoring system.

[0004] Background

[0005] Monitoring traffic infrastructure is crucial to obtain information about the status of the infrastructure itself but also about the vehicles using the infrastructure to avoid damages or plan maintenance of the infrastructure on a regular basis. In particular vibrations impact the structural integrity of the infrastructure and cause damages over time leading to significant maintenance costs. Increased traffic with high loads can also impact the infrastructure which in some cases is not adapted to increased usage and traffic. Means to detect and monitor vibrations in an infrastructure are known in the art and usually configured as individual sensor arrangements such as fibre optics or other means for vibration detection embedded in the infrastructure or, as in the case of railway infrastructure, attached directly to the rails. These structures are difficult to implement since they need individual connection to a main unit and cause significant efforts during maintenance. Additionally, components like distribution boxes or nodes, switch boxes or control units positioned adjacent to the infrastructure are often unsecured and can be subject to unauthorized access or vandalism. Monitoring the status of these structures is difficult to achieve and requires significant efforts for securing and surveillance.

[0006] Against this background, the problem to be solved by the invention is to further develop a monitoring system for traffic infrastructure that can be set up with minimum complexity and enables widespread monitoring of the infrastructure with minimal effort.

[0007] Summary

[0008] The problem is solved by a monitoring system according to claim 1 , a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure according to claim 13 and a traffic infrastructure, in particular railway infrastructure, provided with the monitoring system according to claim 20.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved in particular by a monitoring system comprising at least two interconnected sensors for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure by detecting vibration at multiple sensor locations, wherein each sensor is integrated in a housing of an electrical connector connected directly to a traffic infrastructure equipment to derive vibration patterns from the detected vibration. This configuration allows for a simple and efficient setup of the monitoring system since electrical connectors provided in the infrastructure for various purposes are used to implement sensor-based monitoring of the infrastructure. Using the electrical connectors for sensor integration allows for fast and efficiently equipping of the infrastructure with a vibration monitoring system and avoids the need to integrate stand-alone monitoring systems within the infrastructure. Since electrical connectors are present at key positions of the infrastructure, the vibration monitoring can be implemented in these key positions with simple technical means and best results.

[0011] The monitoring system of the invention can be used to detect and monitor vibration pattern(s) and / or derive and monitor vibration profile(s). The term “expected vibration pattern” also encompassing vibration profile, as used herein refers to vibration pattern(s) or profile(s) that occur regularly and predictably in railway or traffic infrastructure during normal operation. Skilled persons in the field of railway infrastructure are in general familiar with such vibration pattern(s) or profile(s) and are able to classify them based on experience, measurements, or reference models.

[0012] Expected vibration patterns can include but are not limited to periodic vibration caused by wheel-rail contact during the passage of rail vehicles. Impact loads at rail joints, switches, or crossings, harmonic vibrations associated with the rotation of wheels, axles, or motors, ground-borne vibrations resulting from regularly scheduled trains traveling at known speeds, structure-borne vibrations induced in bridges or tunnels during regular train operation and / or seasonal variations or diurnal cycles in vibration intensity due to temperature and soil conditions.

[0013] In contrast, the term “non-expected vibration pattern” refers to vibration signatures that can deviate from those normally observed or expected under standard operating conditions. These may indicate anomalies, faults, or external influences, and are typically subject to further investigation.

[0014] Examples of non-expected vibration patterns in railway infrastructure include are not limited to sudden, high-amplitude shocks not associated with normal rail operation, irregular or asymmetric vibration profiles indicating rail surface defects, such as flat spots, cracks, or corrugation, vibrations from unauthorized objects or persons on the track, deviations in frequency or amplitude patterns due to loose track fasteners, ballast degradation, or subgrade failure and / or vibrations caused by landslides, flooding, or nearby construction activity.

[0015] Similar principles can apply to other traffic infrastructures, such as motorways, streets, or airport runways. In these contexts, expected vibration patterns may include but are not limited to regular tire-road contact vibrations from passenger or freight vehicles, dynamic loads from typical vehicular traffic flow and bridge crossings and / or periodic loading due to expansion joints or known surface features.

[0016] Non-expected vibration patterns in such infrastructures may include but are not limited to sudden impact loads from potholes or broken pavement, abnormal vibration due to overloaded or malfunctioning vehicles, vibrations resulting from accidents, vehicle breakdowns, or unauthorized intrusions and / or subsurface failures such as sinkholes or washouts not associated with regular traffic.

[0017] In an alternative implementation of the monitoring system, the said system can comprise at least two interconnected sensors for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure by detecting vibration at multiple sensor locations, wherein each sensor can be integrated within a housing of an electrical connector, the electrical connector can be operatively connected to traffic infrastructure equipment that can be positioned at a distance from rails of the traffic infrastructure, and wherein the sensors can be configured to derive vibration patterns from vibrations transmitted through the traffic infrastructure equipment.

[0018] In some embodiments the traffic infrastructure is a railway infrastructure. The monitoring system of the invention has several advantages when used in a railway infrastructure and allows for e. g. rolling stock to identify important metrics, such as weight of the train / wagons, counting of wheels, and detection of wheel flats. Furthermore, the monitoring system allows for monitoring of unauthorized track / infrastructure access, by e.g. people walking nearby or tampering with infrastructure elements. The monitoring system comprising two or more sensors allows for using the data from multiple sensors and sensor positions to achieve this goal.

[0019] In some embodiments the sensors are configured to detect amplitude, time difference and frequency spectrum of vibration. This allows retrieving information about speed, weight and weight distribution, number of axes, and / or flats on wheels by comparing the vibration data received at multiple sensor locations and to hence monitor in particular a railway system more efficient and closer to provide a data basis for railway or infrastructure usage and to predict maintenance requirements.

[0020] In some embodiments the sensors are interconnected by one of a wired and a wireless connection. This allows for the provision of simple integration of the sensors in a monitoring network of the infrastructure and further allows to build a sensor mesh or local network combining the response of multiple sensors.

[0021] In some embodiments the sensors are configured as vibration sensors, in particular as at least one of acceleration sensors, acoustic sensors and piezo-electric sensors, configured to detect vibration patterns within and / or adjacent to the traffic infrastructure equipment. This allows for selecting the most suitable sensor for the particular task and location as well as configuration of the electrical connector implementing the respective sensor. Furthermore, a network or mesh of different sensors can be established to ensure efficient vibration detection.

[0022] In some embodiments each sensor can be independently activated or inactivated. This allows for a selection of sensors within the network and can be used to deactivate sensors for maintenance of the infrastructure or adjacent components or during authorized access to the infrastructure.

[0023] In some embodiments the events or situations can be at least one of a broken rail, works on or near the rails, circulation of vehicles with flat wheel defect, train weight, train weight distribution, number of train axes, trains speed or manipulation on a railway infrastructure equipment. The invention advantages are thereby to distinguish between the vibration induced by the particular event or situation and to deduce the appropriate measures such as monitoring of infrastructure usage or alerting in case of unauthorized access or tampering with infrastructure components.

[0024] In some embodiments each sensor comprises a processor configured to process the vibration patterns detected in the traffic infrastructure equipment and a diagnosis unit to analyse if the vibration patterns correspond to an expected or non-expected pattern of the event or situation and to issue a signal associated to the vibration pattern for further processing. The terms “expected” or “non-expected” refer to the definitions provided above. This allows for a preselection and evaluation of the vibration data and minimizes data communication. Time and efforts for data transmission is reduced and bandwidth usage in wireless communication systems made more efficient.

[0025] In some embodiments a main unit is provided with each sensor being connected to the main unit in a wired or wireless connection for transmitting sensor data to the main unit and wherein the main unit comprises a processor configured to process the sensor data received from the sensors and a diagnosis unit configured to analyse if the vibration patterns correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation and to issue a signal associated to the vibration pattern for further processing. This allows for a mesh- or system wide monitoring evaluating the data received from multiple sensor positions and configurations. Pre- processed or processed data thus obtained can be communicated via cloud or internet to computational resources for further evaluation or storage or used to issue an immediate alert or monitoring task in the infrastructure.

[0026] In some embodiments the diagnosis unit comprises a signalling unit configured to issue an alert if the vibration patterns correspond to a nonstandard pattern of the event or situation. This allows for the induction of immediate action if unauthorized access is detected in the infrastructure or if tampering with the infrastructure components mentioned above is recognized. Reaction times can thus be reduced and damage to infrastructure or infrastructure components be avoided.

[0027] In some embodiments the diagnosis unit is configured to issue a diagnosis signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure if the vibration patterns correspond to a standard pattern of the event or situation. This allows for the continuous monitoring of the infrastructure to collect usage data or for planning maintenance tasks.

[0028] In some embodiments the diagnosis unit comprises stored vibration patterns of the event or situation, wherein the processed sensor data is compared to the stored vibration patterns to determine if the vibration patterns correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation before issuing the diagnose signal or alert. This prevents the occurrence of false alerts and increases the overall stability of the monitoring system by reducing data communication and evaluation. Furthermore, irregular events can be identified faster, and countermeasures induced earlier thus ensuring uninterrupted functioning of the infrastructure.

[0029] In some embodiments none of the traffic infrastructure equipment is located directly on a rail of said railway infrastructure and / or none of the traffic infrastructure equipment is located directly adjacent to a rail of said railway infrastructure. The traffic infrastructure equipment is preferably located in a distance of between 0,1 and 1 ,5 meter, preferably between 0,5 meter and 1 ,0 meter to the rail. This allows for using the monitoring system of the invention for monitoring purposes of remote structures indirectly or not linked to traffic or railway infrastructure but achieves the same advantages as outlined above. Hence the monitoring system can be employed to other structures and monitoring tasks in which vibration occurs apart from railway or rail induced or transmitted vibration.

[0030] The invention further provides a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure using a monitoring system as detailed above, comprising the steps of detecting vibration-related data in a traffic infrastructure by means of at least two sensors provided in or adjacent to electrical connectors and positioned at multiple sensor locations within the infrastructure, transmitting the vibration-related data to the diagnosis unit, processing the vibration-related data in the diagnosis unit to identify vibration patterns, determining if the identified vibration patterns correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation in the traffic infrastructure, creating an output signal, and processing the output signal. This allows for a simple yet efficient upgrading of monitoring in an infrastructure, in particular in a railway infrastructure with increased resolution in vibration detection and improved data quality.

[0031] As used in the context of the present invention but not limited thereto the terms vibration-related data or in short vibrational data refers to data obtained by measuring oscillations and vibrations of a system or structure. This data includes both raw time series data, such as amplitude and phase over time, and pre-processed data, such as vibration spectra. The raw data represents the direct recording of the vibrations in their original form, while vibrational spectra are the result of processing this time series data using a transformation, such as, but not limited to, Fourier transformation. Vibrational data can be transmitted in different forms. While raw time series data provides a detailed and comprehensive representation of the vibrations, it can often be more efficient and practical to transmit pre- processed data such as vibration spectra or ratios of these spectra. This is because a frequency spectrum, which represents the amplitude and phase information as a function of frequency, summarizes the essential characteristics and patterns of the vibrations in a condensed and interpretable form. The decision whether to transmit raw time data or pre- processed spectral data depends on several factors, including the data analysis requirements, the available bandwidth for data transmission and the specific use case. Pre-processed data can offer significant advantages in terms of data transmission and storage efficiency, especially if the relevant information can be adequately described by the frequency spectrum or derived metrics. Vibration-related data and vibrational data in connection with the present invention includes both raw vibration data and pre-processed spectral data without limiting the invention thereto. For transmission, it can often be more efficient to transmit only the spectra or derived metrics, as these contain the relevant information in a compressed and easy-to-interpret form.

[0032] In an alternative implementation of the method, the said method can comprise the following steps:

[0033] • detecting vibration-related data in a traffic infrastructure by means of at least two sensors integrated within housings of electrical connectors, the electrical connectors being operatively connected to traffic infrastructure equipment positioned at a distance from rails of the traffic infrastructure, the sensors being positioned at multiple sensor locations within the infrastructure,

[0034] • transmitting the vibration-related data to the diagnosis unit,

[0035] • processing the vibration-related data in the diagnosis unit to identify vibration patterns,

[0036] • determining if the identified vibration patterns correspond to expected or non-expected pattern of the event or situation in the traffic infrastructure,

[0037] • creating an output signal, and

[0038] • processing the output signal.

[0039] In some embodiments of the method the step of processing of the output signal comprises issuing an alert if the vibration patterns correspond to non-standard pattern of the event or situation in a traffic infrastructure or transmitting an output signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure to a storage and / or analysis unit if the vibration patterns correspond to a standard pattern of the event or situation. This allows for efficient monitoring since a discrimination of vibration patterns can be provided at the location of occurrence and during operation while at the same time reaction time in case of unauthorized access to the infrastructure can be reduced and hence damages be avoided or reduced.

[0040] In some embodiments of the method the step of transmitting the vibration- related data to the diagnosis unit comprises transmitting vibration-related data individually from each sensor or jointly from a plurality of interconnected sensors. This allows for adaption of the configuration of the main unit and data processing as well as improved data acquisition and evaluation.

[0041] In some embodiments of the method the sensors are interconnected by means of a wired or wireless connection to form a mesh structure wherein the mesh structure is connected to the diagnosis unit. This allows for adaption of the configuration of monitoring system and improved data acquisition and evaluation as well as transmission with reduced efforts and less data communication.

[0042] In some embodiments of the method a preprocessing of the vibration- related data is made by a processor provided in or joint to the sensor and the pre-processed vibration-related data is transmitted to the diagnosis unit. This allows for an improved and more efficient data evaluation and processing and increases monitoring efficiency in the system by transmitting reduced amounts of pre-processed data with lower complexity and fit to requirements defined by the intended operation and operational environment.

[0043] In some embodiments of the method the diagnosis unit forms part of a main unit, wherein the diagnosis unit is configured to simultaneously analyse vibration-related data received individually from the sensors or jointly from a plurality of interconnected sensors. This allows for a system- or infrastructure-wide monitoring with increased efficiency and supports an enhanced complexity of monitoring tasks defined by the intended operation and operational environment.

[0044] In some embodiments of the method a plurality of standard vibration patterns of the event or situation are stored in the diagnosis unit, and wherein the step of determining if the identified vibration patterns correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation in the traffic infrastructure comprises comparing the identified vibration patterns to the stored vibration patterns for deciding if the output signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure or the alert is issued. This allows for a preselection during monitoring and the more efficient assignment of tasks in the monitoring process. Furthermore, the method and system can thus be adapted for automated data evaluation and reaction as well as the automated assignment of tasks such as alerting or planning of maintenance.

[0045] The invention further provides a traffic infrastructure, in particular railway infrastructure, provided with a monitoring system as described above. The monitoring system can comprise sensors integrated within housings of electrical connectors that can be operatively connected to traffic infrastructure equipment positioned at a distance from rails of the traffic infrastructure.

[0046] The traffic infrastructure has the advantage that by using electrical connectors in the infrastructure for positioning sensors, sensors can be provided at key positions within the infrastructure. Furthermore, a monitoring system can be built with less effort since elements present in the infrastructure are used to position sensors that allow for acquiring vibration-related data for further processing and evaluation.

[0047] Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Examples of embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. It shows:

[0049] Fig. 1 a schematic view of a traffic infrastructure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Fig. 2 schematic views of a vibration pattern according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0051] Fig. 3 schematically depicts the steps of a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference numerals are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left", "right", "top" and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations with respect to the object shown.

[0053] Detailed description of embodiments Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a traffic infrastructure 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 shows a section of a rail 101 in a railway infrastructure provided with a plurality of sensors 102 a, b, c positioned at several sensor locations within the rail 101 or adjacent thereto. In a position next to the rail 101 an infrastructure component 103 configured e. g. as distribution box or node, switch box or control unit is provided. The infrastructure component 103 also incorporates the main unit 113 provided in the monitoring system 104 and which is in data communication with the sensors 102a, b, c and configured to process vibration-related data detected by the sensors 102a, b, c upon train 105 passage or unauthorized access to the infrastructure 100. The infrastructure component 103 itself can also be provided with a vibration sensor (not shown) to detect manipulation or unauthorized access to the infrastructure component 103. Currently, most infrastructure components 103 positioned adjacent to the infrastructure 100 are secured by standard screws and therefore, easy to access. As these infrastructure components 103 are mass components, it is not feasible to protect them physically e. g. by burying or with reinforced casings. Active vibration detection and sensing can thus provide necessary safety by sensing specific nonstandard vibration patterns 109a, b, c induced by i) steps if persons are approaching or present in the infrastructure 100, ii) if housing of infrastructure components 103 is being tampered with i. e. opened or damaged. The monitoring system 104 of the invention allows for live reporting via e.g. mobile connection. Since the sensors 102a, b, c can be activated or deactivated in particular remotely, instant reporting and authorization of access by personnel, e.g. by either reporting the position of workers via GPS or by scanning e.g. a QR code on the housing before opening can be made.

[0054] The main unit 113 processes and evaluates the data and is configured to issue an alert if unauthorized access is detected or to transmit the data via cloud or internet for further evaluation or storage. To achieve the latter, the infrastructure component 103 is equipped with appropriate communication means 106 for wired or wireless communication. The sensors 102a, b, c are configured to allow for wireless or wired communication within a mesh structure 107 formed by the sensors 102a, b, c or the main unit.

[0055] Depending on the senor location a wired connection 108 between the sensor 102 a, b, c and the infrastructure component 103 can be established since the sensors 102a, b, c are incorporated in electrical connectors provide in the infrastructure 100 and connected with the infrastructure component 103 by wires. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 one of the sensors 102c is included in the balise 115 in the rail bed 114 and connected to the main unit 113 via a wire connection 108. In some embodiments the wire connection can be used for data communication. The configuration as depicted in Fig. 1 allows for a simple and efficient setup of the monitoring system 104 since electrical connectors provided in the infrastructure 100 for various purposes are used to implement sensor-based monitoring of the infrastructure 100. Using the electrical connectors for sensor 102a, b, c integration allows for fast and efficiently equipping of the infrastructure 100 with a vibration monitoring system 104 and avoids the need to integrate stand-alone monitoring systems 104 within the infrastructure 100. Since electrical connectors are present at key positions of the infrastructure 100, the vibration monitoring can be implemented in these key positions with simple technical means and best results in terms of data acquisition.

[0056] In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the sensors 102a, b, c are configured as acceleration sensors, acoustic sensors or piezo-electric sensors - without limiting the invention thereto, to detect vibration patterns 109a, b, c within and / or adjacent to the traffic infrastructure 100. Depending on the particular task and location as well as configuration of the electrical connector implementing the respective sensor 102a, b, c the most suitable sensor 102a, b, c is selected. Fig. 2 show schematic views of exemplary vibration patterns 109a, b, c detected by the sensors 102a, b, c during the passage of a train 105 or other vehicle in the infrastructure 100. The vibration sensors 102a, b, c implemented within electrical connectors aim to provide vibration data related to specific vibration patterns 109a, b, c or profiles induced by e.g. rolling stock, which serves for monitoring usage of the infrastructure 100 as well as to obtain data to identify interesting metrics, such as weight of the train / wagons, counting of wheels, detecting wheel flats. Furthermore, the vibration patterns 109a, b, c can be indicative for unauthorized track / infrastructure access by e. g. people walking nearby or tampering with infrastructure elements 103 and used for the evaluation to induce alerts. The monitoring system 104 of the invention allows to achieve appropriate data for evaluation by utilizing the data from multiple sensors 102a, b, c and processed in a centralized unit comprising respective computational resources. By comparing the amplitude 110, time difference 111 and frequency spectrum 112 between the vibrations at multiple sensor locations, information about for example speed, weight and weight distribution in the vehicles as well as number of axes of the vehicles, flats on wheels can be obtained. It is also possible to calibrate the monitoring system via impact of pre-defined weights or known trains 105 or vehicles to further improve the data evaluation.

[0057] Fig. 3 schematically depicts the steps of a method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The method uses a monitoring system 104 as detailed above. In a first step 201 vibration-related data in a traffic infrastructure 100 by means of at least two sensors 102a, b, c provided in or adjacent to electrical connectors and positioned at multiple sensor locations within the infrastructure 100 is detected. In a further step 202 the vibration-related data is transmitted to the diagnosis unit, which can be implemented in the sensor 102a, b, c, the electrical connector or a main unit 113, by wired or wireless communication. In the subsequent step 203 the vibration-related data is processed in the diagnosis unit to identify vibration patterns 109a, b, c to determine in the next step 204 if the identified vibration patterns 109a, b, c correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of an event or situation in the traffic infrastructure. Depending on the identified nature of the vibration patterns 109a, b, c and related to standard or non-standard events a specific output signal is created in step 205 and further processed in step 206. The output signal can be processed to issue an alert if the vibration patterns 109a, b, c correspond to non-standard pattern of the event or situation in a traffic infrastructure 100 or to transmit the output signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure 100 to a storage and / or analysis unit if the vibration patterns 109a, b, c correspond to a standard pattern of the event or situation.

[0058] Applicant: HARTING International Innovation AG

[0059] Title: Monitoring system and method for monitoring events or situations in a railway infrastructure

[0060] Reference numerals

[0061] 100 infrastructure

[0062] 101 rail

[0063] 102a, b, c sensor

[0064] 103 infrastructure component

[0065] 104 monitoring system

[0066] 105 train

[0067] 106 communication means

[0068] 107 mesh structure

[0069] 108 wired connection

[0070] 109a, b, c vibration pattern

[0071] 110 amplitude

[0072] 111 time difference

[0073] 112 frequency spectrum

[0074] 113 main unit

[0075] 114 rail bed

[0076] 115 balise

[0077] 201 step

[0078] 202 step

[0079] 203 step

[0080] 204 step

[0081] 205 step

[0082] 206 step

Claims

Claims1 . Monitoring system (104) comprising at least two interconnected sensors (102a, b, c) for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure (100) by detecting vibration at multiple sensor locations, wherein each sensor (102a, b, c) is integrated in a housing of an electrical connector directly connected to a traffic infrastructure equipment for deriving vibration patterns (109a, b, c) from the detected vibration.

2. Monitoring system (104) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the traffic infrastructure (100) is a railway infrastructure.

3. Monitoring system (104) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors (102a, b, c) are configured to detect amplitude(110), time difference (111 ) and frequency spectrum (112) of vibration.

4. Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sensors (102a, b, c) are interconnected by one of a wired connection (108) and a wireless connection.

5. Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensors (102a, b, c) are configured as vibration sensors, in particular as at least one of acceleration sensors, acoustic sensors and piezo-electric sensors, configured todetect vibration patterns (109a, b, c) within and / or adjacent to the traffic infrastructure equipment.

6. Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each sensor (102a, b, c) can be independently activated or inactivated.

7. Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the events or situations can be at least one of a broken rail (101 ), works on or near the rail (101 ), circulation of vehicles with flat wheel defect, train (105) weight, train (105) weight distribution, number of train axes, train (105) speed, manipulation on a railway infrastructure equipment.

8. Monitoring system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each sensor (102a, b, c) comprises a processor configured to process the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) detected in the traffic infrastructure equipment and a diagnosis unit to analyse if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to expected and / or non-expected pattern of the event and / or situation and to issue a signal associated to the vibration pattern (109a, b, c) for further processing.

9. Monitoring system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a main unit (113) is provided with each sensor (102a, b, c) being connected to the main unit (113) in a wired or wireless connection for transmitting sensor data to the main unit(113) and wherein the main unit (113) comprises a processor configured to process the sensor data received from the sensors (102a, b, c) and a diagnosis unit configured to analyse if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation and to issue a signal associated to the vibration pattern (109a, b, c) for further processing.

10. Monitoring system (104) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the diagnose unit comprises a signalling unit configured to issue an alert if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a non-standard pattern of the event or situation.11 . Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the diagnosis unit is configured to issue a diagnosis signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure (100) if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a standard pattern of the event or situation.

12. Monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that the diagnosis unit comprises stored vibration patterns (109a, b, c) of the event or situation, wherein the processed sensor data is compared to the stored vibration patterns (109a, b, c) to determine if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation before issuing the diagnose signal or alert.

13. Monitoring system (104) according to any of the claims 2 to 12, wherein none of the traffic infrastructure equipment is located directly on a rail (101 ) of said railway infrastructure and / or none of the traffic infrastructure equipment is located directly adjacent to a rail (101 ) of said railway infrastructure.

14. Method for monitoring events or situations in a traffic infrastructure (100) using a monitoring system (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of:• detecting vibration-related data in a traffic infrastructure (100) by means of at least two sensors (102a, b, c) provided in or adjacent to electrical connectors and positioned at multiple sensor locations within the infrastructure (100),• transmitting the vibration-related data to the diagnosis unit,• processing the vibration-related data in the diagnosis unit to identify vibration patterns (109a, b, c),• determining if the identified vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to expected or non-expected pattern of the event or situation in the traffic infrastructure (100),• creating an output signal, and• processing the output signal.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the step of processing of the output signal comprises issuing an alert if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to non-standard pattern of the event or situation in a traffic infrastructure (100) or transmitting an output signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure (100) to a storage and / or analysis unit if the vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a standard pattern of the event or situation.

16. Method according to any claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the step of transmitting the vibration-related data to the diagnosis unit comprises transmitting vibration-related data individually from each sensor (102a, b, c) or jointly from a plurality of interconnected sensors (102a, b, c).

17. Method according to any of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the sensors (102a, b, c) are interconnected by means of a wired or wireless connection to form a mesh structure (107) wherein the mesh structure (107) is connected to the diagnosis unit.

18. Method according to any of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that a preprocessing of the vibration-related data is made by a processor provided in or joint to the sensor (102a, b, c) and the pre- processed vibration-related data is transmitted to the diagnosis unit.

19. Method according to any of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the diagnosis unit forms part of a main unit (113), wherein the diagnosis unit is configured to simultaneously analyse vibration- related data received individually from the sensors (102a, b, c) or jointly from a plurality of interconnected sensors (102a, b, c).

20. Method according to any of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that a plurality of standard vibration patterns (109a, b, c) of the event or situation is stored in the diagnosis unit, and wherein the step of determining if the identified vibration patterns (109a, b, c) correspond to a standard or non-standard pattern of the event or situation in the traffic infrastructure comprises comparing the identified vibration patterns (109a, b, c) to the stored vibration patterns (109a, b, c) for deciding if the output signal indicative of the status of the traffic infrastructure (100) or the alert is issued.21 . Traffic infrastructure (100), in particular railway infrastructure, provided with a monitoring system (104) according to any of claims 1 to 13.

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