Buffer Stop Monitoring via Acceleration Signal Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer stop systems for rail vehicles lack effective detection and evaluation of collision events, leading to reduced protective efficacy and material damage due to undetected violent collisions, and require costly infrastructure and new system installations for retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device that uses an acceleration sensor to calculate the displacement of a buffer stop from detected signals, integrating the sensor signals to determine displacement accurately without separate distance measurement systems, and includes a video camera for visual evidence and a distance measuring device for error correction, with data transmission to a control station for responsible assignment of collision causes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear motor-based track path limitation system is used to enable active braking and displacement control of the buffer stop, then the protective capability and controllability are improved, but the power supply requirements and system complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential monitoring function from complex active control systems. Instead of implementing a full linear motor control system with power supply and synchronization, the invention uses a simple acceleration sensor to detect collisions and a camera to record events, eliminating the need for complex power infrastructure while maintaining the ability to identify and respond to buffer stop displacements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a video camera to create a visual record (copy) of the collision event and buffer stop position. This visual evidence serves as a substitute for complex sensor arrays and measurement systems, providing sufficient information to determine whether displacement occurred without requiring elaborate technical infrastructure
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems with multiple measurement devices are used to detect buffer stop displacement and collision events, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of collision detection and displacement monitoring into a single integrated system. The acceleration sensor detects both the collision event and subsequent buffer stop movement, while the video camera provides continuous visual monitoring that confirms displacement. This combination of simple devices replaces complex multi-sensor systems while maintaining adequate detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor serves multiple functions: detecting the collision impact, monitoring buffer stop displacement, and triggering the video recording. The video camera similarly serves both as a collision event recorder and a displacement verification tool. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability
3Reliability
If existing buffer stop systems are retrofitted with monitoring capabilities, then the detection of collision events is improved, but the installation cost and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost, easily deployable components that can be retrofitted without major infrastructure changes. The acceleration sensor and video camera are inexpensive compared to linear motor systems, and their installation does not require complex power supply modifications or track infrastructure changes, making retrofitting economically feasible
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be self-contained and self-sufficient. The acceleration sensor automatically detects collisions and triggers video recording without requiring external control signals or power infrastructure modifications. The system operates independently once installed, eliminating the need for complex integration with existing track control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise detection and evaluation of collision events, reducing material damage and the need for costly infrastructure by accurately determining displacement and assigning responsibility, while allowing for early warning and prevention of collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration measuring device (10), in particular an acceleration sensor, for detecting a collision and a vibration pattern
Implementation Method 2
the vibration measuring device (10) is designed to calculate a displacement path of the buffer stop from the signals detected by the acceleration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a monitoring device (1) for a buffer stop (2) on a track system (3), having at least one acceleration sensor (100a, 100b) and a vibration measuring device (10). Improved monitoring can be achieved in that the vibration measuring device (10) is designed to calculate a displacement path of the buffer stop (2) from the signals detected by the acceleration sensor (100a, 100b).