Contact Wire Position Measurement System for Railway Catenary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the position of an electrical power supply catenary relative to a railway track lack precision, reliability, and convenience, often requiring manual intervention, which is unsafe and prone to human error, and do not accurately account for track cant and gauge, leading to incomplete data and potential power supply disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating a vertical rangefinder, inclinometers, and a camera-based laser rangefinder on a support platform, allowing for automatic measurement of contact wire height, misalignment, cant, and rail spacing, with automatic data processing and minimal operator intervention, ensuring high precision and speed without mechanical parts outside the track gauge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for contact wire position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical-electronic measurement system. A laser range finder emits laser beams to measure distances to the contact wire, while a camera captures images for position verification. This substitution eliminates human error and safety risks while achieving high measurement precision through electronic automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the operator and the measurement process. The camera captures images of the contact wire and surrounding environment, which are then processed by a computer to automatically determine position and orientation. This intermediary enables automated measurement without direct human intervention in the hazardous measurement zone.
2Productivity
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then measurement speed and precision improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. The laser range finder measures distances, the camera captures visual data, and the computer processes both data streams simultaneously to calculate contact wire position, rail gauge, and track cant. This merging of functions achieves high measurement speed while consolidating system complexity into one coordinated unit rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures contact wire height and position, determines rail gauge, calculates track cant, and verifies pantograph alignment. This multi-functionality increases productivity by obtaining all necessary measurements in a single operation while the computer's processing capabilities handle the complexity of coordinating these diverse measurement tasks.
3Measurement precision
If measurement equipment is placed outside track gauge, then measurement accuracy improves, but safety and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as an intermediary that enables the laser range finder to measure from positions within or near the track gauge while maintaining measurement accuracy. The camera captures images that are processed to determine the precise location of the contact wire and rails, allowing the laser to be positioned safely while still achieving high measurement precision through computational geometry and image analysis.
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
The system provides fast, accurate, and reliable measurements of contact wire position, cant, and rail spacing, reducing human error and maintenance needs, ensuring continuous power supply and efficient train operation while being compatible with rolling machines and standard track widths.
Implementation Method 1
a first measuring means integrating a vertical range finder capable of measuring the height of the contact wire
Implementation Method 2
laser range finder...capable of measuring the angle of the beam of the latter when it aims at the contact wire
Implementation Method 3
an inclinometer integral with the laser range finder which is mounted on a lateral inclination pivot and capable of measuring the angle of the beam
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for measuring the position of the contact wire (1) of an overhead power line, comprising a first measurement means including a vertical rangefinder (17) capable of measuring the height (H) of the contact wire (1) and a second measurement means capable of measuring the offset of the contact wire. The system also comprises at least one first inclinometer (161) that enables the inclination (α) of the mounting (13) of the system positioned on the rails (7) to be measured, and a camera (19) pointing upward and capable of capturing the image of the contact wire (1), and the second measurement means comprises a second inclinometer (162) secured to the laser rangefinder (17), which is mounted on a motor-driven lateral-inclination pivot, and which is capable of measuring the angle (β) of the beam thereof relative to the vertical when aimed at the contact wire (1).