Noncontact Displacement Meter Track Deviation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track type transportation systems face challenges in precisely detecting deviations from a predetermined track, particularly when the automatic steering mechanism malfunctions, and existing noncontact displacement meters may fail due to environmental factors, leading to potential system errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a track type transportation system that incorporates a pair of noncontact displacement meters emitting detection waves towards the side walls of a protection track, with a contact type displacement meter as a backup to ensure reliable detection, and the use of reflectors and resilient contact members to maintain accurate positioning and prevent wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If noncontact type displacement meters are used to detect track deviations, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential failures from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different types of displacement meters (noncontact and contact) for different operational conditions. The noncontact type is used for normal operation where precision is critical, while the contact type is deployed when reliability is prioritized under adverse environmental conditions. This localized differentiation of measurement methods resolves the contradiction by matching the measurement technique to the specific operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the detection system by switching between noncontact and contact displacement meters based on environmental conditions. When environmental factors such as rain, snow, or extreme temperatures are detected, the system transitions from noncontact to contact measurement mode, thereby adapting the detection method to maintain reliability while preserving precision under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If contact type displacement meters are used to ensure reliability, then reliability is improved, but wear occurs on the measuring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two independent parts: noncontact displacement meters for normal operation and contact displacement meters as a backup. This segmentation allows the contact type meters to be used only intermittently under adverse conditions, minimizing wear while maintaining reliability. The noncontact meters handle the majority of measurements without physical contact, preserving their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of environmental conditions (such as detecting rain or snow) before activating the contact type displacement meters. This preliminary action prevents unnecessary wear by ensuring contact meters are only deployed when environmental factors actually pose a threat to noncontact meter operation, thereby extending the service life of the measuring devices.
3Reliability
If protection wheels are added to prevent vehicle departure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection wheel mechanism with the existing steering mechanism by integrating the protection wheels into the wheel bogie assembly. The protection wheels are coupled to the steering mechanism through the tie rod and spherical joints, combining the steering function and track adherence function into a unified system. This merging approach enhances reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection wheels serve multiple functions: they prevent the vehicle from departing the track during normal operation, provide additional steering control through the link mechanism, and act as a fail-safe mechanism when the automatic steering system fails. This multi-functionality enhances reliability while avoiding the need for separate independent systems, thereby controlling device complexity.
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
This solution enables precise and reliable detection of deviations from the track, even in adverse environmental conditions, by combining noncontact and contact displacement meters, ensuring continuous operation and high accuracy without causing wear on the measuring devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of noncontact type displacement meters which are attached to a support bracket suspended downward form a lower part of a vehicle body, which are located in the protection track, and which emit detection waves toward respectively to left and right side walls of the protection track so as to measure distances from the mounted positions of the pair of noncontact type displacement meters to the left and right walls of the protection track
Data Source
AI summary
In a track type protection system comprising an automatic steering mechanism and a fail-safe mechanism, provided is a detection mechanism which can detect a deviated value of a vehicle, widthwise of a track, and which is highly reliable. The track type transportation system in which the vehicle runs on the road surface of the track, comprising the steering mechanism for automatically steering the front and rear wheels of the vehicle by means of actuators, and the fail-safe mechanism composed of a protection track defined on the road surface of the track, and protection wheels provided in the lower part of the vehicle and adapted to run in the protection track without making contact with the protection track, wherein there are provided a pair of noncontact type displacement meters 13 which are attached to a support bracket 64 suspended downward from the lower part of the vehicle body, and which are arranged in the protection track 14 so as to irradiate detection waves a onto the left and right side walls 14a of the protection track, thereby the distances from the noncontact type displacement meters 13 to the left and right side walls of the protection track are measured by the pair of noncontact type displacement meters.