Fishplate with Integrated Force Sensors for Dynamic Wheel Load Measurement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for dynamically measuring train wheel loads at high speeds require specialized equipment and operator qualification, and the strain gauges used are non-reusable, limiting their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising fishplates with integrated force sensors and reservations for electrical wiring and connectors, allowing easy setup and reuse on railway tracks without specialized operator qualification, using strain gauges or other sensors mounted on the fishplates, which can be compactly powered and wirelessly transmit data for remote processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If strain gauges are glued to the rail web using conventional methods, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and operator qualification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel load measurement precisionVSAvoidinstallation equipment and positioning requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strain gauges are integrated directly into the fishplate structure during manufacturing, merging the measurement function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate gauge installation equipment and positioning tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through factory-calibrated integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strain gauges are pre-positioned and calibrated on the fishplate before deployment. This preliminary action during manufacturing ensures precise gauge placement without requiring skilled operators during field installation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and operator qualification requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If strain gauges are glued to the rail web, then dynamic measurement capability is achieved, but reusability is lost as gauges cannot be removed and reused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement campaign efficiencyVSAvoidsensor reusability across multiple sites

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into a removable fishplate component that can be detached from the rail web after measurement. This allows the strain gauges mounted on the fishplate to be reused at multiple sites, resolving the contradiction between measurement efficiency and reusability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of permanently installing gauges on the rail web, the system recovers the entire fishplate with integrated strain gauges after measurement completion. This recovery approach enables repeated use of expensive sensor components across multiple measurement campaigns and locations, improving both productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Measurement precision

If strain gauges are installed on the rail web, then measurement capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to specialized equipment and operator qualification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel load measurement capabilityVSAvoidoperator qualification and equipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The strain gauges are merged with the fishplate as a single integrated component, combining the measurement function with a standard railway maintenance tool. This integration eliminates the need for specialized gauge installation equipment and reduces operator qualification requirements while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fishplate with integrated strain gauges is designed to be self-installing using standard railway clamps, eliminating the need for specialized installation equipment and highly qualified operators. The system serves itself through standardized interfaces and tools already available in railway maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 simple, efficient, and reusable dynamic measurement of train wheel loads, maintaining sensor integrity and eliminating the need for frequent replacements, while allowing for precise load distribution analysis across multiple sites.

Implementation Method 1

strain gauges are glued to the soul of the rails, the respective deformations of which allow to determine the shear forces to which the rails are subjected during the passage of a train

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain gauge deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the said fishplate comprises two pairs of two bidirectional gauges, the said pairs of bidirectional gauges are bridge-mounted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWheatstone bridge: Wheatstone Bridge

Implementation Method 3

fitted inserts gauges or piezoelectric sensors in particular

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2709894B8System for dynamic measurement of the wheel load of a train

Publication Date: 2016.06.01 SNCF RESEAU

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for dynamic measurement of the wheel load of a train which includes at least one fishplate (7a) capable of being urged against the web (11) of a railway rail (1a), said fishplate including force sensors (15a, 15b) and recesses (17) capable of holding, in particular, the electric cables and the connectors associated with said sensors.