Inertial Track Geometry Measurement Device with Rotating Axles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current track geometry measurement methods, especially during track maintenance, require multiple measurements and additional equipment like trailers, which are inefficient and prone to measurement inaccuracies due to torque and friction issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact measuring device with inertial measuring units, rotatable wheel axles, and Watt linkages that can be easily attached to track maintenance machines, ensuring precise and efficient check-measurements without trailers, and featuring contact-less position measuring devices and telescopic axles to minimize torque and friction, allowing for accurate recording of track geometry immediately after treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a trailer with measuring trolleys is used for track geometry measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and friction issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring device directly with the track maintenance machine, eliminating the separate trailer and integrating all measurement functions into the main machine structure. This reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through integrated sensors and positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measuring trolleys with friction-based contact measurement with an inertial measurement unit that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect track geometry. This substitution eliminates friction issues entirely while providing precise measurement data through electronic sensing.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measuring trolleys with chords are used, then track geometry can be measured, but torque and friction cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chord-based measurement system with an inertial measurement unit that uses electronic accelerometers and gyroscopes. This eliminates the torque and friction problems inherent in mechanical systems, as the inertial sensors measure acceleration and orientation electronically without mechanical contact or tension elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial measurement unit serves multiple functions: it measures track geometry, determines the machine's position and orientation, and provides data for both measurement and control purposes. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized chord and trolley system with a versatile sensor platform.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are performed with separate equipment, then comprehensive track data is obtained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system mounted on the track maintenance machine. The inertial measurement unit simultaneously captures lateral, longitudinal, and vertical track geometry data, eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement passes and equipment setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs check measurements immediately after track treatment during the same operational pass, rather than requiring separate subsequent measurement trips. This preliminary action approach maintains comprehensive measurement capability while significantly improving productivity by combining treatment and verification in one operation.
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 and efficient check-measurements of track geometry with reduced equipment complexity, maintaining measurement accuracy and stability, and allowing for dual functionality as a measuring system component for controlling track treatment.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial measuring unit (14) is arranged on the assembly frame (22)
Implementation Method 2
a rotation joint (23) into a front frame part (24) and a rear frame part (25)... a play-free embodiment of the rotation joint, ensures a very precise check-measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (13) for recording a track geometry of a track (5) immediately after a treatment of the track (5) by means of track maintenance machine (1), wherein the measuring device comprises wheel axles (16) for travelling on the track (5), connecting elements (15) for mounting to the track maintenance machine (1) and a data interface (41) for exchanging data with the track maintenance machine (1). Further, the measuring device (13) comprises an assembly frame (22) on which an inertial measuring unit (14) is arranged, wherein a front wheel axle (16) and a rear wheel axle (16) are mounted on the assembly frame (22) for rotation relative to one another about an axis of rotation (21) extending orthogonally to the wheel axles (16). Thus, an efficient check measurement of the lateral, longitudinal and vertical position of the track (5) is possible.