Laser Distance Measurement for Rail Vehicle Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving and positioning loads, such as in crane or rail vehicle systems, face inefficiencies in accurately determining and aligning with target positions, particularly when transferring loads between moving vehicles, as they lack precise distance measurement and synchronization methods.
Innovation Solution
A system with a movable measuring unit on a traversing plane and a measuring body positioned parallel to it, using a laser beam to determine distance and deviation from the target position, allowing for efficient alignment and load transfer without the need for complex data transmission, utilizing a stepped function to guide the mobile part to the optimal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mobile unit uses a measuring unit to determine distance to a measuring body, then positioning precision is improved, but the system complexity increases due to the need for laser measurement and synchronized control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical measurement system. A laser-based measuring unit on the mobile unit measures distance to a measuring body on the rail vehicle, substituting mechanical encoders and physical reference marks with optical time-of-flight or phase-shift measurement, thereby achieving high precision with reduced mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring body mounted on the rail vehicle serves as an intermediary reference object. Instead of the mobile unit directly tracking the rail vehicle's position through complex sensors, the laser beam interacts with the measuring body (which has a known position and reflective properties) to provide precise distance measurement, simplifying the overall measurement system
2Speed
If the mobile unit adjusts to target position using distance measurement, then alignment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous laser measurement and active steering
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs distance measurements periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the laser measuring unit at specific intervals or triggered events (e.g., when the mobile unit enters a certain zone or when position correction is needed), reducing energy consumption while maintaining fast alignment capability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring body on the rail vehicle is designed to be passively measurable, using its own structure (such as retroreflective surfaces or known geometric features) to return the laser signal without requiring active power consumption from the rail vehicle side. The mobile unit's steering system uses the measurement data to self-correct its position automatically
3Measurement precision
If the measuring body is positioned far from the travel plane, then measurement accuracy is improved by reducing interference, but the system complexity increases due to spatial arrangement and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring body is positioned in the vertical dimension (elevated above the travel plane) rather than horizontally alongside it. This vertical displacement creates a clear line-of-sight for the laser measurement and separates the measurement path from potential horizontal interferences, while the elevated position allows the measuring body to serve as both a reference and a visual indicator
4Productivity
If load transfer is performed while the rail vehicle is in motion, then productivity is improved, but safety risks increase due to moving part interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous or periodic distance measurement feedback to monitor the relative position between the mobile unit and the rail vehicle during motion. The control unit processes this feedback to dynamically adjust the mobile unit's speed and position, ensuring safe and accurate load transfer even while the rail vehicle is moving, thereby enabling productivity improvement without compromising safety
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 quick and precise adjustment to target positions, allowing for efficient load transfer while the rail vehicle is in motion, reducing the need for braking and improving synchronization between the mobile part and the rail vehicle, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring unit emits a light beam parallel to the normal direction to the plane of travel and determines the distance between the measuring unit and the measuring body in the normal direction from the light reflected from the measuring body
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for operating an apparatus having a mobile part, which mobile part is movable on a movement plane and comprises a measuring unit, and having a measuring body, which is spaced apart from the movement plane and from the plane parallel to the movement plane that contains the measuring unit, and which measuring body is in particular arranged as far as possible away from the movement plane. The measuring unit is configured in such a way that it determines the distance between the measuring body and the measuring unit in the normal direction to the movement plane. The measuring body is shaped in such a way that, in the projection, in particular projection surface, of the measuring body perpendicular to the plane, a distance value is uniquely assigned to each of the one or more part-surface regions of the projection surface which in particular do not overlap one another.