Laser Scanner Track Geometry Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track measurement systems rely on mechanical sensors in constant contact with the track, which limits their effectiveness at higher speeds and introduces complexity, especially when determining track geometry for railway safety evaluations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a laser scanner on a rail vehicle to evaluate profile data relative to a predefined reference base on the vehicle, allowing derivation of the track central axis and rail course without additional measuring systems, and compensating for deviations using pivot point data for precise track geometry determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical sensors in constant contact with the track are used, then track geometry can be measured, but measurement precision deteriorates at higher speeds and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with a laser scanner that performs contactless optical measurement of track geometry. The laser scanner captures profile data of the track without physical contact, eliminating the limitations of mechanical sensors at high speeds and reducing device complexity by removing mechanical contact components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the track geometry through laser scanning. The laser scanner captures the profile data as light reflections, generating a digital representation of the track geometry that can be evaluated without physical contact with the track
2Measurement precision
If additional measuring systems are added to determine track position, then measurement completeness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser scanner serve multiple functions: it simultaneously captures both profile data of the track and reference data of the rail vehicle. By evaluating this dual-purpose data with a reference base defined on the rail vehicle, the system determines track position without requiring separate measuring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of profile measurement and position determination into a single laser scanning system. The same laser scanner that captures track geometry also captures reference data, and both are evaluated together using a unified reference base approach
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rail vehicles are upgraded with laser scanners, then adaptability improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to vehicle movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the reference data captured by the laser scanner to continuously monitor and detect deviations of the rail vehicle from its reference position. This feedback information is used to compensate for vehicle movements such as pendulum motions and wheel suspension effects, maintaining measurement precision on conventional vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-defines a reference base on the rail vehicle and captures reference data beforehand to establish the relationship between the laser scanner and the vehicle structure. This preliminary reference framework enables real-time compensation of vehicle movements during measurement
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 contactless track geometry measurement, allowing conventional rail vehicles to be used for track measurement, reducing complexity and increasing measurement accuracy, and enabling the use of existing rail vehicles for upgraded optical measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
profile data of the track extending in transverse direction are compiled by means of a laser scanner
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanner... for the recording of profile data of the track
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for contactless recording of a track geometry of a track by means of a rail vehicle which is moved along the track on on-track undercarriages (4), wherein profile data of the track extending in transverse direction are compiled by means of a laser scanner. In this, it is provided that, by means of an evaluation device, profile data are evaluated relative to a reference base pre-defined on the rail vehicle in order to derive from this the course of a track central axis and/or a rail. The invention additionally relates to a rail vehicle which comprise an evaluation device configured for carrying out the method. Thus, no further measuring system is required to determine a track position.