Optical Wheel Diameter Measurement Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the diameter of circular objects like railway, subway, or tram wheels are imprecise when the wheels are installed, as they require contact with limited accessible areas, leading to inaccurate measurements due to restricted measuring ranges, which can result in safety risks from differential wear.
Innovation Solution
A device with lateral contact elements and a reference element allows for precise diameter determination by creating fixed points independent of the wheel's contact points, enabling measurements even when the wheel is on a rail, using a light section method to transform sensor data into world coordinates for accurate calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contact points are placed on limited accessible areas of installed wheels, then the device can be used without removing the wheel, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to restricted measuring ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear contact measurement to optical measurement in three-dimensional space. By using a camera to capture images of the wheel perimeter and calculating diameter from coordinate geometry of multiple points on the wheel's surface, the system overcomes the limitation of physical contact point accessibility while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If maximum distances between measuring points are increased to improve accuracy, then the diameter calculation becomes more precise, but the wheel must be removed for measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical contact points and mechanical probes, the system uses a camera to optically capture the wheel's perimeter points and calculates the diameter through coordinate geometry, eliminating the need for wheel removal while achieving high precision.
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 approach enables highly accurate diameter measurements of installed wheels, reducing the risk of measurement errors and ensuring safety by allowing larger distances between contact points, thus preventing potential derailments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measuring device for simultaneous detection of the at least one further point and at least a part of the peripheral surface of the circular object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (1) has a contact surface (3) provided for lateral attachment to a circular object (2). Projecting contact elements (4) are arranged at the contact surface for attachment of the device and a circumferential surface of the circular object. A reference element (5) is projected from the contact surface or fixedly connected with the contact surface. The contact elements project perpendicular to the contact surface. The reference element is designed as a cylindrical bolt. The contact elements are fixed in different positions. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for determination of diameter of a circular object (2) an arrangement for determination of diameter of a circular object, comprising a measuring device and a detector.