Rail Break Detection Using Waveform Similarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail break detection technologies require setting thresholds specific to each environment, making them environment-dependent and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A rail break detection device that compares impulse and continuous waveforms from multiple vibration sensors to determine similarity, allowing for detection regardless of the environment, using waveform separation units and similarity determination units to identify rail breaks based on waveform comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If resonance frequencies of rails are used for detection of a break on a rail, then detection can be performed using vibration information, but a threshold for determination has to be set for each environment in which rails are laid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reference waveform from vibration information when no break is present, and compares it with waveforms during operation. This copying approach eliminates the need for environment-specific threshold settings by using a baseline reference that automatically adapts to the specific rail environment, while maintaining high detection accuracy through waveform similarity comparison.
2Reliability
If environment-specific thresholds are used for rail break detection, then detection accuracy may be improved for that specific environment, but the system cannot be achieved regardless of the environment in which rails are laid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection method that works across different environments by comparing waveforms against a reference waveform specific to each rail's environment. The system automatically adapts to any environment by creating an appropriate reference waveform during installation, eliminating the need for manual threshold adjustments while maintaining high reliability and broad adaptability across diverse rail conditions.
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 reliable rail break detection without environment-specific thresholds, improving accuracy and reducing maintenance needs, while also detecting partial breaks and rail deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
vibration sensor that measures vibration of the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A rail break detection device to which an output waveform from a vibration sensor, which is a first vibration sensor, and an output waveform from a vibration sensor, which is a second vibration sensor, are input, the vibration sensors being mounted on different positions of rails, includes a waveform similarity determination unit to compare impulse waveforms separated from the output waveforms or compare continuous waveforms separated from the output waveforms, and determine similarity therebetween, and detects a break of a rail.