Rail Vehicle Center of Gravity Determination via Adjustable Track Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining the center of mass of rail vehicles are limited in their ability to accurately locate the center of mass, especially when the vehicles are not traveling straight on a level track, and do not allow for time-efficient determination during loading or unloading.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize adjustable rail heights within a measurement section to measure forces and moments at different angles, allowing for the determination of the center of mass by recording and evaluating the weight distribution on the rails with varying inclinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring devices are arranged under the rails to measure forces or moments in the track body, then the forces or moments can be measured when the rail vehicle travels straight on a level track, but the system cannot determine the center of gravity of the rail vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable geometric parameter - the height difference (e) between the two rails - to transform the measurement system's capability. By changing the rail height configuration from equal to unequal, the system can determine not only forces but also the center of gravity position, as the moment arm changes with the height difference, enabling calculation of gravitational center location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the measurement by creating a height difference between rails. Instead of measuring only horizontal forces, the system now measures forces in a tilted configuration, adding a vertical component to the measurement geometry. This dimensional change enables center of gravity determination through moment calculations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken at different rail inclinations to determine center of mass, then accurate localization is achieved, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the rail measurement section with a fixed height difference (e) between the two rails before the vehicle arrives. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to dynamically adjust rail heights during measurement, allowing immediate data collection and reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures forces at multiple dynamic positions as the vehicle passes through the tilted rail section. By capturing force data at different locations along the rails during a single pass, the system determines the center of mass in one continuous measurement rather than requiring multiple separate measurements.
3Productivity
If the rail measurement section is designed with adjustable rail heights, then the center of mass can be determined in a single pass, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail measurement section is divided into two distinct segments with different fixed heights. This segmentation allows each rail to be independently positioned at a specific height, creating the necessary tilt without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms. The segmented design simplifies the overall system while enabling single-pass 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 reliable and time-saving localization of the center of mass of rail vehicles, even when they are not traveling straight, by analyzing weight distribution changes due to rail inclinations, thereby enhancing operational safety and load balancing.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the forces and/or moments acting on the rails of the rail measurement section... the height level of one rail varying relative to the height level of the other rail... the rails are subjected to different weight loads
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has two rails, where an elevator level rail that varies in relation to the elevator level of the other rail of the rail measuring section. The elevator level of the rail is adjusted on an elevator level opposite to other rail in a section of rail measuring section. An independent claim is also included for a method for a method for determining position of a mass balance point of rail-mounted vehicles.