Rail Movement Measurement Using Optical Light Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting excessive vertical movement of rails during train passage are complex, costly, and limited to occasional measurements, lacking a simple and effective way to monitor rail movement in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures the linear component of rail movement using a light barrier with transmitters and receivers, installed on the infrastructure to detect vertical movement, transmitting data to a central station for continuous monitoring, and featuring a geolocation system and vibration sensor for precise tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If empirical and indirect means are used to detect excessive vertical movement, then measurements can be taken, but the process becomes complex, costly, and limited to occasional measurements requiring human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with an optical measurement system. A light source and sensor detect rail position changes through optical reflection or transmission, eliminating the need for physical contact and human intervention. This substitution transforms complex manual procedures into automated optical detection, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device is designed to autonomously monitor rail movement without human intervention. The system automatically detects position changes, stores data, and triggers alerts when thresholds are exceeded, making the system self-sufficient. This eliminates the need for continuous human presence while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurements are taken by agents installing measuring devices, then rail movement can be detected, but the process requires waiting for train passage and is only possible occasionally
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system operates continuously as trains pass through the monitored section, automatically detecting rail position changes without interruption. The system maintains constant monitoring capability, eliminating the gaps between manual measurements and providing continuous data on rail movement evolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optical detection system eliminates the need for manual setup and reading operations. The light source continuously emits beams that reflect off or pass through the rail, with sensors automatically detecting position changes, enabling frequent measurements without human intervention.
3Extent of automation
If a light barrier with transmitters and receivers is used to measure rail movement, then real-time monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical fields instead of mechanical measurement systems. Light transmitters and receivers create an optical barrier that automatically detects rail movement through beam interruption or reflection changes. This optical substitution enables automated real-time monitoring while keeping the physical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The light barrier system serves multiple functions: it measures vertical rail movement, detects train passage, and provides continuous monitoring data. The same optical components perform various measurement tasks, reducing the need for separate specialized devices and managing overall system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If measuring devices are installed on the rail to move with it, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the devices must be recovered and reinstalled after monitoring campaigns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference system (the light barrier and optical reference markers) that remains stationary while measuring rail movement. This eliminates the need for moving measurement devices with the rail, allowing continuous monitoring without device recovery and reinstallation operations.
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 real-time monitoring of rail movement without human intervention, allowing for timely intervention when thresholds are exceeded, improving safety and reducing costs by providing a continuous and accurate image of rail positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor 2 in the form of a light barrier having a photoemitter 21 generating a light beam 22 arriving at a photoreceptor 23
Implementation Method 2
a photoemitter 21 generating a light beam 22 arriving at a photoreceptor 23
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for measuring the linear component, in a given direction (D), of the movement of a rail (R) during the passage of a train comprises: a light barrier rigidly connected to the infrastructure and made of at least one emitter (21) emitting a light beam (22) towards a corresponding receiver (23); an index (3) rigidly linked to the movement of the rail (R) and consisting of a succession of active zones (32) of a given spread (d), said network of active zones being positioned in the space between the emitter and receiver (21, 23) of the light barrier in such a way as to cooperate with the beam (22), with the index (3) cooperating with the beam by way of the displacement movement (H) of the rail (R) via the active zones, such as to generate a series of interaction signals (SCi) signaling an interaction of the beam (22) in the corresponding receiver (23); and a processing device (4) which receives the disconnect signals (SCi) from the receiver (23) and counts said signals per sequence of rail movement.