Rail Position Correction Using Overhead Line Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the actual position of rails using optical sensor devices on rail vehicles face challenges in accurately compensating for the movement of the sensor device, leading to distorted data that requires separate recording of the sensor's movement, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes recorded location data from infrastructure facilities with known geometric shapes, such as the contact wire and platform edges, to correct distortions without additional effort, employing algorithms for data transformation and pattern recognition to achieve accurate absolute positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate recording of sensor device movements is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor device automatically detects and records its own movement characteristics by analyzing the geometric shapes of infrastructure facilities in the measured data. The system uses the contact wire's known geometric shape (straight line between attachment points) as a reference to self-correct position deviations caused by sensor movement, eliminating the need for separate movement recording devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures track geometry while also detecting the geometric shapes of infrastructure facilities (contact wire, platform edges). This multi-functionality allows the same device to both collect measurement data and determine its own movement characteristics, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment for recording sensor movement is added, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes and corrects measurement data in real-time during the inspection process. By automatically detecting infrastructure geometric shapes and using them to correct position deviations, the system eliminates the need for separate post-processing steps to account for sensor movement, maintaining high inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs movement compensation calculations during the data acquisition phase itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. By identifying and correcting position deviations based on infrastructure geometric shapes while the train is moving, the system maintains continuous productivity without interruption.
3Measurement precision
If complex algorithms for data transformation are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential geometric features (straight lines, curves) from the measured data that are needed for correction. By focusing on the key geometric shapes of infrastructure facilities rather than processing all measurement data equally, the system achieves accurate correction with simpler processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the measurement data by changing reference parameters - switching from sensor device coordinates to infrastructure-based coordinates. This parameter transformation allows the use of simple geometric relationships (straight lines for contact wire, curves for platforms) to correct complex sensor movement effects.
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 accurate and efficient compensation for sensor movement distortions, providing corrected actual data that reflects the correct position of the track and neighboring infrastructure, enhancing the precision of maintenance assessments without the need for separate movement recording.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor device positioned on a rail vehicle for detecting the position of the track and adjacent equipment
Implementation Method 2
a laser scanner with a horizontal rotation axis, for example
Implementation Method 3
laser scanner continuously moving along the track to determine the position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an actual position of rails (2) of a track (3) by means of an optical sensor device (7), positioned on a rail vehicle (1), for sensing the position of the track (3) and of adjacent equipment (10, 11). According to the invention, for a section (24) of track, a course of the track (3) and a course of the adjacent equipment (10, 11), in particular an overhead line system (10), are sensed as provisional actual data by means of the sensor device (7), and the provisional actual data is transformed into corrected actual data in an evaluation unit (23) by transforming a sensed course of at least one adjacent piece of equipment (10, 11) into a course with a predefined geometric form. The invention also relates to a system for carrying out said method.