Movable Rail Profile Detection Device for Track Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining properties of rail tracks, such as wear, gauge, cant, curve radius, and gradient, lack precision and reliability, especially in contactless and continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a profile detection unit and a positioning system that allows for contactless detection of rail profiles, with a movable profile detection device attached to a rail vehicle, enabling precise measurement of track properties by moving along a predetermined trajectory and using image acquisition for redundancy and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed 3D scanner with continuous 360° laser beam rotation is used for track monitoring, then the system can capture comprehensive spatial data, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to the fixed position and continuous rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed, continuously rotating 3D scanner to a movable profile detection device that can be positioned and oriented dynamically. The profile detection device is mounted on a movable platform (such as a rail vehicle or tracking cart) that can move along the track, and the device itself can be adjusted in position and orientation to optimize measurement angles. This dynamic positioning system allows precise measurement of track properties at specific locations without requiring continuous 360° rotation, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex continuous 360° rotating 3D scanner system. Instead of using a full 3D scanning system with rotating lasers, the invention isolates and implements only the profile detection capability needed for track monitoring. This extracted profile detection device uses simplified laser line projection and camera-based measurement to capture rail profiles, eliminating the complexity of continuous rotation mechanisms while maintaining the core functionality of spatial data capture for track property determination.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If contactless detection methods are used for track monitoring, then the durability and operational continuity are improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to increased detection distance and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable profile detection device that can dynamically adjust its distance from the track components being measured. Rather than using a fixed-distance contactless system, the device can move closer to the rails when needed to improve measurement precision, then retract to maintain continuous monitoring capability. This dynamic distance adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between contactless operation durability and measurement precision based on the specific measurement requirements at different track locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using laser line projection combined with camera-based detection. Instead of direct contact measurement or simple distance-based contactless sensing, the system projects laser lines onto the rail surface and uses camera imaging to capture the reflected patterns. This intermediary optical measurement method allows contactless detection while maintaining high precision by using the laser lines as reference markers and the camera as a precise positional sensor, effectively bridging the gap between contactless durability and measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement devices are deployed for redundant detection, then the reliability and precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple measurement functions into a single profile detection device. Rather than deploying separate devices for different track properties, the invention combines rail profile detection, track geometry measurement, and spatial positioning capabilities into one integrated system. The device uses a unified laser line projection and camera imaging approach to simultaneously capture multiple measurement data types, achieving redundant detection for improved reliability while reducing overall system complexity compared to multiple independent measurement devices.
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 continuous and precise determination of track properties, improving monitoring capabilities and allowing for early detection of undesired changes by comparing actual profiles with target profiles, enhancing safety and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser line generator (2) for projecting laser lines onto the at least one rail (3)
Implementation Method 2
at least one area camera (5) for capturing images of the laser lines projected by the laser line generator (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device (1, 1a, 1b) for determining at least one property of a track for a rail vehicle (4), wherein the device (1, 1a, 1b) comprises at least one profile-detection device for detecting a profile of at least one rail (3, 3a, 3b) of the track, wherein the device (1, 1a, 1b) comprises at least one positioning device (11), wherein the at least one profile-detection device can be moved by the positioning device (11). Furthermore, the invention relates to a rail vehicle comprising at least one such device.