Rail Stabilization Camera for Sleeper Deflection Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track stabilization machines cannot accurately measure the resulting vibration of the track grid, particularly the sleeper deflection, which is crucial for assessing the stabilizing quality and durability of the track position after lifting, lining, and tamping.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounted on the machine frame records two-dimensional images of the track grid in vibration, connected to an evaluation device to derive the resulting deflection, allowing for real-time documentation and control of the stabilizing unit to maintain constant dynamic sleeper deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is mounted on the machine frame to record track grid vibrations, then measurement precision of sleeper deflection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary measurement device mounted on the machine frame to capture images of the track grid during vibration. The camera records the position of track components, and an evaluation device processes these images to determine sleeper deflection. This indirect optical measurement approach enables precise measurement without direct mechanical contact with the vibrating sleepers.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is connected to an evaluation device to derive resulting deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical measurement system is replaced with an optical evaluation system. Instead of using mechanical sensors or displacement meters to measure sleeper deflection, the invention uses a camera to capture images and an evaluation device to process these images and calculate the resulting deflection from the recorded positions of track components during vibration.
3Reliability
If the stabilizing unit is equipped with control to actuate vibration exciter in dependence of resulting deflection, then reliability of track stabilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented where the evaluation device continuously monitors the resulting sleeper deflection during vibration and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the vibration exciter's operation based on the measured deflection to maintain optimal stabilization conditions, ensuring reliable track stabilization while adapting to varying track 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
This method provides precise measurement and documentation of sleeper deflection, enhancing the assessment of track stability and durability, and enabling continuous adjustment of the stabilizing unit for improved track quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration exciter for generating horizontal vibrations extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine
Implementation Method 2
a camera is mounted on the machine frame to record a section of the track grid set in vibrations
Implementation Method 3
the camera is connected to an evaluation device in order to derive from recorded image data a resulting deflection of the track grid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) having a machine frame (2), mobile by means of on-track undercarriages (3) on rails (4) of a track grid (5), and a stabilizing unit (8) which comprises a vibration exciter (15) for generating horizontal vibrations extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine and flanged rollers (10) designed to roll on the rails (4). In this, a camera (11) is mounted on the machine frame (2) for recording a section of the track grid (5) set in vibrations, wherein the camera (11) is connected to an evaluation device (16) in order to derive from the recorded image data a resulting deflection (sr) of the track grid (5). In this manner, the amplitude (ar) of the sleeper deflection can be recorded, which is a measure of the actually effective vibration for stabilizing the track.