Rail Switch Monitoring via On-Track Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the condition of railway track components, such as rail switches, are inadequate as they rely on visual inspections, are dependent on human interpretation, and require railway line closures, failing to detect cumulative damage and differentiate between various damage causes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors on track components to record and segment data before, during, and after rail vehicle passage, allowing for continuous, automated monitoring by analyzing load patterns and using statistical methods to distinguish between different influencing factors, including wheel and switch conditions, without the need for additional sensors or line closures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection by human personnel is used to monitor track components, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection requires railway line closures and is dependent on human interpretation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor system that measures physical quantities (acceleration, force, strain) to detect track component conditions. This substitution eliminates human interpretation errors and enables continuous monitoring without requiring line closures, as the sensor system can operate during normal train traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-monitoring of track components by automatically recording and evaluating data from train passages. The system compares measured values against reference values and thresholds to autonomously identify defects, eliminating the need for human inspectors while maintaining high reliability through automated decision-making algorithms.
2Reliability
If sensors are arranged on a rail vehicle to automatically record data, then human interpretation errors are eliminated, but railway line closures are still required for scheduled traffic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing sensors on moving rail vehicles as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by固定ly mounting sensors directly on the track components (rails, switches, crossings). This allows the track infrastructure itself to be the monitoring platform, enabling continuous data collection during normal train operations without requiring dedicated inspection trains or line closures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed sensor system enables continuous monitoring of track components as trains pass by during regular service. Data is collected continuously rather than during periodic inspections, allowing the system to detect cumulative damage and progressive degradation over time while the railway operates at full capacity without interruptions.
3Device complexity
If single-direction wheel arch deviation measurement is used to detect rail switch status, then measurement equipment is simple, but reliable identification of track component status cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-direction measurements to multi-dimensional measurement by recording acceleration data along three orthogonal axes (x, y, z directions). This three-dimensional measurement approach provides comprehensive information about wheel-rail interactions and track component conditions, enabling reliable detection of defects that single-direction measurements would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary segmentation of acceleration data into distinct phases (approach, contact, departure) before detailed analysis. By pre-processing the raw acceleration signals to identify and separate different interaction phases, the system can more accurately evaluate track component status from the segmented data patterns.
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, continuous, and automated condition monitoring of track components, allowing for precise prediction of maintenance needs and reducing the risk of human error, while maintaining railway operations without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a load on the corresponding track component is measured or recorded for all rail vehicles at a measuring point before, during and/or after a rail vehicle is rolled over or driven over
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring the state of at least one travel path component laid in rail construction, in particular a rail switch, in a continuous manner in particular using at least one sensor arranged on the travel path component. Data is detected by the sensor while a rail vehicle is rolling over the travel path component and additionally before and/or after the rail vehicle rolls over the travel path component, and the data is segmented. The state of the travel path component is ascertained from the detected and segmented data. The invention further relates to a device for monitoring the state of at least one travel path component laid in rail construction, such as a rail switch, in a continuous manner in particular, comprising at least one sensor which is arranged on the travel path component. A signal processing system is provided in order to evaluate data detected by the sensor directly on the travel path component. The invention further relates to the use of such a device.