Rail Track Lowering via Virtual Regression Line Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Residual errors from track stabilization processes negatively impact the accuracy of track geometry measurements, particularly affecting the rear scanning point as the machine is used, leading to a deterioration in track lowering accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Guiding the rear scanning point along a virtual regression line, calculated from equidistant measurements of longitudinal inclination and distance, to compensate for inaccuracies caused by residual errors, without requiring changes to the measuring system, and adjusting the vibration drive's frequency or imbalance to achieve precise track lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the stabilization unit is used to lower the track, then the track geometry is improved, but residual errors accumulate and deteriorate the measurement accuracy of the rear scanning point
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously receives measurement data from the measuring system, calculates the virtual regression line based on current and previous measurements, and uses this feedback to guide the rear scanning point, thereby compensating for accumulated residual errors in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual regression line that copies the ideal track geometry profile, using this virtual model to guide the rear scanning point and compensate for physical measurement errors without requiring physical intervention
2Productivity
If the rear scanning point follows the actual track position, then measurement coverage is maximized, but residual errors from stabilization negatively impact accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual regression line acts as an intermediary between the actual track position and the desired guide line, filtering out residual errors while preserving the essential track geometry information needed for accurate measurement
3Measurement precision
If the measuring system is modified to eliminate residual errors, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces potential mechanical modifications with a computational solution - using the control device to calculate and apply corrections based on the virtual regression line, thereby maintaining accuracy without increasing mechanical complexity
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 effectively prevents accuracy impairment by compensating for residual errors, ensuring precise track geometry improvements with minimal additional construction work, maintaining the integrity of the measuring system's accuracy during track lowering.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration drive 9. This generates transverse vibrations acting horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the track on the track 2, which, in conjunction with a vertical load from the two drives 7, result in a lowering of the track
Implementation Method 2
On each rail carriage 3 there are two longitudinal pendulums 15 which are spaced apart normal to the machine longitudinal direction. Each longitudinal pendulum 15 is used to measure a longitudinal inclination of the track 2
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
AI summary
For the controlled lowering of a track (2), in a rear scanning location (11) of a measuring system (10) a longitudinal slope (a) of the track (2) is captured and recorded. For a length extending back at least (10) meters, a current height profile (16) is generated and a rear compensation line (17) overlaid thereon and representing a target track position is calculated. The rear scanning location (11) is computationally guided along the rear compensation line (17) such that a compensation value for the position of the measurement axis (12) results at a center scanning location (11) positioned between the rear and a front scanning location (11).