Rail Vehicle 3D Scanner Dynamic Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting a rail vehicle's environment are not reliable or precise enough to create accurate clearance profiles and monitor track properties effectively, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a 3D image capturing device and a track position determination system, including a profile detection device and positioning mechanism, allows for optical, non-contact detection of the vehicle environment and track properties, enabling precise determination of geometric properties and orientation relative to the track position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed 3D scanner with continuously rotating laser beam is used, then the system can capture 360-degree surroundings, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to vibrations and position changes of the rail vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the measurement system adaptable to the moving rail vehicle environment. The system uses a controllable laser scanner that can adjust its scanning pattern and timing based on vehicle motion, rather than relying on a fixed continuous rotation mechanism. This dynamic adaptation allows accurate measurements to be taken despite the vehicle's movement and vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the scanning parameters (such as scanning speed, angle ranges, and timing) based on the actual operating conditions of the rail vehicle. The system can change these parameters dynamically to optimize measurement precision under varying conditions, including different vehicle speeds and environmental factors like dust and rain.
2Area of stationary object
If a continuously rotating laser beam is used for measurement, then complete surroundings coverage is achieved, but the detection reliability worsens due to environmental factors like dust and rain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent or selective scanning patterns instead of continuous rotation. The laser scanner can perform repeated measurements of specific areas of interest, allowing the system to accumulate data over multiple scanning cycles. This periodic measurement approach improves reliability in challenging environmental conditions by allowing time for environmental factors to stabilize between scans.
3Device complexity
If the scanner is fixed to the rail vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to vehicle vibrations and position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical continuous rotation mechanism with a controllable scanning system that uses electronic control and processing. Instead of relying on pure mechanical rotation, the system uses a controllable scanner that can be precisely positioned and oriented through electronic actuation, reducing the impact of mechanical vibrations on measurement precision while maintaining the benefit of a vehicle-mounted configuration.
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
The solution provides reliable, complete, and precise detection of the vehicle environment and track properties, including geometric properties and orientation, even in challenging conditions like dust or rain, with the ability to generate point clouds and track profiles, enhancing safety and monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the reflected signals of this measuring beam in the vicinity of the transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a reference position measuring unit with a first laser line generator and a first area camera aligned towards a first rail
Implementation Method 3
determining a position and an orientation of the detection device relative to a coordinate system of the rail vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting the surroundings of a rail vehicle (4); the apparatus (19) comprises at least one first image capturing device which is designed as a 3D image capturing device. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle comprising an apparatus (19) of said type.