Rail Vehicle Levelling via Rotating Laser Reference Plane
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual levelling process for rail vehicles is labor-intensive and dependent on the flatness and horizontality of the track, limiting its accuracy and applicability to specific facilities, making it inefficient for precise height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method using a rotating laser beam generator to create a common reference plane, measuring vertical distances between vehicle body and rail reference points, and adjusting the secondary suspension based on these measurements, allowing for more accurate and flexible levelling independent of track conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement with calibrated bar and steel rule is used, then the levelling process can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and accuracy are limited by track flatness and operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement system (calibrated bar, steel rule, manual positioning) with an optical measurement system (laser plane generator, laser receivers, electronic height measurement). The laser plane provides a stable reference plane that eliminates the need for physical calibrated bars and manual positioning, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser plane generator creates a universal reference plane that can be used for measuring multiple vehicle body reference points simultaneously. This single reference plane serves as a common baseline for all height measurements, replacing multiple individual calibrated bars and enabling more accurate comparative measurements across different locations on the vehicle.
2Productivity
If traditional manual levelling method is used, then the procedure can be performed at any facility with minimal equipment, but the process is labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The laser receivers automatically measure their vertical distances to the laser reference plane without manual intervention. The system self-calibrates by having each laser receiver independently determine its height relative to the common reference plane, eliminating the need for manual measurement and calculation by operators, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates electronic feedback through the laser receivers that continuously or periodically measure heights and provide data for automated calculation of packing requirements. This feedback mechanism replaces manual reading and calculation, significantly reducing the time and labor required while keeping the operational process simple and systematic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If calibrated track flatness is required for accurate measurement, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the levelling procedure is restricted to specific facilities with calibrated tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The laser reference plane acts as an intermediary between the measurement system and the vehicle body. Instead of requiring the track or support surface to be perfectly flat and calibrated, the laser plane provides a stable, easily establishable reference that can be set up at any facility. This intermediary reference plane decouples the measurement accuracy from the physical condition of the supporting track, enabling versatile deployment while maintaining precision.
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 a more accurate and less track-dependent levelling process, enabling precise adjustments to be made efficiently, reducing the risk of derailment and improving passenger comfort by ensuring correct vehicle height settings.
Implementation Method 1
by means of at least one laser plane generator mounted at a stationary position relative to the railway track, projecting a rotating laser beam that rotates about a vertical rotation axis and extends in a reference plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Levelling of a rail vehicle (10) comprising a vehicle body (12) supported by two running gears (14) placed on a railway track (16) comprising two parallel rails (40) is performed by means of at least one laser plane generator (30) mounted at a stationary position relative to the railway track (16), which projects a rotating laser beam (44) that rotates about a vertical rotation axis (200) and extends below the vehicle body (12) in a reference plane (300) of the frame of reference perpendicular to the vertical rotation axis (200), and of a set of one of more laser receivers (36), each of which measures a height relative to the reference plane (300), so as to determine vertical distances between at least four vehicle body reference points (V) and the reference plane (300) and further vertical distances between a set of at least four rail height reference points (R) and the reference plane (300).