Rail Wagon Occupancy Detection Through Weight Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring static and dynamic loads on rail vehicles are complex, require multiple sensors for multi-axis measurements, and are inaccurate for highly dynamic loads, especially when detecting deformations in multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-control component with a magnetic sensor arrangement comprising a magnetic field source and sensor, capable of detecting relative movements in all three spatial directions, using a magnetic measuring principle, and optionally combined with additional sensors for temperature, humidity, and GPS, with data transmission via radio modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect measurement methods such as strain gauges or cable-pull potentiometers are used, then force measurement is possible, but the measurement setup becomes complex and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (strain gauges, cable-pull potentiometers) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnetic field source and magnetic field sensor detect relative movements without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical calibration and installation structures while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the vibration-control component and the measurement system. The magnetic field source generates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field sensor to detect relative movements, serving as a non-contact mediator that simplifies the overall measurement setup.
2Ease of operation
If acceleration measurement is used to measure dynamic spring travel, then measurement is possible, but accuracy decreases depending on frequency range and small dynamic changes cannot be recorded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acceleration-based measurement with direct magnetic field-based position measurement. The magnetic field sensor directly detects relative movements without requiring acceleration integration, providing accurate measurements across all frequency ranges and capturing even small dynamic changes.
3Device complexity
If plunger principle sensors are used, then sensor arrangement is possible, but highly dynamic loads cannot be measured accurately and only one direction can be detected per sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces plunger principle sensors with a magnetic field-based sensor system. The magnetic field source and sensor arrangement can detect highly dynamic loads without mechanical inertia limitations and can measure movements in multiple directions simultaneously through appropriate sensor placement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for multi-axis measurements, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal magnetic field measurement system where a single magnetic field source can work with multiple magnetic field sensors positioned at different locations and orientations. This multi-functional arrangement enables multi-axis measurement coverage without requiring separate sensor systems for each axis, reducing overall 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
Enables accurate, contactless monitoring of static and dynamic loads in all directions, allowing real-time data transmission and precise determination of occupancy without personal data capture, extending service life through energy-efficient designs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement comprises a magnetic field source and a magnetic field sensor, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the vibration-control component
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field sensor is preferably designed as a Hall sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method for determining the occupancy of a wagon of a rail vehicle, in which the weight of the wagon is determined by means of a sensor arrangement (4), wherein the weight detected by the sensor arrangement (4) is transmitted to a control unit, wherein the empty weight of the wagon is stored in the control unit and wherein the occupancy of the wagon is determined by comparing the empty weight with the determined weight.