Rail Wheelset Optical Waveguide for Interference-Free Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring wheel sets for rail vehicles face issues with data signal corruption due to electrical fields from traction motors, and the production of optical waveguide-based solutions is complex and expensive, limiting their operational use after measurement.
Innovation Solution
A measuring wheel set with optical waveguides and filters integrated into the fiber core, allowing for optical signal transmission and evaluation, with a signal evaluation device on the wheelset shaft or wheel, enabling simultaneous measurement of the wavelength spectrum and easy conversion back to a conventional wheel set, and featuring a near-field telemetry system for contactless data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical cables are used to connect sensors to the signal evaluation device, then data transmission is achieved, but data signals are corrupted by electrical fields from traction motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical cable connections with optical waveguide connections. The optical waveguides transmit measurement signals as light instead of electrical signals, eliminating susceptibility to electrical interference from traction motors. The optical filters inscribed in the fiber core modulate the light signal in response to mechanical strain, and this optical signal is detected by the spectrometer without being affected by electromagnetic fields.
2Reliability
If optical fiber with opening in wheelset bearing is used, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but manufacturing becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical waveguide from the wheelset bearing structure. Instead of routing the optical fiber through an opening in the bearing housing, the waveguide is laid on the outer surface of the wheel or axle. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical processing of the bearing housing while maintaining optical signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide is implemented as a flexible fiber that can be laid on the surface of rotating components. This flexible approach allows the optical fiber to conform to the surface geometry without requiring rigid mounting structures or openings in the bearing housing, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.
3Reliability
If mechanical processing is performed to create opening for optical fiber, then optical transmission is enabled, but wheelset cannot be used in regular operational use after measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery of the wheelset for operational use after measurement by making the optical waveguide installation removable. The optical fiber is laid on the surface using adhesive bonding rather than permanent mechanical modifications, allowing the fiber to be removed and the wheelset to be restored to its original state for continued operational use.
4Measurement precision
If spectrometer is added to measure wavelength spectrum, then measurement precision is improved, but mass and geometric dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a compact spectrometer that measures only the relevant portion of the wavelength spectrum needed for the application. By focusing on the specific wavelength ranges corresponding to the optical filters used in the measurement system, the spectrometer can be miniimized in size and weight while still providing sufficient measurement precision for detecting strain-induced wavelength shifts.
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 solution provides reliable, interference-free data transmission, minimizes mechanical processing, and allows for cost-effective production and easy configuration, ensuring the measuring wheel set's dynamic properties are preserved and enabling flexible use without mechanical damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical filter which is inscribed in a fiber core of the optical waveguide and which is designed to modify a light signal coupled into the optical waveguide depending on geometric distances of the filter to each other
Implementation Method 2
a measuring wheelset which makes it possible to perform the simultaneous measurement of the entire wavelength spectrum of the light signals reflected by the optical filters based on their intensities at a discrete point in time
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical waveguide with at least one optical filter inscribed in its fiber core
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring wheelset comprising two wheels (2) connected by means of a wheelset axle (5), at least one optical waveguide (1) with at least one optical filter (4) inscribed in its fiber core, wherein the at least one optical waveguide (1) is configured for laying on a surface of at least one wheel or the wheelset axle, and at least one light source for coupling a light signal into the at least one optical waveguide (1). The manufacture of such a measuring wheelset is intended to be simpler and more cost-effective. Furthermore, it is intended to remain usable in the regular operation of rail vehicles after the measurements have been completed.According to the invention, this is achieved by the measuring wheelset further comprising at least one signal evaluation device (3) which is designed to detect and evaluate light signals coupled into the optical fiber (1) and modified by the at least one optical filter (4) and is arranged on the wheelset axle (5) or on a wheel (2) of the measuring wheelset.