Railway Guidance Using Floating Reference Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guidance systems for railway work machines rely on satellite GPS and laser guides, which are ineffective without geopositioned geometry or absolute reference points, requiring operator topographical knowledge and causing excessive downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method using a total station mounted on a carrier carriage traveling on the railway track, with a target on the machine, and datasets for theoretical routes and topographic singularities, allowing for real-time adjustments and guidance without GPS, using measurements of distance, azimuth, and elevation angles to establish a floating reference frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If GPS-based guidance systems are used, then guidance capability is provided, but the system becomes ineffective without geopositioned reference points and requires operator surveying knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces topographic singularities as intermediary reference points between the GPS system and the railway work machine. These singularities (bridge piers, culverts, etc.) serve as local mediators that establish a floating reference frame, eliminating the need for operators to directly use GPS coordinates or possess surveying knowledge while maintaining guidance effectiveness in areas without geopositioned references
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is segmented into distinct functional components: the carrier trolley for positioning, the total station for measurement, the floating reference frame for coordinate transformation, and the control unit for machine guidance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving ease of operation while adapting to environments without absolute reference points
2Measurement precision
If traditional guidance adjustment methods are used, then positioning can be established, but excessive downtime occurs during adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying topographic singularities along the railway alignment and establishing the floating reference frame before the railway work machine begins its operation. The carrier trolley positions itself at these pre-identified singularities to perform measurements, allowing the guidance system to be ready before work commences and minimizing interruptions to the construction process
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system maintains continuous operation by implementing real-time measurement and adjustment procedures. The total station continuously tracks the target on the railway work machine, and the control unit continuously calculates position deviations and provides guidance commands, ensuring that the useful action of guiding the machine continues without interruption throughout the work process
3Measurement precision
If a total station system with multiple measurements is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total station serves multiple functions within the system: it measures horizontal angles, vertical angles, and distances to establish the floating reference frame, tracks the target on the railway work machine during operation, and provides continuous positioning data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each measurement task, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical and electronic measurement systems. The total station uses optical beams to measure positions and angles, and electronic calculations to determine coordinates in the floating reference frame. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-electronic systems achieves high positioning accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity in the guidance system
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 precise guidance of railway work machines without GPS or topographical knowledge, minimizing downtime by establishing a local reference frame for accurate tracking and alignment with theoretical routes.
Implementation Method 1
a total station mounted on a carrier trolley traveling on a railway under construction, a target fixed on a railway construction machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
In order to control a measuring system comprising a tacheometer (26) mounted on a carrier trolley (14) circulating on a railway track (12) under construction and a target (16) fastened to a railway construction machine (10), the carrier trolley (14) is circulated on the railway track (12) in a working direction (100) from a starting position to an arrival position in the vicinity of a topographic arrival singularity (58, 60); the carrier trolley (14) is immobilized and an observation (64, 70) of the topographic arrival singularity (58, 60) is made. Then, with the railway construction machine (10) having been brought into the starting position, an observation (66, 72) of the target (16) is made. Finally, the coordinates of the arrival position of the carrier trolley (14) are calculated as a function of the measurements made, of additional data relating to the starting position, and of positioning data of the topographic arrival singularity (58, 60) and data relating to a theoretical line of the track.