Railway Track Sensor Mat for Vertical Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway track systems lack the capability to accurately detect the state of the track system below the railway rail using measuring technology, particularly in terms of vertical surface pressure distribution and changes over time.
Innovation Solution
A railway track system equipped with a mat-shaped or panel-shaped carrier body containing multiple spaced-apart measuring sensors that measure vertical surface pressure, allowing for spatially distributed and temporal measurement of pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single load cell is installed in sleepers to measure vertical surface pressure, then the measurement function is provided, but only a single measured value is available without spatial distribution information
Solution Approach 1:
The single measurement function is segmented into multiple measuring sensors arranged in a matrix pattern on the carrier body. Each sensor measures vertical surface pressure at its specific position, dividing the measurement task into spatially distributed segments that collectively provide comprehensive pressure distribution data across the entire measurement area.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from a single-point measurement (0D) to a distributed two-dimensional measurement network. The multiple sensors are arranged in a matrix pattern covering the carrier body surface, adding spatial dimensions (x, y coordinates) to the measurement capability, enabling mapping of pressure distribution across the surface area.
2Loss of information
If multiple measuring sensors are arranged spaced apart on a carrier body to measure vertical surface pressure distribution, then spatially distributed measured values are available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measuring sensors are merged onto a single carrier body structure. The carrier body serves as a common platform that integrates and supports all sensors, their connections, and protective elements. This merging approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate measurement devices at each sensor location.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier body performs multiple functions: it supports the measuring sensors, provides structural rigidity, enables spatial arrangement of sensors, and serves as a mounting platform for protective elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity despite having multiple sensors.
3Measurement precision
If measuring sensors are arranged in a flatly distributed manner on a mat-shaped or panel-shaped carrier body, then the spatial distribution of vertical surface pressure can be measured, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring sensors are pre-arranged in their final spatial configuration on the carrier body during manufacturing. The carrier body is prepared with pre-defined mounting positions and connection pathways for the sensors, eliminating the need for complex field installation and calibration of each sensor's spatial position.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier body is designed as a mat-shaped or panel-shaped structure that can be manufactured as a flexible or semi-flexible substrate. This allows the sensors to be arranged in a flatly distributed manner on a two-dimensional surface, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to three-dimensional mounting structures while maintaining spatial distribution capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A railway track (1) including at least two railway rails (2) and at least one measuring apparatus (3), disposed under at least one of the railway rails (2), for measuring vertical contact pressure, wherein the measuring apparatus (3) has at least one mat-shaped or planar carrying body (4) with a multiplicity of measuring sensors (5), disposed at a distance from one another, for measuring the vertical surface pressure at the respective positions of the respective measuring sensors (5).