Track Maintenance Machine Moving Chord Reference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track maintenance devices face challenges in accurately correcting the vertical position of tracks due to assumptions about corrected regions and mechanical inaccuracies, leading to faulty lifting operations and reduced precision in achieving the prescribed vertical position.
Innovation Solution
Defining the moving chord's position at two reference locations relative to a non-corrected track region, allowing for precise control of the lifting process without assuming the track is at the prescribed level, and using a control unit and circuit means for virtual lifting, eliminating the need for mechanical levelling devices and enhancing redundancy through additional measurement locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the moving chord position is defined at reference locations relative to an already corrected track region, then the lifting operation can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to cumulative errors from the corrected region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a pre-measurement of the track geometry before the lifting operation to establish the actual initial positions of the track. This preliminary data is stored and used as the reference basis for defining the moving chord position, rather than assuming the track is at the prescribed level. This allows the lifting operation to be based on accurate initial conditions while maintaining efficiency.
2Reliability
If mechanical levelling devices are used to guide the moving chord, then the chord position can be controlled, but device complexity increases and mechanical inaccuracies are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical levelling devices with a computational approach. The moving chord position is determined through mathematical calculations based on pre-measured track data and the prescribed target level. The control unit computes the required chord position electronically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical levelling mechanisms and their associated inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual moving chord as an intermediary concept. Instead of physically guiding the chord with mechanical devices, the system creates a virtual reference line through computational means. This virtual chord serves as the mediator between the measured track position and the target level, allowing precise control without mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If the track is assumed to be at the prescribed level in the corrected region, then the lifting operation can proceed, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to faulty lifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary measurement of the track's actual position before the lifting operation. This pre-measurement data is stored and used to accurately determine the initial track geometry. By knowing the true initial position rather than assuming the track is at the prescribed level, the lifting operation can be precisely controlled to achieve the target level, ensuring high manufacturing precision while maintaining operational speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile device for correction of a vertical position of a pre-measured track, in particular for a track maintenance machine, including a measuring system which comprises a moving chord as reference base, and including a lifting device for lifting the track to a target level prescribed at a work location by means of the moving chord. In this, the moving chord is defined at two reference locations as to its position relative to a non-corrected area of the track, wherein the work location is arranged behind the reference locations in a working direction. In this manner, the position of the moving chord is defined unambiguously and precisely at all times.