Track Maintenance Machine Sensor Chord Measurement Without Buggy Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surfacing machines, particularly those with buggy systems, are time-consuming, hazardous, and limit the speed of data recording due to the need for extending a buggy to measure track geometry using a chord system.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing sensors, such as lidar, computer vision, or radar, mounted on the machine to identify the A point by scanning forward, eliminating the need for a buggy system and enabling high-speed recording runs by consistently detecting A, B, and C points as the machine moves along the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a buggy system is extended beyond the front of the vehicle to create the desired chord length, then the measurement system can function, but the operation becomes time-consuming and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical buggy extension system with an optical sensor system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle body use optical fields (light) to measure track geometry at the required distance ahead, eliminating the need for physical buggy extensions and associated mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the measurement system and the track geometry. Instead of directly extending a buggy to contact or closely approach the measurement point, sensors act as intermediaries that can remotely detect track parameters through optical fields.
2Reliability
If a buggy system is extended to create the desired chord length, then the measurement system can function, but the speed at which data can be recorded is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical buggy extension system with an optical sensor system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle body use optical fields (light) to measure track geometry at the required distance ahead, eliminating the need for physical buggy extensions and associated mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the measurement system dynamic by mounting sensors on the vehicle body that can automatically track and measure moving targets. The system adapts to the vehicle's motion and maintains measurement capability at varying speeds, unlike the static buggy extension approach.
3Productivity
If sensors are mounted on the front of the tamper to identify the A point, then the buggy system can be removed and time efficiency improves, but additional sensor mounting and calibration complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by using the same sensors for both identification and measurement tasks, and by integrating multiple measurement capabilities into a single integrated system that can operate across different vehicle types and track configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automatic calibration routines and self-diagnostic capabilities. The system performs its own setup and verification procedures, reducing the need for manual intervention and external calibration equipment.
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
Improves time efficiency, safety, and increases the speed of data recording by eliminating the need for a buggy system and allowing high-speed recording runs using sensor-based chord measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arranged at a forward end of the frame in a movement direction of the track maintenance machine and at a predetermined height above the track; the sensor being configured to: scan forward of the track maintenance machine to identify an A point
Implementation Method 2
With the advancement in sensors such as lidar, computer vision, or radar; a sensor can be mounted on the front of the tamper to find the A point
Implementation Method 3
With the advancement in sensors such as lidar, computer vision, or radar; a sensor can be mounted on the front of the tamper to find the A point
Data Source
AI summary
A track maintenance machine, with a sensor for identifying an A-point of a chord, having a frame, axles, and wheels operatively connected to the axles and configured to support the machine on a track. A workhead is arranged between the axles. A B-point is placed at the workhead at a predetermined height above the track, and a C-point placed at a rear end of the at a predetermined height above the track. A sensor is arranged at a forward end of the frame at a predetermined height above the track. The sensor scans forward of the machine to identify an A-point; acquire track data for the A-point; and transmit the data to a machine control system. The machine control system is configured to calculate a chord by combining the track data for the A-point with the C-point to calculate operation data for the workhead at the B-point.