Track Position Measuring System Using Two Tensioned Chords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track maintenance machines lack an efficient method to determine all track parameters, including rail longitudinal levels and versine, using a reference base that is not adequately redundant and requires significant space for measuring chords and transmission linkages.
Innovation Solution
The use of two parallel measuring chords as a reference base, with a central measuring device that includes a transducer to detect position data, fed to an evaluation device to determine rail longitudinal levels and versine, and additional features like inclinometers and lateral guiding devices for redundancy and precision, utilizing optical sensors and rail-guided measuring trolleys for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two measuring chords are used as reference base, then all track parameters can be determined with redundancy, but the space required for measuring chords and transmission linkages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex transmission linkages and fork-like feeler members, using only two measuring chords stretched between outer measuring devices. The central measuring device directly detects chord positions without mechanical transmission, eliminating unnecessary space-consuming components while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical transmission linkages and fork-like feeler members with an optical/electronic measuring transducer that directly detects the position of the two measuring chords. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission structures, reducing the space required while improving measurement precision and eliminating wear-prone components.
2Measurement precision
If fork-like feeler members are used to trace measuring chords, then rail longitudinal levels can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex fork-like feeler members and mechanical linkages, retaining only the essential two measuring chords. The central measuring device with its transducer directly detects chord positions, eliminating the need for trace-mechanisms and reducing structural complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fork-like feeler members and mechanical linkages with an electronic measuring transducer that optically or electronically detects the position of the measuring chords. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity by eliminating moving mechanical parts while improving measurement precision and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If measuring devices are positioned to define reference base, then track position can be measured, but structural components prone to wear are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical components that are subject to wear (fork-like feeler members, transmission linkages, flanged rollers) with an optical/electronic measuring transducer. This transducer non-contactly or minimally contacts the measuring chords, eliminating wear mechanisms and improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the two measuring chords as stable reference elements that define the measurement baseline. By measuring the positions of these chords rather than directly measuring rail positions with wear-prone contact components, the system achieves reliable track position measurement without introducing wear-prone structural components.
4Measurement precision
If outer measuring devices are used to hold measuring chords, then reference base is established, but the space requirement for upper region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference base definition function from a complex upper region structure with multiple measuring chords and linkages, reducing it to just two measuring chords held by outer measuring devices. This extraction eliminates the need for extensive upper region space while maintaining the ability to define a stable reference base for measurement.
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 allows for accurate determination of all track parameters with redundancy, simplifying the evaluation process and ensuring precise positioning without collision risks, while eliminating the need for structural components prone to wear and enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
the central measuring device comprises a measuring transducer for detecting position data of the two measuring chords
Implementation Method 2
the measuring transducer is designed as an optical measuring sensor
Implementation Method 3
the position of the measuring devices relative to the rails is defined by means of flanged rollers designed to be pressed laterally against the rails
Data Source
AI summary
A track maintenance machine for carrying out track position corrections includes a machine frame movable by on-track undercarriages on rails of a track and a track position measuring system having two outer measuring devices and a central measuring device with a common reference base, relative to a longitudinal direction of the machine. The measuring devices are defined in their position relative to the rails. Two mutually aligned measuring chords are tensioned or stretched as a reference base between the outer measuring devices. The central measuring device includes a measuring transducer for detecting position data of the two measuring chords. The position data are fed to an evaluation device in order to determine a longitudinal level for each rail and a versine. Thus, two measuring chords are sufficient to detect all of the track parameters. A method for operation of a track maintenance machine is also provided.