Train Wheelbase Measurement Using Non-Contact Trackside Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring train wheelbase, both manual and sensor-based, face challenges in adaptability, particularly when measuring moving trains, due to factors like sensor installation distance, train speed, and manufacturing errors, which affect accuracy and suitability for low-speed trains.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using non-contact sensors, such as photoelectric or laser ranging sensors, arranged along the train track to sense train wheels, calculate moving speed, and determine wheelbase based on time intervals, reducing the impact of factors like wheel wear and train speed, and enabling accurate measurement of moving trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sensor-based measurement method is used on rails, then automatic measurement of moving train wheelbase is achieved, but measurement accuracy is affected by distance between wheel and sensor, train speed, and other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based measurement system with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical sensors mounted on rails that require direct contact or close proximity to the train wheels, the invention uses cameras to capture images of the wheels from a distance. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and reduces the impact of physical distance between the measurement device and the train, thereby maintaining automation while improving measurement accuracy and adaptability to various train speeds.
2Ease of operation
If manual measurement method is used with customized measuring tools, then measurement simplicity is achieved, but the method is only suitable for static trains and cannot measure moving trains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement tools with an automated optical imaging system. The camera-based system automatically captures images of train wheels in motion, and the processing unit automatically calculates wheelbase from these images. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining measurement simplicity, and simultaneously enables the measurement of moving trains, thus improving adaptability without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-contact sensors are arranged on outer side of train track, then adaptability to moving trains is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensor arrangement and distance threshold management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the non-contact sensors (cameras) and the wheelbase measurement. The processing unit captures images from multiple cameras, automatically identifies wheel positions, and calculates wheelbase through image analysis. This intermediary layer simplifies the management of multiple sensors by handling the complexity of data integration and coordinate transformation internally, thereby maintaining high adaptability to moving trains while reducing the apparent device complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple cameras to capture multiple images of the train wheels from different positions along the track. These images serve as copies of the wheel positions at different moments in time. By analyzing these image copies, the system can calculate wheelbase without requiring direct physical measurement, thereby simplifying the sensor arrangement requirements and reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to moving trains.
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
The system improves the adaptability of train wheelbase measurement by accurately calculating wheelbase for moving trains, minimizing errors from sensor installation variations and ensuring reliable results even at low speeds.
Implementation Method 1
at least two non-contact sensors, such as photoelectric sensors or laser ranging sensors
Implementation Method 2
laser ranging sensors arranged on an outer side of a train track
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for measuring train wheelbase. The method includes: judging whether train wheels are passing by at least two non-contact sensors at present according to sensing data from the at least two non-contact sensors arranged on an outer side of a train track and arranged at intervals along the train track; in response to determination that train wheels are passing by the at least two non-contact sensors at present, calculating a moving speed of the train wheels according to the sensing data from the at least two non-contact sensors, and calculating a first time interval of adjacent train wheels passing by a same non-contact sensor of the at least two non-contact sensors; and calculating a wheelbase of the adjacent train wheels based on the moving speed and the first time interval. By adoption of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the adaptability of train wheelbase measurement can be improved.