Virtual Operator Station for Track Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Universal tamping machines require extensive training and effort to operate due to their complexity, leading to limited insight into work areas, poor ergonomics, increased risk of incorrect operation, and physical stress for operators, especially with close cabin arrangements and moving machine devices.
Innovation Solution
An operating station is set up independently of the operator's visual view, equipped with display devices for virtual control and monitoring, including cameras and sensors, allowing flexible and ergonomic operation with improved safety, using industrial panels or flat-screen monitors with touch-screen functionality, and potentially 3D cameras for comprehensive work area visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator cabin is positioned close to the work units to provide insight into the work process, then the operator can see the work areas better, but the installation space is limited and working conditions become cramped and ergonomically unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses camera systems to create visual copies (images) of the work areas and transmits them to display devices in the operator cabin. This allows the operator to see the work areas without physically positioning the cabin close to the work units, thus maintaining both good visibility and comfortable working conditions with adequate space.
2Loss of information
If the operator cabin is positioned close to the work units, then visual insight is improved, but access to the cabin becomes dangerous due to proximity to moving machine devices
Solution Approach 1:
By using camera systems to transmit visual information about work areas to the operator cabin, the cabin can be positioned in safe locations away from moving machine devices. This eliminates the danger of access to the cabin while maintaining the operator's ability to monitor work areas through displayed images.
3Loss of information
If the operator cabin is positioned close to the work units, then visual insight is improved, but the operator is exposed to high physical strain due to constant acceleration, vibrations, and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The camera systems capture images of the work areas and transmit them to the operator cabin, allowing the operator to remain in a stable, vibration-free environment while still obtaining visual information about the work process. This separates the operator from the physical disturbances generated by the moving work units.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two separate work cabins are used to operate different units and devices, then each operator has dedicated control, but the operators must communicate via intercom system and coordination becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera feeds and work area views into a single operator cabin with integrated display devices. This allows one or more operators to monitor and control different work units from a centralized location, eliminating the need for separate cabins and intercom communication while maintaining dedicated control capabilities through the integrated control system.
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 setup enhances operator comfort and safety by providing clear views of work equipment and areas, reducing the risk of incorrect operation and physical stress, while allowing flexible and ergonomic operation, eliminating the need for intercom systems and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor and measuring system for determining the position data of the working devices and for detecting objects on the track
Implementation Method 2
an array of cameras for optically detecting the working devices and the working areas
Implementation Method 3
The operator station includes a display device for virtual operation, control, and/or monitoring of the track-laying machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control and operating system for processing a track (4) by means of a track construction machine (1), having at least one machine frame (2) which can travel on rail-mounted travel units (3), comprising work devices (A, 9, 10, 11, 12), a sensor and measuring system (13) for determining position data of the work devices (A, 9, 10, 11, 12) and for detecting objects of the track (4), more particularly sleepers (6), rails (5) and optionally obstacles, further comprising an arrangement consisting of cameras (14) for optically capturing the work devices (A, 9, 10, 11, 12) and the work areas. An operating station (15) without a free field of view over a particular work device (A, 9, 10, 11, 12) is set up at a location within or outside the track construction machine (1) and the operating station (15) comprises a display unit (16) for a virtual operation, control and/or monitoring of the track construction machine (1). This leads to higher flexibility in operations and to extended control/operation options and also to an increase in workplace safety and ergonomics.