Rail Wheel Geometry Detection Using Vibration Harmonics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining wheel geometry in vehicles, particularly rail vehicles, are inefficient and often require costly retrofitting of speed sensors, lacking a precise and material-efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-based method that generates an amplitude sum spectrum from vertical acceleration signals to determine wheel harmonics, allowing for precise wheel geometry determination without speed sensors, using existing acceleration sensors and filtering out interfering frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If speed sensors are installed to determine wheel geometry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical speed sensors with a vibration-based measurement system. Acceleration sensors detect wheel vibrations, and through signal processing (Fourier transformation, amplitude spectrum analysis), the system determines wheel geometry parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for direct mechanical contact sensors while achieving comparable or superior measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration signals as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure wheel geometry. Instead of directly measuring wheel parameters with speed sensors, the system uses acceleration sensors to detect vibrations, processes these signals through amplitude spectrum analysis, and derives geometry information from the vibration characteristics. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
2Device complexity
If acceleration sensors are used for wheel geometry determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary signal processing actions to acceleration sensor data before geometry determination. The system performs Fourier transformation on acceleration signals, generates amplitude spectra, identifies vibration peaks, and calculates wheel harmonics. These preliminary processing steps transform raw acceleration data into precise geometry measurements, ensuring high measurement precision despite using simpler acceleration sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of wheel geometry through signal processing. By analyzing vibration patterns and their frequency spectra, the system reconstructs wheel geometry parameters (radius, diameter, circumference) without direct physical measurement. This copying approach through data processing maintains measurement precision while using simpler sensor hardware.
3Loss of substance
If vibration-based method is used without speed sensors, then loss of substance is reduced, but reliability of determination may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to ensure reliable wheel geometry determination. The system continuously monitors vibration signals, processes them through amplitude spectrum analysis, and validates results against expected ranges. The method includes determining wheel harmonics from vibration peaks and using these to calculate geometry parameters, with built-in validation to ensure determination reliability without requiring additional material resources or speed sensors.
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
Enables accurate and reliable wheel geometry determination, including wheel radius, diameter, and rotational speed, without the need for speed sensors, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
vertical accelerations of at least one first wheel are determined by means of at least one first sensor
Implementation Method 2
amplitude spectra are formed on the basis of vertical acceleration signals which characterize a vibration behavior of the at least first wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for ascertaining the geometry of a wheel for vehicles, in particular rail vehicles. Vertical accelerations of at least one first wheel (2) are ascertained using at least one first sensor (1), and travel speeds (v) are processed, wherein amplitude spectra are formed on the basis of vertical acceleration signals which characterize the oscillating behavior of the at least one first wheel (2). According to the invention, an amplitude sum spectrum is formed from the amplitude spectra, at least one wheel harmonic (fh) is determined from at least one frequency of the amplitude sum spectrum, said frequency being assigned to the amplitude maximum of the amplitude sum spectrum, and the wheel geometry is ascertained from a standard driving speed (vn), which defines a characteristic vehicle operating behavior, and from the at least one wheel harmonic (fh). In this manner, a dedicated rotational speed sensor can be omitted.