Rail Vehicle Wheel Inner Side as Laser Reference for Track Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact track measurement systems require complex calibration processes and high control and evaluation device requirements, which limits their automation and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves projecting a laser beam onto both the rail and the inner side of a wheel, with a camera recording the projection, allowing the measuring device to use the wheel inner side as a reference base for determining its position, and enabling automated calibration by comparing recorded spacing and angles with stored values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If non-contact measurement systems are used to avoid wear, then measurement durability is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device uses its own wheel as a reference body for position determination. The laser projects onto the wheel's inner side, and the camera records the position of the laser line on the wheel. This self-referencing approach eliminates the need for external reference tracks or complex calibration infrastructure, allowing the system to self-calibrate using the wheel's known geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel serves multiple functions: it is both the propulsion element of the rail vehicle and the reference body for position measurement. By using the wheel's inner side as the reference surface, the system combines the reference function with an existing structural component, eliminating the need for separate reference tracks or calibration devices.
2Measurement precision
If complex calibration processes are implemented to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but automation and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated self-calibration by using the wheel's inner side as a reference. The known alignment of the wheel inner side provides a stable reference that requires no manual calibration. The measuring device automatically determines its position relative to the wheel and compensates for any deviations, eliminating manual calibration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on the recorded position of the laser projection on the wheel. By continuously monitoring the laser line position on the wheel's inner side, the system adapts to any changes in mounting angle or spacing, maintaining measurement precision without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If reference bases are used for position determination, then measurement reliability is improved, but wear and misalignment errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device uses itself as the reference - specifically, the wheel's inner side on which it is mounted. This self-referencing approach eliminates wear between separate reference components and ensures that any misalignment is automatically compensated for in the measurement calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel's inner side serves as an intermediary reference surface between the measuring device and the external environment. This intermediate reference provides a stable, wear-resistant surface for position determination that is integral to the vehicle's structure, eliminating the need for separate reference tracks that would subject to wear.
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 approach increases automation and accuracy by using the wheel inner side as a stable reference, reducing the need for frequent recalibration and minimizing errors due to wear or misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
a laser device (10) for projecting a laser beam (15)
Implementation Method 2
a camera (11) for recording the projection
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the contactless detection of a position of a measurement device that can be moved by a rail running gear on a track relative to at least one rail of the track. A projection of a laser beam that is projected onto the at least one rail and onto the inner side of a wheel of the rail running gear is detected by way of a camera. A detected position of the measurement device with respect to the wheel inner side is evaluated by an evaluation device. The inner side of the wheel disc is used as a reference base for determining at least one position value of the measurement device.