Wheelset Laser Measurement for Non-Stop Wear and Polygon Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring wheel set parameters in rail transit vehicles are inefficient, prone to human error, and lack the necessary precision and automation for accurate, non-stop detection of wheel wear, equivalent conicity, and wheel polygon.

Innovation Solution

An online high-precision measuring device using multiple laser sensors and a polygon measuring module to automatically measure wheel set parameters, including inner distance, tread profile, axle lower profile, and radial runout, with a floating probe and displacement sensor for contactless data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operation of hand-held measuring instruments is used, then measurement can be performed, but measurement efficiency is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement instruments with an automated laser sensing system. The laser sensors automatically emit and receive light to measure wheel set parameters, eliminating the need for manual operation of hand-held measuring instruments and significantly improving measurement efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is designed to automatically perform measurements without human intervention. The laser sensors, polygon measuring module, and data processing system work together autonomously to complete the entire measurement process, allowing the train to pass through without stopping and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If under floor wheel lathe measuring device is used, then measurement can be performed, but the train must stop for wheel lathing work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtrain utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous measurement by positioning the laser sensors and polygon measuring module along the track. As the train passes through continuously, the measurement system continuously captures data from each wheel set without requiring the train to stop, thereby maintaining high train utilization rate while achieving accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate measurement system consisting of laser sensors and a polygon measuring module that can perform measurements without requiring wheel lathing. This intermediary system allows measurements to be taken in the normal operational state of the wheel sets, eliminating the need to stop trains for dedicated measurement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If dynamic detection system is used, then non-stop measurement can be achieved, but measurement accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into multiple specialized components: laser sensors for measuring inner distance and tread profile, and a polygon measuring module with floating probe for measuring radial runout. Each component is optimized for its specific measurement function, and their combined data provides comprehensive and accurate wheel set parameters while maintaining non-stop measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device achieves high-precision, automated measurement of wheel set parameters with minimal human intervention, enabling non-stop train operation and efficient, accurate detection of tread wear, equivalent conicity, and wheel polygon.

Implementation Method 1

a first laser sensor, arranged on an inner side of a track bearing the wheel set, is configured to measure data of an inner distance of the wheel set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The second laser sensor is configured to measure data of a profile of a tread of the wheel set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the polygon measuring module is butted with the track and is configured to measure a radial runout value of the tread of the wheel set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial runout measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4293317B1Online high-precision measuring device and method for full-size parameters of wheel set of rail transit vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 NSH CTI MASCH TOOL (JIANGXI) CO LTD
  • EP4293317B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293317B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293317B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An online high-precision measuring device for full-size parameters of a wheel set of a rail transit vehicle, includes: a first laser sensor, a second laser sensor, a third laser sensor, and a polygon measuring module that are configured to measure multiple parts of the wheel set. The first laser sensor is arranged on an inner side of a track at a certain angle. The second laser sensor is arranged below the track at a certain angle. The third laser sensor is arranged on an outer side of the track at a certain angle. The polygon measuring module is butted with the track. The device can realize online pass-through non-stop measurement of the full-size parameters of the wheel set of the rail transit train accurately, such as tread wear, equivalent conicity and wheel polygon.