Investigation of an optical noncontact gear geometry measurement system: measurement of pitch errors and tooth profiles

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA’s) Office of Research and Development has undertaken a multi-phase research program focused on the development and advancement of Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS) and related technologies to improve rail safety by increasing the availability of track geometry data for safety and maintenance planning purposes. Benefits of widespread use of ATGMS technology include reduced life-cycle cost of inspection operations, minimized interference with revenue operations, and increased inspection frequencies. FRA’s Office of Research and Development ATGMS research program results have demonstrated that the paradigm of track inspection and maintenance practices, information management and, eventually, government regulations will change as a result of widespread use of ATGMS technology by the industry. A natural consequence of increased inspection frequencies associated with ATGMS is the large amount of actionable information produced. Therefore, changing existing maintenance practices to address a larger number of identified track issues across large geographic areas will be a challenge for the industry. In addition, managing ATGMS data and assessing the quality of this information in a timely manner will be challenging. This paper presents an overview of the FRA’s ATGMS research program with emphasis on its evolution from a proof-of-concept prototype to a fully operational measurement system. It presents the evolution of ATGMS technology over time including the development of a web-based application for data editing, management and quality assurance. Finally, it presents FRA’s vision for the future of the ATGMS technology.

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Method to Increase the Accuracy of Large Crankshaft Geometry Measurements Using Counterweights to Minimize Elastic Deformations

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10144722 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (14) ◽

pp. 4722 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Leszek Chybowski ◽

Krzysztof Nozdrzykowski ◽

Zenon Grządziel ◽

Andrzej Jakubowski ◽

Wojciech Przetakiewicz

Keyword(s):

Elastic Deformation ◽

Measurement System ◽

Design Solution ◽

Structural Elements ◽

Elastic Deformations ◽

Elastic Deflection ◽

Reaction Forces ◽

Geometry Measurement

Large crankshafts are highly susceptible to flexural deformation that causes them to undergo elastic deformation as they revolve, resulting in incorrect geometric measurements. Additional structural elements (counterweights) are used to stabilize the forces at the supports that fix the shaft during measurements. This article describes the use of temporary counterweights during measurements and presents the specifications of the measurement system and method. The effect of the proposed solution on the elastic deflection of a shaft was simulated with FEA, which showed that the solution provides constant reaction forces and ensures nearly zero deflection at the supported main journals of a shaft during its rotation (during its geometry measurement). The article also presents an example of a design solution for a single counterweight.

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Development of an Unattended Track Geometry Measurement System

2010 Joint Rail Conference, Volume 1 ◽

10.1115/jrc2010-36282 ◽

2010 ◽

Author(s):

Graham Scott ◽

Ema Chillingworth ◽

Matthew Dick

Keyword(s):

Measurement System ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Modular System ◽

Integrated Analysis ◽

Management Options ◽

Operational Conditions ◽

Track Geometry ◽

Track Maintenance ◽

Geometry Measurement ◽

And Control

Compliance with track standards and control of maintenance costs are critical aspects of the management of railroads. To facilitate this, track geometry measurement systems have evolved to allow monitoring of key track geometry parameters from moving trains. This paper describes how DeltaRail’s Trackline Two™ track geometry measurement system has been developed to overcome key technical shortcomings in existing systems. The resulting step change provides a cost-effective, robust, compact measurement system suitable for use on the broadest possible range of rail vehicles and networks, from a tram to a TGV. Extensive testing has demonstrated full compliance with appropriate standards. Significant improvements in reliability and repeatability of data have enabled DeltaRail to produce a modular system capable of sending data direct to value-adding analysis tools such as TrackMaster™ and VAMPIRE® so that track maintenance management can be optimized around train fleet and operational conditions. The system is easily operated in unattended mode allowing collection of track geometry data from in-service trains, increased frequency of data collection, and pointing the way for the track maintainers to realize significant value from integrated analysis and management options.

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Initial Alignment of SINS in the Measurement System of Pipeline Position Based on SUKF

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.568-570.464 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 568-570 ◽

pp. 464-467 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hui Li ◽

Peng Jin

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Measurement System ◽

Reference Point ◽

Fault Location ◽

Alignment Algorithm ◽

Initial Alignment ◽

Practical Applications ◽

Attitude Angle ◽

Geometry Measurement ◽

Periodical Change

Aiming at the large dimensions of state vector and attitude angle periodical change of SINS in initial alignment, The alignment algorithm was presented in initial alignment of pipeline inspect gauge system (PIGs) for pipeline fault location and geometry measurement. The state and observation equation with the attitude angle, the position of the reference point and the velocity as observed vectors is established. Combined with the UKF algorithm, variable scale UKF algorithm (SUKF) is proposed to realize the initial alignment during the pipelines detector working. Comparing with UKF, experiment results showed that the steady-state misalignment of pitch, yaw and roll were 17.5’, 6’and 5’. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is effective for practical applications.

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Tool 3D geometry measurement system

10.1117/12.445575 ◽

2001 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Huijie Zhao ◽

Jun Ni ◽

Yi Sun ◽

Xuewen Lin

Keyword(s):

Measurement System ◽

3D Geometry ◽

Geometry Measurement

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Multifunction LIDAR Sensors for Non-Contact Speed Measurement in Rail Vehicles: Part I — System Installation and Implementation

2013 Joint Rail Conference ◽

10.1115/jrc2013-2512 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Joshua Muñoz ◽

Michael Craft ◽

Mehdi Ahmadian ◽

Shannon Wrobel

Keyword(s):

Measurement System ◽

Precise Measurement ◽

Light Detection And Ranging ◽

Lidar System ◽

Track Geometry ◽

Rail Vehicles ◽

Speed Measurement ◽

Train Speed ◽

Geometry Measurement ◽

Contact Sensors

This study presents speed measurement system using Light detection And Ranging (LIDAR) technology is successfully tested on moving railway cars. The system has multiple mounting capabilities that allow it to attach to various locations on the railcar. Using lasers to measure train speed off of each rail individually, the system determines curvature characteristics of the track based on known track geometry and speed differentials measured by the system. The LIDAR speed measurement system offers a non-contact form of measurement that eliminates noise and unwanted disturbances originating from contact sensors such as wheel-mounted encoders. The results of the study indicate that, with an ability to operate at speeds from 0.5mph and upwards of 100mph, the LIDAR system proves to be a highly versatile and precise measurement device useful in rail geometry measurement applications.

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