Measuring instruments and equipment: Swiss Quality

System for Railway Track Diagnostics
Railway Track

Railway Track is an integrated system for railway track diagnostics perfectly suitable for applications on high-speed trains (up to 350 kmph).
Based on inertial, optical, satellite and geoinformational technologies, Railway Track provides track geometry measurements as well as diagnostics of short irregularities on the rail surface.


Railway Track is an integrated system for railway track diagnostics providing track geometry measurements as well as diagnostics of the short irregularities on the rail surface. Based on inertial, optical, satellite and geoinformational technologies, RailwayTrack is intended for applications on high-speed trains (up to 350 km/h). Because of the modular build Railway Track can be mounted on the bogie of any regular passenger or freight train as well as integrated in the software and hardware of track inspection vehicles.

The rail surface defects diagnostics is accomplished by means of inertial measuring units (IMUs) mounted on the axle boxes.

The track geometry parameters are measured according to the standard EN 13848 with a specially designed strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). At the same time SINS with the GNSS receiver provides a precise localization of measuring point through geographic (latitude and longitude) coordinates and track ones.

The Railway Track comprises modular units as follows:

  • SINS with GNSS receiver
  • Optical scanners
  • IMUs
  • Video recorders
  • Odometer
  • Data processing unit

Railway Track features

  • Track geometry measurements according to the standard EN 13848
  • Contactless rail defects diagnostics
  • Applicable for high-speed trains
  • Modular implementation
  • High positioning accuracy
  • Combination of cutting-edge technologies in optoelectronics, inertial navigation, GIS, image processing
  • Easy to install and operate

Railway Track structure



		1, 2 - Laser scanner
		3 - SINS
		4, 5 - IMU
		6 - Video system Read more about Track Geometry Measuring System (TGMS) Read more about Track Defects Diagnostics System (TDDS)

Railway Track hardware

SINS - Strapdown Inertial Navigation System

A specially designed for railway applications Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS) GNSS aided. A monoblock unit with SINS and the surface analyzer (a pair of laser scanners) is mounted right on the bogie frame which improves the track geometry measurement accuracy.

Read more about Strapdown Inertial Navigation System

IMU - Inertial Measurement Unit

IMUs based on MEMS (Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems) inertial sensors, are relatively low-cost, small-sized, and able to function in heavy shock and vibration conditions, with severe electromagnetic interference and temperature gradient. A set of four IMUs mounted on the axle boxes is used for rail surface irregularities detection.

Read more about Inertial Measurement Unit


Technical Data

Track parameters Accuracy
Geometrical parameters
Track gauge, longitudinal level, alignment, cross level, twist 0.5 mm
Curvature 0.00001 m-1
Track coordinate (with satellite receiver and odometer aiding) 0.2 m
Rail surface defects
Corrugations, squats, wheelslip surface defects, wheelburns 0.5 mm
Navigation and attitude parameters
Geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) 1 m
Heading 0.1 deg
Roll and pitch 0.07 deg
Car-track dynamic interaction Range
Rate ± 200 °/s
Acceleration ± 20 g and ± 35 g

Operating Parameters
Speed range 5 ... 350 km/h
Data output rate 1 kHz
Readiness time max 15 min
Continuous operation unlimited
Operating system Windows / Linux
Interface USB, Ethernet, etc
Supply voltage 220 V AC
Power consumption < 50 W
Operating temperature -40° C ... +60° C

More information about Railway Track (.pdf)

Article in DER EISENBAHN-INGENIEUR about Railway Track system (.pdf for registered users)


 
Fin-de-Praz 24, CH-2024 St-Aubin-Sauges, Switzerland      phone +41 (0)32 835 35 15  www.zgoptique.swiss