Rail measuring system
First Claim
1. A method of measuring a shear deformation which acts on a rail with a longitudinal extension using at least one fiber optic sensor unit, the shear deformations caused by a train running on the rail, the rail having a neutral axis which extends along the longitudinal extension, wherein the areas above and below the neutral axis do experience the shear deformation, wherein the neutral axis does not experience the shear deformation, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit across the neutral axis at a positive first angle of 30°
to 60°
relative to the neutral axis or at a negative angle of −
30°
to −
60°
relative to the neutral axis, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted to the rail, wherein one mounting point of the fiber-optic sensor unit is disposed on one side of the neutral axis and another mounting point is disposed on an opposite side of the neutral axis;
irradiating the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit with a primary light for generating a signal light in a reflection mode or a transmission mode;
detecting an intensity of the signal light;
evaluating a wavelength change between the signal light and the primary light; and
determining the shear deformation based on the wavelength change.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
At least one fiber-optic sensor unit measures a mechanical variable which affects a rail having a certain length and a neutral axis that extends along said length of the rail. The at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is disposed at an angle of 30° to 60°, in particular 45°, relative to the neutral axis or at an angle of −30° to −60°, in particular −45°, relative to the neutral axis. The at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is irradiated with primary light in order to generate a signaling light in a reflection mode or transmission mode. The intensity of the signaling light is sensed. The signaling light is evaluated.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A method of measuring a shear deformation which acts on a rail with a longitudinal extension using at least one fiber optic sensor unit, the shear deformations caused by a train running on the rail, the rail having a neutral axis which extends along the longitudinal extension, wherein the areas above and below the neutral axis do experience the shear deformation, wherein the neutral axis does not experience the shear deformation, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit across the neutral axis at a positive first angle of 30°
to 60°
relative to the neutral axis or at a negative angle of −
30°
to −
60°
relative to the neutral axis, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted to the rail, wherein one mounting point of the fiber-optic sensor unit is disposed on one side of the neutral axis and another mounting point is disposed on an opposite side of the neutral axis;irradiating the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit with a primary light for generating a signal light in a reflection mode or a transmission mode;
detecting an intensity of the signal light;evaluating a wavelength change between the signal light and the primary light; and determining the shear deformation based on the wavelength change. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A fiber optical sensor unit for detecting a mechanical force acting on a rail, comprising:
-
an optical fiber; a fiber Bragg grating provided in the optical fiber which has a Bragg wavelength that depends on the mechanical force acting on the rail; a converter structure comprising two spaced-apart rods connected by a bar, each of the two spaced-apart rods having a mounting point opposite a suspension point, wherein the bar is disposed between the mounting points and suspension points defining a pair of first lever arms extending between the bar and the suspensions points and a pair of second lever arms extending between the bar and the mounting points, wherein the converter structure is adapted to be mounted to the rail via the two mounting points, and wherein the optical fiber is clamped to the first lever arms at the suspension points; and an edge filter for filtering a first part of a signal light generated by reflection or transmission of primary light irradiated on the fiber optical sensor unit, wherein the optical fiber connects the edge filter with the fiber Bragg grating. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A rail measuring system for measuring a shear deformation which acts on a rail, the rail measuring system comprising:
-
the rail with a longitudinal extension and a neutral axis which extends along the longitudinal extension on which rail a mechanical force acts which is generated by a train running thereon, wherein the areas above and below the neutral axis do experience the shear deformation, wherein the neutral axis does not experience the shear deformation; and at least one fiber-optic sensor unit for detecting the mechanical force that acts on the rail, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted to the rail, wherein one mounting point of the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is disposed on one side of the neutral axis and another mounting point is disposed on an opposite side of the neutral axis, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit comprises; a fiber Bragg grating provided in an optical fiber which has a Bragg wavelength which depends on the mechanical force, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted to the rail across the neutral axis at a positive first angle of 30°
to 60°
relative to the neutral axis or at a negative second angle of −
30°
to −
60°
relative to the neutral axis of the rail. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification