RAIL MEASURING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method of measuring a mechanical variable which acts on a rail with a longitudinal extension using at least one fiber-optic sensor unit, the rail having a neutral axis which extends along the longitudinal extension, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit 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;
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 the intensity of the signal light; and
evaluating the signal light.
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of measuring a mechanical variable which acts on a rail with a longitudinal extension using at least one fiber-optic sensor unit, the rail having a neutral axis which extends along the longitudinal extension, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit 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;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 the intensity of the signal light; and evaluating the signal light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A fiber optical sensor unit for detecting a mechanical force acting on a rail, comprising:
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an optical fiber; a fiber Bragg grating provided in the optical fiber which has a Bragg wavelength that depends on the mechanical force; a converter structure, wherein the converter structure has a signal amplification lever; and an edge filter for filtering a first part of a signal light. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A rail measuring system comprising:
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a 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; 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 comprises; a fiber Bragg grating provided in an optical fiber which has a Bragg wavelength which depends on the mechanical variable, wherein the at least one fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted to the rail 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 (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for mounting a fiber-optic sensor unit with a fiber Bragg grating to a rail, comprising:
mounting the fiber-optic sensor unit at a positive angle of 30°
to 60°
relative to the neutral axis or at a negative angle of −
30°
to −
60°
relative to the neutral axis of the rail, wherein the fiber-optic sensor unit is mounted approximately at the neutral axis.
Specification