Automatic Wheel Profile Measuring Device for Tramway Vehicles Technical description The automatic wheel profile measuring device is used to measure the wheel profile and diameter whilst a tramway vehicle drives slowly over the measuring system. The use of non-contact laser measuring technology guarantees a high resolution and accuracy in the recording of the whole wheel profile. All the dimensions necessary for a qualitative wear assessment of the wheel are determined and displayed with the aid of the evaluation software. The measuring system was designed under special consideration of existing space conditions with the use of low-platform vehicles. An industrial PC with a link to existing computers and SAP databases is available as a data input unit. The measured values can be assigned to the limit dimension by comparison of actual values and limit values.
The entire measuring instrument is designed for fully automatic measurement and the trouble-free operation of the system under local ambient conditions. Any faults are signalled immediately by the software and reported to master systems via an interface. OPTImess laser triangulation and OPTIscan laser light-section sensors made completely by our partner, ELAG AG, are used as measured value sensors. These enable necessary modifications to be made quickly and guarantee optimum service. The lasers are linearised over the whole measuring range. The laser output is regulated automatically according to the surface characteristics of the measuring target, allowing different surfaces to be measured reliably. The lasers are not switched on until the tramcar enters the measuring station. There is no danger to the operator or any other persons standing in the vicinity when the measuring device is used properly and due to the existing power class of the laser. The measured data evaluation software is installed on an industrial PC and runs under the Windows XP operating system. It enables maintenance of the vehicle master data necessary for the measurement, e.g. vehicle number, vehicle type, limit dimensions etc. and evaluation of the measured values such as wheel flange thickness and height, qr-dimension, wheel width and diameter. The dimensions to be measured can be determined user-specifically. In addition, the entire profile curve is saved as a file and can be used for subsequent wear inspections or forecasts. The measured values are shown in logs as a vehicle log or vehicle performance log. The measuring system can be tested by a certified test standard (included in delivery) or a certified test wheel set (not included in delivery).
Functions of the measuring system Measurement of wheel profile and diameter in passing at 3 10 km/h Identification of the vehicle by the transmitted transponder number Automatic assignment of the measured data to the vehicle and wheel set Determination of the wheel flange widths B, wheel flange heights H, qr-dimensions and wheel back distances Automatic direction detection and pickup of measured data in forward direction only Saving of all measured data in the integrated database Graphic display of the vehicle s measured data Checking of a max. 3 limit values of the wheel flange dimensions depending on the wheel back distance and wear condition Saving of the vehicle parameters for 30 vehicle types, can be called by the transponder number Detection of overrolling of the wheel flange summits on the inside of the wheel Trend analyses and wear forecasts for wheel set, vehicle, fleet Function for calibrating and testing the system Interface for transferring the data to SAP Display and output whether a vehicle needs to be overhauled.
Components of the measuring system Measuring modules left/right for the diameter measurement in the measuring circle plane with 6 OPTImess laser sensors each with a resolution of 0.02mm, trigger device, power supply and CAN bus link Measuring modules left/right for wheel profile measurement with 3 OPTImess light-section sensors each with a resolution of 0.05mm, trigger device, power supply and CAN bus link Sensors for activating the measuring system and detecting direction PC cabinet with PC for measured data entry and control of the system, LCD monitor, keyboard, I/O module, interface connections, current distribution and control of the fan units LED array(s) for status indication Protective device for reducing soiling of the measuring modules Technical data Speed range 3 10 km/h Measuring accuracy wheel profile <+/- 0.2 mm Measuring accuracy diameter <+/- 1 mm Measuring accuracy wheel back distance <+/- 0.5 mm Operating temperature -20.. 45 C Power supply 230 V Compressed air 6 bar Integration of the system in the rail In order to integrate the measuring system in the service rail, part of the existing rail system will be replaced by a measuring rail. The length of the measuring rail corresponds to at least double the wheel base in the bogie. Installing the measuring system in the rail The necessary foundation work must be done by the customer according to the specified drawings. Installation in the rail is included in the offer and will require about 5 working days including measurements after installation.