Abstract: This paper introduces the hardware and software composition principles of a novel intelligent axle counter sensor design, and explains how to utilize the design scheme of an axle counter non-insulated track circuit without the need for a track circuit.
Keywords: sensor; axle counter; track circuit
Foreword
Track circuits utilize steel rails as transmission lines. By short-circuiting the rails with the wheelsets of the train, the rails lose their transmission line function, causing the circuit to fail, thereby achieving the purpose of detecting whether the train occupies or clears a section of track.
The main components of a rail circuit include power supply equipment, transmission equipment (rails and rail connections), and power receiving equipment. Using rails as transmission lines has many drawbacks. Rail transmission lines are easily limited by external and internal environmental conditions. In just two years, there have been six accidents where trains derailed because the rail circuit failed to properly restrain the trains, leading to the switching of switches while the trains were on the tracks. How can these problems be solved?
The axle-counting, non-insulated track circuit does not use the track as a transmission line; instead, it employs axle-counting sensors and subsequent processing stages to complete the tasks required by the track circuit. Because the axle-counting, non-insulated track circuit completely solves the various problems of traditional track circuits, it will significantly improve system reliability and effectively ensure train operation safety.
For details, please click: Development of a Novel Intelligent Axis Counting Sensor
