Rail Switch Position Sensor Network
Independent Electronic Sensor Network for Monitoring Switch Point and Main and Branch Line Closure in Supplement to the Switch Interlocking Data
Real-Time Visibility of Switch Position and Any Discrepancy to the Train Engineer-Driver and Onboard Computer Controlled System is a Supplement to the Same Visibility in the Monitoring Control Center
Rail Safety Enhancement and Real-Time Exception Alerts with Sensor-Based Rail Switch Point Monitoring Sensor Devices:
While most rail accidents that are attributed to switch/switch point errors are human attention issues, some of the accidents are due to minor spacing between the switch rail and the main rail. In some cases, tampering of the switch has also caused major accidents. However, whether the rail switch induced accidents are attributed to human attention deficit or mechanical errors in switch closure, a Rail Switch Position Sensor device can electronically monitor the actual position of the switch point and its gap. This data is communicated to both the monitoring center and oncoming trains with suitable automatic alerts. Having such control can reduce or eliminate such accidents.
- AVANTE designed a switch monitoring device that measures and reports the actual position of the switching rail point and the main or branch track to detect any spacing.
- If the gap between the intended switch point is beyond spacing that may cause accidents, the AVANTE Sensor Network will generate real-time alerts to the monitoring center and the oncoming trains.
- The onboard computer receiving such data will generate alerts to the train driver and may also automatically engage the braking system if the train engineer driver does not take the appropriate action.
- AVANTE’s Rail Switch Point Monitoring Device provides 24/7/365 electronic monitoring of the rail track switch position and closure to the onboard computer for intelligent decision based on its intended route. The right switch position for the going route will provide “green light” confirmation while any discrepancy will trigger a “red” alert and engage automatic braking when needed.
Configuration of AVANTE’s Proximity Sensor inserted on the stock rail for quantitative position measurement of the switching point during rail switching operation.