Safety
Precautionary Measures
Safety
Prevent Collisions
Avoid Possible Derailments
Awareness for Track Maintenance
Efficiency
Faster Reporting
Efficiency
Real-Time Reporting
Greater Control of Rail System
Onboard Monitoring
Reliability
Accurate Reporting
Reliability
High Precision Measurements
Functional in all Weather Conditions
Robust Design
2020 Readers Choice Award
for
Most Innovative Product by Progressive Railroading
AVANTE Rail Switch Point Position Sensor
Switch Point Position and Gap Monitoring System Overview
Here at AVANTE, we believe Rail Safety is of the highest importance. That’s why we have developed a solution which will bring your Rail System peace-of-mind at any Switch Point. AVANTE’s Switch Point Position Sensor provides our clients a way to view the current status of a Rail Switch. We utilize the best technology to provide our clients with a solution that is Safe, Efficient, and Reliable.
While most rail accidents that are attributed to switch points are caused by human error, some of the accidents are due to minor spacing between the switch and main rail. A Switch Point Position Sensor can greatly help to mitigate these accidents.
- Simple and easy installation
- Real-time alerts sent to monitoring center/relevant trains when switch gap is above acceptable safe threshold
- Onboard computer alerts the driver of switch gap issue
- 24/7 monitoring of switch point
- (Optional Add-On for AVANTE Positive Train Control System) Automatic braking activation when switch gap issue is detected
Background
While most rail accidents attributed to switch or switch point flaws are caused by human neglect, 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 caused major accidents. However, whether the rail switch induced accidents are attributed to human attention deficiency or mechanical errors in switch closure, a sensor device electronically monitoring the actual position of the switch point and its gap can reduce or eliminate such accidents.
Statistics
Turnouts cause 27% of all rail accidents and derailments. Of these turnouts, switch point gaps and switch adjustment defects account for 39%. We can reduce the turnout rate with an independent system that provides real-time and quantitative data for preventive measurement and maintenance.
How it works…
Magnetic Measurements
AVANTE’s Switch Point Position Sensor relies on taking magnetic measurements between the Switch Point Sensor and the Stock Rail. Through the use of an electromagnetic sensor, we are able to judge the distance between the Switch and Stock rails with precision. Even if there are obstructions blocking the sensor, the device will maintain an accurate recording of the switch gap. This technique of measuring distance is highly accurate, with minimal errors, and completely reliable.
Rail switch position is interlocked with signaling as the alignment of the turnout is in conformance with the scheduled oncoming train. However, there is an absence of independent affirmation of the switch point alignment to the oncoming train if there is an error.
AVANTE Switch Point Position and Gap Monitoring System comprise of the sensor unit and the electronic-communication module that is installed separately up to 10 meters away from the sensor unit as represented above. The sensor module is installed on the stock rail and use electromagnetic wave for measuring quantitative proximity from zero to 50 mm of the switch point blade from the stock rail as depicted above.
Real-Time Alert Reporting
Measurements of a switch point gap will cause an alert to be sent off in real-time to relevant parties (Central Monitoring Station/Oncoming Trains). Alerts will be issued through AVANTE’s monitoring software. If you are using AVANTE’s Positive Train Control solution, then an alert can also activate the automatic braking mechanism onboard the train.
Customizable Alerts and Automatic Brake Control
Switch point position is reported and communicated in real-time to the Rail Control and Command Center as well as the oncoming train approaching the switch point. The position sensed by the unit is then compared with the proper train track alignment for affirmation or alert of a discrepancy.
- AVANTE’s Rail Switch Point Monitoring Device will generate alerts for switch point incomplete closure error exceeding predefined safe spacing in real-time.
- The switch point position data can be used in the central monitoring center and also directly interacts with the onboard PTC control for real-time automatic alerts and control.
- Any spacing beyond zero, between the closed switch point and stock rail, is reported in real-time for determining changes over time and rate of change that may causes accidents if allowed to continue. Thus preventive maintenance can be automatically scheduled.