HWT101CT Inclination Sensor Monitors Railway Flatness
Railways have become one of the most important modes of transportation today, and ensuring their safe and smooth operation is crucial. One fundamental task in this regard is the detection of rail surface evenness, which is often performed using inclinometers. These sensors measure the tilt of the rails to identify problem sections in time and allow for timely maintenance to ensure train safety.
An inclinometer is a device used to measure the tilt angle of a system. Its working principle relies on internal sensing elements that respond to changes in inclination. When the system tilts, the sensor detects the gravitational component perpendicular to the inclined plane. Because this component has a trigonometric relationship with the overall gravitational force, the tilt angle can be calculated using inverse trigonometric functions.
In rail evenness detection applications, in addition to the inclinometer, other components are required to convert and store measurement data. The measurement system is typically mounted on a mobile platform that travels along the tracks. As the platform moves, the inclinometer measures the horizontal tilt angle in real time, and the recorded data is stored by an onboard device. This data enables post-measurement assessment of rail tilt, helping determine whether any corrective measures are needed to maintain operational safety.
Once the sensor is mounted on a fixed surface, a zeroing function can be used before measurement. After zeroing, the sensor outputs tilt values relative to the reference surface. For applications requiring stable output, it is recommended to use smoothed outputs to avoid abrupt changes. In scenarios that demand rapid response, such as high-frequency vibration measurements, high-frequency output modes can be used, although they may result in less stable readings due to short response times. Internal filtering functions can also be enabled to improve angle measurements under vibration conditions. With dual-axis measurement, the inclinometer can achieve full 360° angle detection, and current products are highly stable and reliable.
Over time, rail subgrades may settle, particularly in soft soil areas, affecting safety. To address this, sensor- and wireless-network-based systems are used for remote, automated monitoring of railway subgrade settlement. The monitoring system comprises four subsystems: surface settlement laser measurement, simultaneous measurement of layered subgrade settlement and lateral displacement, automatic measurement of cross-sectional settlement, and data acquisition with wireless transmission.
The inclinometer can also be integrated into a motorized system for dynamic angle measurement. In subgrade monitoring systems, it is used to measure the degree of settlement and monitor subgrade conditions in real time.
Learn more about the HWT101CT Inclinometer:
https://witmotion-sensor.com/products/hwt101ct-military-grade-z-axis-crystal-inclinometer-mems-tilt-angle-sensor
