On-board thermal track misalignment detection system and method therefor
US11623669B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 10, 2022 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/54
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An on-board thermal track misalignment detection system method therefor is presented. The system can use on-board locomotive sensors attached to an end-of-train device to detect (on the edge), signs and symptoms of thermal misalignments of the track. Once detected an alert can be transmitted to prevent potential derailments. The system can also include a forward-facing and rearward-facing imaging sensors (e.g., camera, LiDAR sensor, etc). The system can wirelessly communicate (e.g., via radio) with a leading locomotive to ensure proper air pressure and location. The system can be powered by an on-board battery and/or air pressure device. Advantageously, the system can calculate whether any rail deviation is significant (e.g., via one or more threshold values). The system can also leverage image processing functionality, executed by one or more processors) to find the centerline and the distance between the tracks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.