Vertical track modulus trending
AssigneeBoard of Regents of the University of Nebraska
InventorsShane M. Farritor, Sheng Lu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for determining a trend in vertical track modulus are disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Vertical deflection data is collected along a particular section of railroad track. A first set of vertical track modulus is determined, based in part, on the collected vertical deflection data. At a second time, vertical deflection data is again collected along the particular section of railroad track to be used in determining a second set of vertical track modulus. At least the first and second sets of vertical track modulus are analyzed to determine a mathematical algorithm that facilitates developing a trend in the vertical track modulus of the railroad track.
Claims20
A system for estimating vertical track deflection of a railroad track, the system comprising:
- a rail vertical deflection sensor configured for measuring vertical track deflection data along a portion of the railroad track;
- and
- a computing device configured for trending vertical track data based on two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained at different times along a the portion of the railroad track, wherein the computing device is configured to forecast a future vertical track modulus based on the two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained over time.
A system for estimating vertical track deflection of a railroad track, the system comprising:
- a rail vertical deflection sensor configured for measuring vertical track deflection data along a portion of the railroad track;
- and
- a computing device configured for trending vertical track data based on two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained at different times along the portion of the railroad track, the system further comprising a means for generating a graphical forecast of the vertical track data along the railroad track.
A system for estimating vertical track deflection of a railroad track, the system comprising:
- a rail vertical deflection sensor configured for measuring vertical track deflection data along a portion of the railroad track;
- a means for recording vertical track deflection data;
- and
- a means for trending vertical track data based on two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained at different times along the portion of the railroad track, the system further comprising a means for forecasting a future vertical track modulus based on the two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained over time.
A system for estimating vertical track deflection of a railroad track, the system comprising:
- a first position sensor configured for sensing a first position profile of a rail vehicle engaging the railroad track;
- a second position sensor configured for sensing a second position profile of a rail vehicle engaging the railroad track;
- a means for determining the relative vertical displacement of the railroad track based at least in part on the first and second sensed position profiles;
- and
- a means for trending vertical track data based on two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained along the a portion of the railroad track overtime, wherein the first and second position profiles are associated with a single rail vehicle having first and second vertical loads.
A system for estimating vertical track deflection of a railroad track, the system comprising:
- a first position sensor configured for sensing a first position profile of a rail vehicle engaging the railroad track;
- a second position sensor configured for sensing a second position profile of a rail vehicle engaging the railroad track;
- a means for determining the relative vertical displacement of the railroad track based at least in part on the first and second sensed position profiles;
- and
- a means for trending vertical track data based on two or more vertical track deflection data measurements obtained along the a portion of the railroad track over time, wherein the first position profile is associated with a first rail vehicle having a first vertical load, and wherein the second position profile is associated with a second rail vehicle having a second vertical load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.