Electricity: measuring and testing – Magnetic – Railroad rail flaw testing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-07-17
Patidar, Jay (Department: 2862)
Electricity: measuring and testing
Magnetic
Railroad rail flaw testing
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262573
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to train rail crack detection and traction enhancement and, more particularly, to detection of a cracked train rail by magnetic flux and, additionally, to the increase of traction between a train wheel and the rail, again by magnetic flux.
BACKGROUND ART
Cracked rails occur in various geographical areas, in various climates, and at various locations where the rail beds are in less than optimal condition. Undetected cracked rails can cause derailment along with life-threatening danger and equipment damage. Currently, ten mile areas of rail track are probed before a train is allowed to go on the track. The probing creates a delay and backup in freight car areas and in locomotive dispatching, where cost to shipping is added due to these idle waiting rail cars.
It is desirable to know the condition of a section of track as the train leaves that section of the track. Self-policing track by simple low cost means for the next user, which may be closer than the ten mile probe area, would allow closer spacing of trains and thus increase throughput of coal etc., throughout the rail system.
All sorts of schemes have been conceived to detect cracks in a rail, but none appear to be cost effective. Ultrasound, and the like, employ detectors to screen out known discontinuities in track mating techniques, but none are cost effective to date.
Further problems occur when train locomotives pull heavy loads under various types of weather, track condition, etc. Wheel slippage causes damage to tracks and wheels themselves. Various techniques have been tried to detect loss of traction as well as slippage and re-direct power to the non-slipping wheels. This resembles the limited slip or traction control offered in many automobiles. Such techniques have had varying degrees of success.
It is desired to greatly increase traction to enable locomotives to pull greater loads up hills. Maintenance of damaged wheels and track due to slippage is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, the desire to minimize or eliminate slippage is another issue for the subject of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method to detect train rail cracks easily, and at low cost, is implemented with a circuit for detection of cracks in train rails and rail discontinuity. The invention provides both train truck and trailering embodiments for rail crack detection with little complexity.
The invention also involves use of a method of magnetraction to inhibit slippage between train wheel and track, using electromagnetic energy with no current in or through the train axle bearing. The method uses opposing electromagnetic fields to generate and complete the magnetic circuit, enabling both aspects of this invention to take place. An electromagnet structure is used to pull the train locomotive downward toward the track, thus increasing the loading force on the wheel, producing greater friction and therefore improved traction. A train operator can apply this magnetraction at will, or under computer control.
A preferred embodiment of the invention combines a crack detector and traction enhancement concept for locomotive and end of train crack detection. The magnetic structure force enhancer is placed where it will not interfere with proper operation of the train. Additionally, the invention provides a way to use electromagnetic energy that does not require electric current in the bearing assemblies of the train axles.
An electromagnetic system for rail detection and traction enhancement comprises, in a preferred embodiment, wheel axles, wiring coils around the wheel axles, respectively, and a power source coupled to the wiring coils for supplying power to produce electromagnetic flux. The wiring coils produce opposite magnetic north and south pole pairs on the axles.
The electromagnetic system further comprises means for monitoring a flux pattern if different, interrupted or open, and means for locating the position where the circuit pattern is detected as open. The power source is a generator for generating power by wheel rotation, or by a locomotive engine. The system further includes an electromagnetic wheel loading means connected to said power source, for generating artificial load of a train.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4179744 (1979-12-01), Lowe
patent: 4979392 (1990-12-01), Gunion
patent: 5579013 (1996-11-01), Hershey et al.
Kornrumpf William Paul
Welles II Kenneth Brakeley
Wojnarowski Robert John
Aurora Renna
Breedlove Jill M.
General Electric Company
Patidar Jay
Stoner Douglas E.
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