U.S. patent application number 17/302426 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for avalanche slide detection system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to BNSF Railway Company. The applicant listed for this patent is BNSF Railway Company. Invention is credited to Mitchell Beard.
Application Number | 20220009534 17/302426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005586676 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220009534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beard; Mitchell |
January 13, 2022 |
Avalanche Slide Detection System and Method
Abstract
An impact detection tower is disclosed that can facilitate a
reliable method of avalanche detection, related to the maintenance
and monitoring a railway system. The avalanche detection system can
include a plurality of impact detection towers comprising sensors
in operable communication with a gateway configured to utilize data
transmitted from the sensors to determine if an avalanche has
occurred. The gateway can be in operable connection with a
human-machine interface to facilitate monitoring of the system by a
railroad engineer.
Inventors: |
Beard; Mitchell; (Shawnee,
KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BNSF Railway Company |
Fort Worth |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BNSF Railway Company
Fort Worth
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005586676 |
Appl. No.: |
17/302426 |
Filed: |
May 3, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16924694 |
Jul 9, 2020 |
11059502 |
|
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17302426 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61L 1/20 20130101; G01C
9/00 20130101; G08B 21/182 20130101; G08B 21/10 20130101; B61L
23/041 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B61L 23/04 20060101
B61L023/04; G08B 21/18 20060101 G08B021/18; G01C 9/00 20060101
G01C009/00; G08B 21/10 20060101 G08B021/10; B61L 1/20 20060101
B61L001/20 |
Claims
1. An avalanche detection system, comprising: a plurality of impact
detection towers configured to detect an avalanche, each impact
detection tower comprising: a stanchion member having a mast
hingedly coupled to a base, the mast maintained in an upright
position by a conditional operator adapted to control the operation
of the hinge; and a sensor operably coupled to the stanchion
member; and a gateway configured to receive data from the sensor to
determine a magnitude of the stanchion member's movement, wherein
the avalanche detection system is operable to detect an avalanche
based upon the magnitude of the stanchion member's movement.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a reactive stand
configured to extend when the impact detection tower begins to
topple.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to
detect a tilt of the stanchion member.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to
signal an alert if the magnitude of the impact detection tower
movement exceeds a predetermined threshold.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a human-machine
interface (HMI) operably coupled to the gateway.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor determines the angular
or lateral speed and acceleration of the stanchion member.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the avalanche detection system is
disposed proximate a railroad track.
8. An impact detection tower, comprising: a stanchion member having
a mast hingedly coupled to a base, the mast maintained in an
upright position by a conditional operator adapted to control the
operation of the hinge; and a sensor operably coupled to the
stanchion member and configured to collect data related to the
status of the impact detection tower, wherein the sensors can
indicate the presence of an avalanche proximate the impact
detection tower based upon the collected data.
9. The impact detection tower of claim 8, wherein the stanchion
member comprises a mast operably coupled to a base, wherein the
base is configured to couple the stanchion member to a foundation
member.
10. The impact detection tower of claim 9, wherein the base
includes a top constituent coupled to the mast and a bottom
constituent coupled to the foundation member, wherein the
conditional operator controls the operation of a hinge connecting
the top constituent and the bottom constituent.
11. The impact detection tower of claim 8, wherein the sensor is
configured to determine a tilt of the stanchion member.
12. The impact detection tower of claim 8, wherein the conditional
operator is a shear pin.
13. The impact detection tower of claim 8, wherein the sensor is
configured to transmit data to a gateway.
14. The impact detection tower of claim 8, further comprising a
reactive stand.
15. The impact detection tower of claim 14, wherein the reactive
stand is configured to prevent the stanchion member from tilting
beyond 45 degrees.
16. The impact detection tower of claim 8, wherein the conditional
operator is configured to release the stanchion member from an
upright position when a force exceeding a predetermined operator
strength is applied substantially perpendicularly to a vertical
axis of the stanchion member.
17. A method of detecting avalanche interference in a railroad
system, comprising: receiving data from a sensor coupled to a
stanchion member disposed proximate a railroad track related to the
movement of the stanchion member, wherein the stanchion member
includes a mast hingedly coupled to a base; detecting an avalanche,
via a gateway, if the stanchion member movement exceeds a
predetermined threshold; and generating an alert using at least a
portion of the received data.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mast maintained in an
upright position by a conditional operator adapted to control the
operation of the hinge.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the sensor is configured to
detect a tilt, angular or lateral speed, or acceleration of the
stanchion member.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the conditional operator is a
shear pin.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of Application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/924,694, filed Jul. 9, 2020,
the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to damage detection
and response in railroad asset management and maintenance.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Rail transport systems traverse entire continents to enable
the transport and delivery of passengers and goods throughout the
world. A quintessential component of railroad infrastructure is the
railroad track. Laid over a myriad of geographies and terrains,
railroad tracks are designed to withstand the worst of the elements
and facilitate the movement of locomotives throughout the railroad
system. Because of this constant exposure of the tracks to
hazardous conditions, railroad companies must be vigilant in
maintaining track integrity; if a section of track is compromised
and the damage or obstruction is not quickly addressed, the
consequences can be catastrophic.
[0004] Sections of track that are particularly at risk are those
laid in mountain ranges. Because of high snowfall and drastic
changes in elevation, railroad tracks that span mountain ranges are
at the highest risk of being impacted by avalanches. Avalanches are
unpredictable, abrupt, and potentially devastating to railroad
infrastructure. An avalanche can bury railroad tracks in snow and
debris, obstructing the path of a travelling locomotive. Such
obstruction can affect the safe movement of trains, resulting in
train derailment or damage to locomotives. However, predicting when
an avalanche might occur can be an extremely difficult and inexact
science, and responding in a timely and appropriate manner can be
even more difficult. Railroad companies must constantly be wary of
potential avalanches at any one point along thousands of miles of
railroad tracks laid in one of the world's most precarious
environments. As such, simply detecting when an avalanche occurs is
a challenge in-and-of itself.
[0005] Some traditional avalanche detection methods focus on
movement in snowpack to determine if an avalanche will occur or has
occurred. For example, javelin-like sensors and probes can be
inserted into snowpack and detect shifts that may be indicative of
an avalanche. However, while useful, the high potential for false
alarms renders snowpack monitors impractical for monitoring
avalanche obstruction in railroad infrastructure. For example,
wildlife movement can cause shifts in snowpack and trigger sensors,
and there are also instances when an avalanche does not pose a
danger to train operations; minimal snow deposit on the track does
not hinder locomotives. As such, relying on known snowpack
monitoring technology can result in false alarms causing needless
train delay and railroad network bottlenecks. False alarms not only
cause needless train delay, they can also result in train crew
complacency--over time in active avalanche areas, continuous false
alarms can condition railway personnel to doubt the validity of a
given avalanche alarm, thereby adding unnecessary risk to train
operations.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure achieves technical advantages as an
avalanche detection system. In one embodiment, the present
disclosure comprises an avalanche detection system that reduces
instances of false alarms by implementing varying levels of
redundancy, as well as implementing mechanical conditional
operators in conjunction with sensors and logic to determine if an
avalanche has occurred. In another embodiment, the present
disclosure provides an avalanche detection system that is cost
efficient and practical, increasing the speed in which a railroad
system is alerted to avalanche obstruction of railroad tracks.
[0007] It is an object of the disclosure to provide an avalanche
detection system that is capable of detecting the occurrence of an
avalanche that can obstruct a train's movement along railroad
tracks. It is another object of the disclosure to provide an impact
detection tower capable of reacting only to impacts of certain
forces, effectively reducing false alarms due to wildlife, wind,
and other weather conditions that cannot apply as much force as,
for example, an avalanche. It is another object of the disclosure
to provide a method of detecting avalanche interference in a
railway system that mitigates the potential for false alarms while
being effective and cost efficient.
[0008] In one exemplary embodiment, an avalanche detection system
includes: a first impact detection tower, the tower comprising: a
foundation member; a stanchion member operably coupled to the
foundation member, wherein the stanchion member is maintained in an
upright position by a conditional operator sensitive to impact
forces applied to the stanchion member; a sensor operably coupled
to the stanchion member; and a gateway configured to receive data
from the sensor to determine whether the stanchion member has moved
and the magnitude of such movement. Further comprising a second
impact detection tower. The stanchion member further includes a
base coupled to the foundation member, the base comprising: a top
constituent hingedly coupled to a bottom constituent, wherein the
conditional operator controls the operation of a hinge coupled to
the top constituent and bottom constituent; and a mast coupled to
the top constituent of the base. The sensor is configured to detect
a tilt of the stanchion member. The system is configured to signal
an alert if the magnitude of the stanchion member movement exceeds
a predetermined threshold. Further comprising a human-machine
interface (HMI) operably coupled to the gateway. The first impact
detection tower is disposed proximate a railroad track.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, an impact detection tower
can include: a foundation member; a stanchion member engaged with
the foundation member; and a sensor; wherein the stanchion member
is maintained in an upright position by a conditional operator
sensitive to impact forces applied to the stanchion member. The
stanchion member can include a mast operably coupled to a base,
wherein the base is configured to couple the stanchion member to
the foundation member. The base can include a top constituent
coupled to the mast and a bottom constituent coupled to the
foundation member, wherein the conditional operator controls the
operation of a hinge connecting the top constituent and the bottom
constituent. The sensor can be configured to determine a tilt of
the stanchion member. The conditional operator can be a shear pin,
or other suitable device. The sensor can be configured to transmit
data to a gateway. Further comprising a reactive stand. The
reactive stand can be configured to prevent the stanchion member
from tilting beyond 45 degrees. The conditional operator can be
configured to release the stanchion member from an upright position
when a force exceeding a predetermined operator strength is applied
substantially perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the stanchion
member.
[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of detecting
avalanche interference in a railroad system, the method can include
the steps of: installing an impact detection tower proximate a
railroad track, the impact detection tower can include: a
foundation member; a stanchion member engaged with the foundation
member; a sensor; and providing a gateway configured to receive
data from the sensor to determine whether the stanchion member has
moved and the magnitude of such movement. A stanchion member can
include a base engaged with the foundation member, the base can
include: a top constituent hingedly coupled to a bottom
constituent, wherein a conditional operator controls the operation
of a hinge coupled to the top constituent and bottom constituent;
and a mast coupled to the top constituent of the base. The sensor
can be configured to detect a tilt of the stanchion member. The
gateway is configured to signal an alert if a tilt of the stanchion
member exceeds a predetermined threshold.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an avalanche
detection system, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an
impact detection tower, in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an impact
detection tower, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an impact
detection tower, in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an impact
detection tower, in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
an avalanche detection system, in accordance with the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The preferred version of the disclosure presented in the
following written description and the various features and
advantageous details thereof, are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting examples included in the accompanying
drawings and as detailed in the description, which follows.
Descriptions of well-known components have been omitted so to not
unnecessarily obscure the principle features described herein. The
examples used in the following description are intended to
facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the disclosure can
be implemented and practiced. Accordingly, these examples should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure
comprises an avalanche detection system. The system can include one
or more impact detection towers, each equipped with a sensor
configured to collect data related to, for example, the status of
the impact detection tower, the current weather conditions, the
status of other impact detection towers, or any other information
useful in the prediction or detection of avalanches or impacts to
the towers. Preferably, and as seen in FIG. 1, the impact detection
towers 102 can be disposed along and parallel with a railroad track
100. In one embodiment, the towers 102 can be placed no more than
fifty feet from one another, and preferably around twenty-five feet
from one another. The sensors of the towers 102 can be configured
to communicate data to a gateway (not shown in FIG. 1); in another
embodiment, the sensors can be in operable communication with a
gateway. In one embodiment, the gateway can be configured to
process data from the sensors of the impact detection towers 102 to
determine if an alert should be signaled. In another embodiment, an
alert can be signaled and communicated to railroad personnel via a
human-machine interface (HMI).
[0019] The sensors and the gateway can be communicably coupled to
each other via a network, such as the Internet, intranet, system
bus, or other suitable network, wired or wireless. The
communication can be encrypted, unencrypted, over a VPN tunnel, or
transmitted over other suitable communication means. The network
can be a WAN, LAN, PAN, or other suitable network. Additionally,
the sensors and the gateway can form a mesh network. The network
communication between the sensors and the gateway, can be encrypted
using PGP, Blowfish, AES, 3DES, HTTPS, or other suitable
encryption. The network communication can occur via application
programming interface (API), ANSI-X12, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
PCI-Express, USB, Z-WAVE, Zigbee, or other suitable communication
protocol. Additionally, databases having obstacle detection or
control data can be operably coupled to the system components.
[0020] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B depict an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure. Preferably, an impact detection tower 102 can
include a foundation member 104 and a stanchion member 106. The
foundation member 104 can be implemented as any component suitable
for coupling to the stanchion member 106 and stabilizing the
stanchion member 106 in an upright position. For example, and in
one embodiment, the foundation member 104 can be implemented as a
slab configured to receive the stanchion member 106. In another
exemplary embodiment, the foundation member 104 can be implemented
as a support substantially buried in the ground or secured within a
slab and configured to receive the stanchion member 106.
[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, the stanchion member 106
can comprise a base 108 and a mast 114. Preferably, the base 108
can be configured to couple to the foundation member 104 and
support the mast 114. As an example, the base 108 can comprise a
top constituent 110 and a bottom constituent 112, wherein the top
constituent 110 can be coupled to the mast 114 and the bottom
constituent 112 can be coupled to the foundation member 104. The
base 108 can be of any suitable shape or configuration to allow it
to facilitate the coupling of the mast 114 to the foundation member
104. The mast 114 can also include gussets 128 to increase the
stability of the mast.
[0022] A conditional operator can control the operation of the
hinge 116 coupled to the top constituent 110 and bottom constituent
112. A receiver mechanism 122 can include a male end and a female
end, with an area configured to be received the conditional
operator. In one exemplary embodiment, the bottom constituent 112
can include a male member, having a member hole therethrough, that
can be fed through an opening in top constituent 110. The male
member hope can be configured to receive the conditional operator.
In another exemplary embodiment, the top constituent 110 can
include one or more guards, having a guard hole therethrough, that
can align with the male member of the bottom constituent 112, such
that the conditional member can be received through the holes of
the male member and the one or more guards. In one embodiment, the
foundation member 104 can include a mounting plate 130 that can
releasably secure the base 108 to the foundation member 104. The
foundation member 104 can be releasably secured to the mounting
plate 130 via nuts and bolts, or other suitable components.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the stanchion member 106 can also
be coupled directly to the foundation member 104. In one
embodiment, the foundation member 104 can include a slab with an
orifice 120 configured to receive an end 118 of the stanchion
member 106; the stanchion member end 118 can preferably be the male
counterpart, and the foundation member orifice 120 can preferably
be the female counterpart, of a male-female connection scheme. It
will be understood by those skilled in the art that there are a
variety of designs and configurations available to facilitate the
coupling of the stanchion member end 118 within the foundation
member orifice 120. In one embodiment, the stanchion member end 118
can comprise threads, and the foundation member orifice 120 can
comprise corresponding threads configured to receive the stanchion
member end 118 threads. In another embodiment, the foundation
member orifice 120 can be configured to tightly receive the
stanchion member end 118, and the end 118 can be beveled and
corrugated to facilitate insertion of the end 118 into the orifice
120, such that the stanchion member 106 can be "snapped" into place
within the foundation member 104. Any other suitable
male-female-type attachment scheme may be utilized to facilitate
the coupling of the stanchion member 106 to the foundation member
104.
[0024] In one embodiment, the impact detection tower 102 can
preferably be configured such that the stanchion member 106 can
topple over when impacted with sufficient force. For example, the
stanchion member 106 can be releasably coupled to the foundation
member 104 such that sufficient force can decouple the stanchion
member 106 from the foundation member 104. Such force can be
predetermined via historical data, modeling, or other suitable
method. Alternatively, the stanchion member 106 can be operably
engaged with the foundation member 104 to allow the stanchion
member 106 to topple while remaining coupled to the foundation
member 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the stanchion member 106
and foundation member 104 can be hingedly engaged such that the
stanchion member 106 is movable around the axis of the hinge,
enabling the stanchion member 106 to fall over while remaining
attached to the foundation member 104. In another embodiment, the
stanchion member 106 can comprise a base 108 with a top constituent
110 and a bottom constituent 112, and a hinge 116 can be disposed
between the constituents 110, 112. As an example, and as
illustrated in FIG. 2B, in this manner, the stanchion member 106
can remain coupled to the foundation member 104 via the bottom
constituent 112 of the base 108 but topple when hit with sufficient
force.
[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, the stanchion member 106 of the
impact detection tower 102 can be configured to only topple when
impacted with sufficient force, as controlled by a conditional
operator. The conditional operator can be utilized to maintain the
stanchion member 106 in an upright position, such that when a
condition is met (i.e. an impact of predetermined force), the
conditional operator can function to allow the stanchion member 106
to topple. In one embodiment, and as seen in FIG. 2, the
conditional operator can preferably be a shear pin that can control
the operation of the hinge 116. The shear pin can be designed to
prevent operation of the hinge 116 until a predetermined force is
applied to the tower 102. The tensile strength of the shear pin can
be selected such that once the predetermined force is applied to
the tower, the shear pin will fail and allow the hinge to operate.
Multiple types of conditional operators can be utilized to
accomplish this function, including friction devices, springed
devices, or other suitable devices. In one embodiment, the
conditional operator can be a magnet configured to separate only
upon application of sufficient force to the tower 102. In another
embodiment, the conditional operator can function like a door
latch, only releasing upon application of sufficient force. Any
suitable component can be utilized to accomplish the conditional
upright position of the stanchion member 106. In one embodiment,
the conditional operator is configured to release the stanchion
member from an upright position when a force exceeding a
predetermined operator strength is applied substantially
perpendicularly to a vertical axis of the stanchion member. In one
exemplary embodiment, the stanchion member can be positioned such
that the hinge is opposite the side of initial impact, such as
facing away from the rail road or positioned between the railroad
tracks and the avalanche threat, such that an impact from an
avalanche will cause the hinge to operate and cause the tower to
topple.
[0026] The coupling mechanism between the foundation member 104 and
stanchion member 106 can also be configured to act as a conditional
operator. For example, with respect to FIG. 3, the stanchion member
end 118 and foundation member orifice 120 can be configured to
decouple upon application of sufficient force to the stanchion
member 106. In one embodiment, the threads of the stanchion member
end 118 and foundation member orifice 120 can be designed to give
way when the stanchion member 106 is impacted with a certain force.
In another embodiment, a beveled and corrugated end 118 can release
from the orifice 120 upon impact of a similar force. It will also
be understood by those having skill in the art any suitable
male-female-type attachment mechanism can be configured to act as a
conditional operator and allow the stanchion member 106 to separate
from the foundation 104 upon application of a predetermined force.
In another embodiment, the hinged engagement of the stanchion
member 106 with the foundation member 104 (or the hinge 116
connecting the top constituent 110 and bottom constituent 112 of
the base 108) can be configured to only operate when sufficient
force is applied, such as through a design increase in friction,
thereby acting as a conditional operator in-and-of itself. In
another embodiment, the stanchion member 106 itself can act as the
conditional operator. For example, someone having skill in the art
will understand that the stanchion member 106 can be made of a
material designed to break upon application of a certain level of
force, and upon breaking, the stanchion member 106 would no longer
be in an upright position. In this manner, and as an example, the
material of the stanchion member 106, the material of the
foundation member 104, and/or the material of the attachment
mechanism used to couple the stanchion member 106 to the foundation
member 104 (for example, nuts and bolts, rivets, threads, or any
other suitable attachment mechanism) can be the conditional
operator.
[0027] FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure,
wherein a reactive stand 124 can be disposed on the stanchion
member 106 of the impact detection tower 102. In one embodiment,
the stand 124 can be configured to extend when the stanchion member
106 begins to topple, or when a force is applied to the tower 102.
In another embodiment, the stand can be configured to extend
commensurate with the toppling of the stanchion member 106. The
stand 124 can be made to be reactive to an impact to the tower 102
by being spring-loaded, connecting to a pulley-type system, or
otherwise being mechanized or actuated to react to an impact or
movement by the stanchion member 106 by any other suitable
component or mechanism.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure, wherein the impact detection tower 102
comprises a sensor 126. In one embodiment, the sensor is disposed
near the top of the stanchion member 106. It will be understood by
those having skill in the art that the sensor 126 can be configured
to collect a variety of data, including temperature, wind speed,
elevation, vibrational frequencies, radio frequencies, motion
indications, and any other data potentially useful to railroad
operators. It will also be understood by those having skill in the
art that the sensor 126 can be equipped with a number of components
to facilitate such data collection, including, but not limited to,
accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS, proximity sensors,
ambient light sensors, microphones, speakers (to, for example, emit
a sound to assist in the location of the sensor), barometers,
thermometers, and air humidity sensors. In a preferred embodiment,
the sensor 126 can comprise an accelerometer operable to detect a
tilt of the impact detection tower 102. In another embodiment, the
sensor 126 can be configured to detect vibrations in the tower 102.
In another embodiment, the sensor 126 can be configured to detect
angular and/or lateral speed and acceleration of stanchion member
106. The sensor 126 can be made to be resistant to a myriad of
weather conditions or to be waterproof or airtight. In a another
embodiment, the sensor 126 can be configured to output data that it
collects in real-time (lower than 500 millisecond latency) to a
gateway. It will be understood by those in the art that the sensor
126 can output data via a myriad of communication methods,
including radio frequencies, Ethernet, or any other suitable
communication method.
[0029] In one embodiment, the gateway is configured to receive data
from the sensor(s) 126 and determine if an alert should be signaled
based on this data. For example, the gateway can comprise a
processor with access to memory. In another embodiment, the gateway
can be implemented via one or more servers having a memory. The
server can be implemented in hardware, software, or a suitable
combination of hardware and software therefor, and can comprise one
or more software systems operating on one or more servers, having
one or more processors, with access to memory. Server(s) can
include electronic storage, one or more processors, and/or other
components. Server(s) can include communication lines, or ports to
enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other
computing platforms. Server(s) can also include a plurality of
hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together
to provide the functionality attributed herein to server(s). For
example, server(s) can be implemented by a cloud of computing
platforms operating together as server(s). Additionally, the server
can include memory.
[0030] Memory can comprise electronic storage that can include
non-transitory storage media that electronically stores
information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage can
include one or both of system storage that can be provided
integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server(s)
and/or removable storage that can be removably connectable to
server(s) via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire
port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic
storage can include one or more of optically readable storage media
(e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media
(e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.),
electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.),
solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other
electronically readable storage media. Electronic storage can
include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage,
a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources).
Electronic storage can store machine-readable instructions,
software algorithms, information determined by processor(s),
information received from server(s), information received from
computing platform(s), and/or other information that enables
server(s) to function as described herein. The electronic storage
can also be accessible via a network connection.
[0031] Processor(s) can be configured to provide information
processing capabilities in server(s). As such, processor(s) can
include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a
digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit
designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other
mechanisms for electronically processing information, such as FPGAs
or ASICs. The processor(s) can be a single entity or include a
plurality of processing units. These processing units can be
physically located within the same device, or processor(s) can
represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices
operating in coordination or software functionality.
[0032] The processor(s) can be configured to execute
machine-readable instruction or learning modules by software,
hardware, firmware, some combination of software, hardware, and/or
firmware, and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing
capabilities on processor(s). As used herein, the term
"machine-readable instruction" may refer to any component or set of
components that perform the functionality attributed to the
machine-readable instruction component. This can include one or
more physical processors during execution of processor readable
instructions, the processor readable instructions, circuitry,
hardware, storage media, or any other components.
[0033] The server can be configured with machine-readable
instructions having one or more functional modules. The
machine-readable instructions can be implemented on one or more
servers, having one or more processors, with access to memory. The
machine-readable instructions can be a single networked node, or a
machine cluster, which can include a distributed architecture of a
plurality of networked nodes. The machine-readable instructions can
include control logic for implementing various functionality, as
described in more detail below. The machine-readable instructions
can include certain functionality associated with the gateway and
data the gateway receives from the sensor(s) 126, as well as
functionality associated with the gateway interfacing with any
existing railway management systems or programs.
[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, the gateway can be configured
to receive data from the sensor(s) 126 and utilize the data in its
logic to determine if an alert should be signaled. For example, the
sensor(s) 126 can communicate (and/or the gateway can elucidate) a
number of sensor-related statuses to assist the gateway in deciding
if it should signal an alert or not: a connection status (e.g.
CONNECTED or NOT CONNECTED, with the NOT CONNECTED status
determined by the gateway recognizing that transmissions are not
being received from the sensor); a battery status (i.e., for
example, CRITICAL, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, or communicated as a
percentage), and a tilt status (i.e. an angular measurement of the
tilt of the stanchion member relative to an initial calibration of
the sensor determined upon installation of the tower). In an
exemplary embodiment, if one or more sensors are NOT CONNECTED, the
gateway can signal, for example, an avalanche alert. Alternatively,
if one or more sensors communicates a tilt status of, for example,
more than twenty degrees relative to the calibration, the gateway
can signal avalanche detection alert. In another embodiment, if one
or more sensors communicates a LOW or CRITICAL battery status, the
gateway signal an avalanche detection alert. In another embodiment,
the gateway can be configured to signal different types of alerts
based on the statuses communicated to it by the sensor(s).
[0035] The gateway (and information and alerts promulgated and
elucidated by the gateway) can be integrated into railroad
management in a multitude of ways. In one embodiment, the gateway
can be in operable communication with a railroad dispatch system,
or with any other system utilized in railway management. For
example, a railroad worker can receive information directly from
the gateway and relay it to a railway control system, which can
alert the control system or engineers of individual locomotives. In
another embodiment, the gateway automatically signals an alert to
engineers in individual locomotives. The gateway can signal an
alert to the system it is connected to via any communication means
known in the art. Preferably, the gateway can be operably connected
to an HMI that can display the statuses of the sensor(s) 126 and
alerts from the gateway. The HMI can comprise a touchscreen, a
screen and keyboard, or any other suitable components to enable a
person to interface with the gateway and/or connected systems. In
an exemplary embodiment, a railroad worker can utilize the HMI to
monitor the avalanche detection system as a whole, as well as the
individual impact detection towers. The HMI can additionally be
used to facilitate connection and communication with an overarching
railway management system. Alternatively, the gateway can directly
connect and communicate with a railway management system without an
HMI. In one embodiment, the gateway and/or HMI can be configured to
perform a logging capability, such that past statuses transmitted
by the sensor(s) can be archived and accessed as necessary by
railroad management.
[0036] In another exemplary embodiment, the gateway can be located
up to two thousand meters away from the impact detection tower 102,
and the sensor(s) 126 can transmit data to the gateway via radio
waves. In one embodiment, the sensor(s) 126 can transmit, and the
gateway can receive, at a frequency of 900 MHz. The gateway can
preferably be housed in an insulated structure near the track, but
away from areas at risk of avalanche damage. In another embodiment,
the sensor(s) 126 can further be configured to receive data and/or
instructions from the gateway and/or connected HMI, such that the
sensor(s) are in operable communication with the gateway and/or
HMI. For example, and as a non-limiting embodiment, a railroad
worker, via the HMI, could instruct a sensor to recalibrate, reset,
or perform some other function relevant to the impact detection
tower or avalanche detection system.
[0037] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure. FIG. 6A depicts a railroad track 200 laid
in an area at risk of avalanche damage. A plurality of impact
detection towers 202 designed in accordance with the present
disclosure can disposed parallel with the track 200 between the
track 200 and potential avalanche (due to obvious elevation
considerations, one having skill in the art will recognize from
which direction an avalanche could come). FIG. 6B depicts the
occurrence of an avalanche 204, wherein the slurry impacts several
impact detection towers 202 and obstructs the track 200. In one
embodiment, some of the towers 202 tilt beyond a certain
predetermined angle, and this tilt status is communicated to the
gateway 206 depicted in FIG. 6C. The gateway 206 receives this
status and determines via its logic that it should signal an alert.
The gateway 206 signals this alert to the railroad dispatch or
control system to warn engineers of locomotives and initiate
protocols to remove the obstruction and fix any damage to the
track. Alternatively, an HMI in operable connection with the
gateway 206 displays the avalanche alert to railroad personnel who
can take appropriate action.
[0038] The impact detection towers described in the present
disclosure can be oriented appropriately to maximize effectiveness
in detecting impacts. It will also be appreciated that the logic of
the gateway can be configured to signal alerts upon the occurrence
of any combination of events or data communicated from the sensors,
and the gateway can additionally be configured to signal different
alerts for different occurrences. In an exemplary embodiment, the
gateway signals an avalanche detection alert when two or more
adjacent towers communicate a tilt status meeting or exceeding a
certain threshold; in one embodiment, this threshold is twenty
degrees. In another embodiment, if two or more towers cease
communication with the gateway, the gateway can signal an alert.
Alternatively, if two or more gateways transmit a low battery
status, the gateway can signal an alert. It will also be
appreciated that the sensor(s) and gateway can be configured to
detect impacts via other data, such as vibration readings from the
tower, or the speed in which the tower topples over.
The present disclosure achieves at least the following advantages:
[0039] 1. provides an avalanche detection system capable of
detecting the occurrence of an avalanche that could obstruct a
train's movement along railroad tracks; [0040] 2. reduces instances
of false alarms in avalanche detection; [0041] 3. provides an
avalanche detection system that is cost efficient and practical;
and [0042] 4. increases the speed in which a railroad system is
alerted to avalanche obstruction.
[0043] Persons skilled in the art will readily understand that
these advantages (as well as the advantages indicated in the
summary) and objectives of this system would not be possible
without the particular combination of computer hardware and other
structural components and mechanisms assembled in this inventive
system and described herein. It will be further understood that a
variety of programming tools, known to persons skilled in the art,
are available for implementing the control of the features and
operations described in the foregoing material. Moreover, the
particular choice of programming tool(s) may be governed by the
specific objectives and constraints placed on the implementation
plan selected for realizing the concepts set forth herein and in
the appended claims. In particular, the integration of
commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment may be utilized in the
new and unconventional manner described herein.
[0044] The description in this patent document should not be read
as implying that any particular element, step, or function can be
an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim
scope. Also, none of the claims can be intended to invoke 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim
elements unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" are
explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle
phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not
limited to) "mechanism," "module," "device," "unit," "component,"
"element," "member," "apparatus," "machine," "system," "processor,"
"processing device," or "controller" within a claim can be
understood and intended to refer to structures known to those
skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the
features of the claims themselves, and can be not intended to
invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112(f).
[0045] The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. For example, each of the new structures described herein,
may be modified to suit particular local variations or requirements
while retaining their basic configurations or structural
relationships with each other or while performing the same or
similar functions described herein. The present embodiments are
therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the inventions can be
established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced
therein. Further, the individual elements of the claims are not
well-understood, routine, or conventional. Instead, the claims are
directed to the unconventional inventive concept described in the
specification.
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