Autonomous track assessment system

Abstract

An autonomous railway track assessment apparatus includes: a railway track assessment platform including a boxcar including an enclosed space formed therein; one or more power sources located on the boxcar; a controller; a first sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller oriented to capture data from the railway track; an air handling system located on the rail car, the air handling system including an air blower and a heater/chiller; a set of air ducts in fluid communication with the air handling system and the first sensor assembly for supplying heated or cooled blown air from the air from the handling system to the first sensor assembly. Data from the railway track is autonomously collected by the first sensor assembly controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

Description

FIELD

This disclosure relates to the field of railway track inspection and assessment systems. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a railway track inspection and assessment system and platform that is autonomous and includes various sensors oriented relative to a railway track for gathering data from the railway track.

BACKGROUND

Railway tracks must be periodically inspected to assess a condition of the railway track and various individual components of the track. Traditional methods and systems of assessing a railway track may require significant labor by on-track workers and require that sections of railway track be obstructed during assessment. Traditional methods of track inspection further enhance risk for on-track workers and may slow or prevent other traffic along a section of railway track during inspection, such as when a section of railway track is occupied by hi-rail based systems.

Further, current track assessment systems require significant resources to operate and to review data captured from assessment of a section of railway track. Existing systems may only be able to capture limited stretches of a railway track at a given time, further increasing costs and an amount of time required to assess sections of railway track. Existing systems may further suffer from drawbacks including obstructions to sensors by debris building up on optics of the sensors or by extreme conditions, such as extreme temperatures or temperature variations along a section of railway track.

What is needed, therefore, is a railway track inspection and assessment system and platform that is autonomous and that prevents obstruction of sensors, such as by debris on the railway track.

SUMMARY

Embodiments herein include a railway track inspection and assessment system and platform that is autonomous and that prevents obstruction of sensors, such as by debris on the railway track. In a first aspect, an autonomous railway track assessment apparatus for gathering, storing, and processing profiles of one or both rails on a railway track includes: railway track assessment platform including a boxcar including an enclosed space formed therein; one or more power sources located on the boxcar; a controller in electrical communication with the one or power sources including at least one processor and a data storage device in communication with the processor; a first sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the first sensor assembly including a first sensor enclosure, a light emitting device, and one or more first sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track; an air handling system located on the rail car, the air handling system including an air blower and a heater/chiller; and a set of air ducts in fluid communication with the air handling system and the first sensor assembly for supplying heated or cooled blown air from the air from the handling system to the first sensor assembly. Data from the railway track is autonomously collected by the first sensor assembly controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

In one embodiment, the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus further includes: a second sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the second sensor assembly including a second sensor enclosure, a second light emitting device, and one or more second sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track; the set of air ducts in fluid communication with the air handling system, the first sensor assembly, and the second sensor assembly for supplying heated or cooled blown air from the air handling system to the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly. Data from the railway track is autonomously collected by both the first sensor assembly controlled by the controller and the second sensor assembly controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

In another embodiment, the first sensor assembly is oriented at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the railway track. In yet another embodiment, the second sensor assembly is oriented at an oblique angle α relative to the undercarriage of the rail vehicle.

In one embodiment, the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus further includes a first LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a first scan plane and a second LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a second scan plane wherein the first LiDAR sensor and the second LiDAR sensor are in electrical communication with the controller and are physically connected to on an outer rear surface of the boxcar.

In another embodiment, the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus further includes a temperature controller in communication with the air handling system wherein the blower and heater/chiller are activated or deactivated by the temperature controller based on environmental conditions of the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus further includes one or more valves within ducts between the air handling system and each of the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

In a second aspect, an air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus includes: a railroad data gathering assembly including a sensor and a light emitter inside a sensor enclosure wherein the railroad data gathering assembly is operable to gather data from a railroad track using the sensor and the light emitter; an air blower; a heater/chiller in fluid communication with the air blower; a temperature controller in electronic communication with the air blower and the heater/chiller; a temperature sensor in communication with the temperature controller. The temperature controller activates and deactivates the air blower and heater/chiller to provide conditioned air to the railroad data gathering assembly based on data received from the temperature sensor wherein the conditioned air is blown out of the sensor enclosure proximate to the sensor and the light emitter to divert debris or precipitation from the sensor and the light emitter.

In one embodiment, the air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus further includes: at least one sensor assembly comprising a LiDAR sensor mounted on an outer surface of a rail car; the air handling system further including at least one duct formed through a side of the rail car for communicating air from the air blower and heater/chiller to the at least one sensor assembly.

In another embodiment, the LiDAR sensor further including a LiDAR sensor housing having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for emitting air from the air handling system towards a sensor surface of the LiDAR sensor. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of apertures are arranged radially around the LiDAR sensor housing.

In one embodiment, the LiDAR sensor housing further includes at least one camera located on the LiDAR sensor housing, wherein air flowing through the LiDAR sensor housing towards the plurality of apertures passes proximate to a lens of the at least one camera.

In another embodiment, air from the air blower passes through a computer hardware rack prior to passing through the sensor enclosure.

In a third aspect, an air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus includes: a railroad data gathering assembly including a LiDAR sensor mounted on a LiDAR sensor housing on a boxcar, the LiDAR sensor housing including a plurality of apertures formed therethrough proximate to sensors of the LiDAR sensor; an air blower; a heater/chiller in fluid communication with the air blower; a temperature controller in electronic communication with the air blower and the heater/chiller; a temperature sensor in communication with the temperature controller. The temperature controller activates and deactivates the air blower and heater/chiller to provide conditioned air to the railroad data gathering assembly based on data received from the temperature sensor wherein the conditioned air is blown out of the sensor enclosure proximate to the sensor and the light emitter to divert debris or precipitation from the sensor and the light emitter.

In one embodiment, air from the air blower passes through a computer hardware rack prior to passing through the sensor enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a sensory assembly of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a sensor assembly of an autonomous track assessment system including sensors oriented at an oblique angle which are capable of gathering data from rail webs and sides of rails;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of a 3D sensor and light emitter oriented at an oblique angle, gathering data from the side of a rail;

FIG. 7 shows a sensor enclosure including a sensor and a light emitter attached adjacent to an internal frame inside the sensor enclosure as well as a heating and cooling device for maintaining the operating temperature inside the sensor enclosure to within specific temperature limits;

FIG. 8 shows the sensor enclosure of FIG. 7 including a cover plate covering the sensor and the light emitter and enclosing the sensor enclosure;

FIG. 9A shows a side view of the internal frame from FIG. 7 which is located inside the sensor enclosure;

FIG. 9B is a plan view of the internal frame shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C shows an end view of the internal frame shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B;

FIG. 9D shows a frame base which forms the base of the internal frame shown in FIGS. 9A-9C;

FIG. 10 shows a sensor pod including the sensor enclosure confined therein;

FIG. 11A shows a first side bracket of the sensor pod;

FIG. 11B shows a second side bracket of the sensor pod;

FIG. 12 shows a sill mount of the sensor pod which is used to engage sensor pod with the undercarriage of a rail vehicle;

FIG. 13 shows a pair of sensor pods oriented at oblique angles α on either side of a rail so that data can be gathered from both sides of the rail;

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of an air distribution lid for covering the cover plate from FIG. 10 and providing air flow to such cover plate to remove debris from cover plate glass panels through which the sensor has a field of view and through which the light emitter emits light;

FIG. 14B shows a plan view of the air distribution lid from FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C shows an end view of the air distribution lid shown in FIGS. 14A-14B;

FIG. 14D shows a bottom view of the air distribution lid shown in FIGS. 14A-14C;

FIG. 15 shows a sensor pod including the air distribution lid from FIGS. 14A-14D attached adjacent to the cover plate of the sensor enclosure from FIG. 10 wherein ducts are attached adjacent to the air distribution lid;

FIG. 16 shows an array of four sensor pods, each pod including an air distribution lid, wherein each air distribution lid is receiving air flow through a plurality of ducts originating from an air blower;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic of the air blower from FIG. 16 and the plurality of ducts leading to the various air distribution lids;

FIG. 18 shows a close-up bottom view of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a side view of a sensor assembly of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 20 and 21 show a first sensor assembly, a second sensor assembly, and a blower of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional side view of a LiDAR sensor enclosure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows an end view of a LiDAR sensor enclosure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional side view of an air blower and conduits of an autonomous track assessment system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various terms used herein are intended to have particular meanings. Some of these terms are defined below for the purpose of clarity. The definitions given below are meant to cover all forms of the words being defined (e.g., singular, plural, present tense, past tense). If the definition of any term below diverges from the commonly understood and/or dictionary definition of such term, the definitions below control.

“Track”, “Railway track”, “track bed”, “rail assembly”, or “railway track bed” is defined herein to mean a section of railway including the rails, crossties (or “ties”), components holding the rails to the crossties, components holding the rails together, and ballast material.

A “processor” is defined herein to include a processing unit including, for example, one or more microprocessors, an application-specific instruction-set processor, a network processor, a vector processor, a scalar processor, or any combination thereof, or any other control logic apparatus now known or later developed that is capable of performing the tasks described herein, or any combination thereof.

The phrase “in communication with” means that two or more devices are in communication with one another physically (e.g., by wire) or indirectly (e.g., by wireless communication).

When referring to the mechanical joining together (directly or indirectly) of two or more objects, the term “adjacent” means proximate to or adjoining. For example, for the purposes of this disclosure, if a first object is said to be attached “adjacent to” a second object, the first object is either attached directly to the second object or the first object is attached indirectly (i.e., attached through one or more intermediary objects) to the second object.

Referring to FIG. 1, embodiments herein include an autonomous track assessment platform 10 for inspecting railway track 12 and components thereof. The autonomous track assessment platform 10 provides for a fully integrated autonomous platform capable of inspecting sections of a railway track. The autonomous track assessment platform 10 is capable of inspecting and gathering data from long stretches of the railway track 12 and high speeds and of providing real-time reporting and archiving of data collected from the railway track 12.

Embodiments of the autonomous track assessment platform 10 include a boxcar 14 on which a plurality of sensor systems are installed as discussed in greater detail below. The boxcar 14 includes an enclosed space 16 located within the boxcar 14 for housing various sensor components and hardware discussed in greater detail below. The boxcar 14 may have dimensions substantially similar to a common boxcar or a hi-roof boxcar typically used to carry freight or other items. The boxcar 14 is preferably suspended on bogies 18 including pairs of wheels 20 that allow the boxcar 14 to travel along the railway track 12. The boxcar 14 further preferably includes couplings 22 located at opposing ends of the rail car 14 such that the railcar 14 may be secured at either or both ends to a locomotive or other railcars of a train. The boxcar 14 may include ballast, such as a ballast concrete slab, to improve stability of the rail car 14.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the autonomous track assessment platform 10 preferably includes a plurality of sensor assemblies mounted on the boxcar 14 for capturing data for the assessment of a condition of the railway track 12 as the boxcar 14 travels along the railway track 12. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensor assemblies and other hardware components are installed on the autonomous track assessment platform 10 for automatically capturing data related to conditions of the railway track 12 and a surrounding environment without requiring substantial human intervention or labor to assess the railway track 12.

In one embodiment, the autonomous track assessment platform 10 includes an onboard power supply for powering various sensors and hardware components of the autonomous track assessment platform 10. A power supply is preferably onboard the track assessment platform 10 such that the autonomous track assessment platform 10 may be operated independent of a train to which the boxcar 14 is connected. For example, an electrical generator 24 may be located on the boxcar along with a fuel source 26 for powering the electrical generator 24. Additional power supply components may be included such as one or more batteries 28. The one or more batteries 28 may be in electrical communication with the electrical generator 24. One or more solar panels 30 may be mounted on the rail car 14 and in electrical communication with the one or more batteries 28. A power controller 32 is in electrical communication with the electrical generator 24, one or more batteries 28, and the one or more solar panels 30 for managing generation, storage, and distribution of electricity to components of the autonomous track assessment platform 10.

The autonomous track assessment platform 10 preferably includes a plurality of sensors and sensor assemblies for gathering data from the railway track 12 for further assessment and determination of a condition of the railway track 12 and surrounding objects. Various sensor assemblies may be mounted below the boxcar 14 and oriented towards the railway track 12 such that the sensor assemblies capture data from the railway track 12. Sensors may further be mounted on other external surfaces of the boxcar 14 for capturing data from the railway track 12 and a rail corridor including objects located around the railway track.

In one embodiment, a first sensor assembly 34 is mounted on the boxcar 14 for assessing a condition of the railway track 12 on which the boxcar 14 is travelling. The first sensor assembly 34 preferably includes a 3D Track Assessment System or “3DTAS” available from Tetra Tech, Inc. and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2016/0249040 for a “3D Track Assessment System and Method,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The first sensor assembly 34 is directed straight down towards the railway track 12 and components thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first sensor assembly 34 includes a sensor housing 36 including a shroud 37 mounted underneath the boxcar 14 containing one or more sensors that are oriented to capture the railway track 12 as the boxcar 14 moves along the railway track 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the first sensor assembly may include components of a track assessment system 200 preferably including a processor 202, an onboard computer readable storage medium 204, a data storage device 206 in communication with the processor 202, computer executable instructions stored on one of the onboard computer readable storage medium 204 or the data storage device 206, optionally one or more light emitters 208 (e.g., a laser line emitter) via an optional light emitter interface 210, one or more sensors 212 in communication with the processor 202 via a sensor interface 214, and an optional wheel mounted shaft encoder 216 in communication with the processor 202 via an optional encoder interface 220. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more sensors 212 are Time of Flight (“ToF”) sensors. However, it is also understood that various other suitable sensors including three-dimensional or “3D” sensors 212 may be used. The track assessment system 200 further preferably includes a display and user interface 218 in communication with the processor 202 to display data to or receive input from an operator. Components of the track assessment system 200 are preferably mounted on the boxcar 14 of the autonomous track assessment system 10. The track assessment system 200 may be powered by the boxcar 14 or may be powered by a battery or other local power source. The data storage device 206 may be onboard the boxcar 14 or may be remote from the vehicle, communicating wirelessly with the processor 202.

For embodiments employing one or more light emitters 208, such light emitters 208 are used to project a light, preferably a laser line, onto a surface of an underlying rail assembly to use in association with three-dimensional sensors to three-dimensionally triangulate the rail assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a camera 224 in communication with the processor 202 via a camera interface 226 is oriented such that a field of view 228 of the camera 224 captures the rail assembly including the light projected from the light emitter 208. The camera 224 may include a combination of lenses and filters and using known techniques of three-dimensional triangulation a three-dimensional elevation map of an underlying railway track bed can be generated by the processor 202 after vectors of elevations are gathered by the camera 224 as the boxcar 14 moves along the rail. Elevation maps generated based on the gathered elevation and intensity data can be interrogated by the processor 202 or other processing device using machine vision algorithms. Suitable cameras and sensors may include commercially available three-dimensional sensors and cameras, such as three-dimensional cameras manufactured by SICK AG based in Waldkirch, Germany.

ToF sensors are preferably based on pulsed laser light or LiDAR technologies. Such technologies determine the distance between the sensor and a measured surface by calculating an amount of time required for a light pulse to propagate from an emitting device, reflect from a point on the surface to be measured, and return back to a detecting device. The ToF sensors may be a single-point measurement device or may be an array measurement device, commonly referred to as a ToF camera, such as those manufactured by Basler AG or pmdtechnologies AG.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a second sensor assembly 36 is mounted on the rail car 14 for assessing a condition of the railway track 12 on which the rail car 14 is travelling. The second sensor assembly 36 preferably includes one or more sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to the railway track 12 to capture side view of the railway track. An exemplary embodiment of the second sensor assembly 36 is shown in FIG. 5, which may include components of a 3D track assessment system 500 and can be used as shown schematically in FIG. 5 which includes a plurality of 3D sensors 502 wherein the system 500 and sensors 502 are attached adjacent to a rail vehicle 504 configured to move along a railway track. The sensors 502 are oriented downward from the rail vehicle 504 but at an oblique angle looking at a rail from the side as shown in FIG. 5. Suitable sensors may include commercially available 3D sensors and cameras, such as Ranger cameras manufactured by SICK AG based in Waldkirch, Germany. The 3D track assessment system 500 further includes a plurality of structured light generators 506 (similar or identical to light emitters 208). The 3D track assessment system uses a combination of sensors 502, structured light generators 506, a specially configured processor 508, a data storage device 510, a power supply 512, a system controller 514, an operator interface 516, and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 518. Although single components are listed, it is understood that more than one of each component may be implemented in the 3D track assessment system 500 including, for example, more than one processor 508 and more than one controller 514. These and other system components help provide a way to gather high resolution profiles of the sides of rails including the heads, the bases and rail webs of rails 520 (including a first rail 520A and a second rail 520B) on a railway track. The 3D sensors 502 are preferably configured to collect four high resolution substantially vertical profiles at programmable fixed intervals as the system 500 moves along a railway track. The current implementation can collect 3D profiles (or scanlines) every 1.5 millimeters (mm) while the autonomous track assessment system 10 is moving along the railway track 12 at speeds up to 70 miles per hour. The system autonomously monitors sensor 502 operation, controls and configures each sensor 502 independently, and specifies output data storage parameters (directory location, filename, etc.). The system 500 further provides rail web manufacturer mark inventory capabilities, and various rail features inventory, exception identification and reporting capabilities. Typical exceptions include rail head and joint bar defects or dimensional anomalies. When identified, these exceptions can be transmitted based on specific thresholds using exception prioritization and reporting rules.

In a preferred embodiment, the 3D track assessment system 500 includes a first sensor 502A, a first structured light generator 506A, a first heating and cooling device 522A (e.g., solid state or piezo electric), and a first thermal sensor 524A all substantially sealed in a first enclosure 526A forming part of a first sensor pod 528A; a second sensor 502B, a second structured light generator 506B, a second heating and cooling device 522B, and a second thermal sensor 524B all substantially sealed in a second enclosure 526B forming part of a second sensor pod 528B; a third sensor 502C, a third structured light generator 506C, a third heating and cooling device 522C, and a third thermal sensor 524C all substantially sealed in a third enclosure 526C forming part of a third sensor pod 528C; and a fourth sensor 502D, a fourth structured light generator 506D, a fourth heating and cooling device 522D, and a fourth thermal sensor 524D all substantially sealed in a fourth enclosure 526D forming part of a fourth sensor pod 528D. FIG. 6 shows an image of the first sensor 502A and the first light generator 506A (without the first enclosure 526A for illustrative purposes) oriented at an oblique angle to the plane of the railway track bed surface allowing a view of the side of the first rail 520A. FIG. 7 shows the first sensor 502A, the first light generator 506A, and the first heating and cooling device 522A inside the first enclosure 526A.

The controller 514 further includes a 3D sensor controller 530 in communication with the 3D sensors 502, a sensor trigger controller 532 in communication with the 3D sensors 502, a structured light power controller 534 in communication with the structured light generators 506, and a temperature controller 536 in communication with the heating and cooling devices 522 and the thermal sensors 524. The system controller 514 further includes a network interface 537 in communication with the processor 508 and the 3D sensor controller 530, sensor trigger controller 532, structured light power controller 534, and the temperature controller 536. The triggering for the 3D sensors 502 is generated by converting pulses from an encoder 538 (e.g., a quadrature wheel encoder attached adjacent to a wheel 540 on the survey rail vehicle 504 wherein the encoder 538 is capable of generating 12,500 pulses per revolution, with a corresponding direction signal) using the dedicated sensor trigger controller 532, a component of the dedicated system controller 514, which allows converting the very high resolution wheel encoder pulses to a desired profile measurement interval programmatically. For example, the wheel 540 could produce encoder pulses every 0.25 mm of travel and the sensor trigger controller 532 would reduce the sensor trigger pulse to one every 1.5 mm and generate a signal corresponding to the forward survey direction, or a different signal for a reverse survey direction.

The configuration of the four 3D sensors 502 and light generators 506 ensure that the complete rail profile is captured by combining the trigger synchronized left and right 3D sensor profiles of both rails 520 on a railway track simultaneously to produce a single combined scan for each rail. These scans can be referenced to geo-spatial coordinates using the processor 508 by synchronizing the wheel encoder 538 pulses to GNSS receiver positions acquired from the GNSS satellite network (e.g., GPS). This combined rail profile and position reference information can then be saved in the data storage device 510.

The 3D sensors 502 and structured light generators 506 are housed in the substantially sealed watertight enclosures 526. Because of the heating and cooling devices 522, thermal sensors 524, and the dedicated temperature controller 536, the inside of the enclosures 526 can be heated when the ambient temperature is below a low temperature threshold and cooled when the ambient air temperature is above a high temperature threshold. The thermal sensors 524 provide feedback to the temperature controller 536 so that the temperature controller can activate the heating function or the cooling function of the heating and cooling devices on an as-needed basis. These sealed and climate-controlled enclosures 526 ensure the correct operation and extend the operational life of the sensitive sensors 502 and light generators 506 by maintaining a clean and dry environment within acceptable ambient temperature limits. The temperature control function is part of the system controller 514 with a dedicated heating and cooling device interface inside each enclosure.

FIG. 8 shows the first enclosure 526A including a cover plate 542 forming one side of the first enclosure 526A. The cover plate 542 includes a first cover plate aperture 543A through which the first sensor 502A views outside of the first enclosure 526A and a second cover plate aperture 543B through which the light generator casts light outside of the first enclosure 526A. The first cover plate aperture 544A is covered by a first glass panel 544A and the second cover plate aperture 544B is covered by a second glass panel 544B. The glass panels 544 are preferably impact resistant and have optical transmission characteristics that are compatible with the wavelengths of the light generators 506. This helps avoid broken aperture glass and unnecessary heat buildup inside the enclosures 526 from light reflected back into the enclosures 526 during operation. The first sensor 502A and the first light generator 506A are preferably mounted to an internal frame 545 preferably using bolts. The frame 545 is shown in FIG. 9A-9C and such frame is preferably bolted to the inside of the first enclosure 526A. The frame 545 includes a frame base 546 (shown by itself in FIG. 9D), a laser alignment panel 547 to which the first structured light generator 506A is attached, and a sensor alignment panel 548 to which the first 3D sensor 502A is attached. Each additional enclosure (526B, 526C, and 526D) includes a cover plate (like the cover plate 542) with apertures (like the apertures 544) as well as a frame (like the frame 545) for attaching and optically aligning sensors and light generators together inside the enclosures.

FIG. 10 shows the first sensor pod 528A including the first enclosure 526A. The first sensor pod 528 includes a sill mount 548 and side brackets 550 (including a first side bracket 550A shown in FIG. 11A and a second side bracket 550B shown in FIG. 11B). The sill mount 548 is shown by itself in FIG. 12. The sill mount 548 is preferably attached adjacent to the undercarriage of the rail vehicle 504 by mechanical fastening using bolts or welding the sill mount 548 directly to the rail vehicle undercarriage. The first side bracket 550A is attached adjacent to the sill mount 548 preferably by bolts through a first side bracket first aperture 552A, and the second side bracket 550B is attached adjacent to the sill mount 548 preferably by bolts through a second side bracket first aperture 554A. The first enclosure 526A is attached adjacent to the side brackets 550 preferably using bolts through first side bracket second apertures 552B and second side bracket second apertures 554B extending into tapped holes on the sensor enclosure. As an example, the first side bracket second apertures 552B are elongated so that the first enclosure 526A can be rotated plus or minus up to about 5° relative to the side brackets 550 before being bolted, screwed or otherwise attached tightly adjacent to the side brackets 550. The flexibility to slightly rotate the first enclosure 526A inside the first pod 528A is helpful to compensate for mounting height variations which can occur from rail vehicle to rail vehicle since not all vehicles are the same height. FIG. 13 shows the first sensor pod 528A and the second sensor pod 528B attached adjacent to the undercarriage of the rail vehicle 504 in a configuration that allows for data to be gathered from both sides of the first rail 520A using a combination of the first sensor 502A and the second sensor 502B. In FIG. 13, the first side bracket 550A is removed to show the first enclosure 526A. The orientation of the sensor pods 528 is at an angle α relative to the undercarriage of the rail vehicle 504. Angle α preferably ranges from about 10° to about 60°, more preferably from about 25° to about 55°, and most preferably from about 40° to about 50°. The value for a in FIG. 13 is about 45°. The lowest point of the first sensor pod is preferably at least 75 mm above the rail being scanned by the first sensor 502A. The first sensor 502A is oriented at an oblique angle θ relative to the railway track bed surface 555 wherein angle θ preferably ranges from about 30° to about 60° and more preferably from about 40° to about 50°.

FIG. 14A shows the cover plate 542 with a first air distribution lid 556A attached adjacent to the cover plate 542 preferably by bolts or screws. FIG. 14B-14D show different views of the first air distribution lid 556A by itself. The first air distribution lid 556A includes a first duct mount 557A which directs air through a first enclosed channel 558A to a first walled enclosure 559A at an area proximate to a first air distribution lid first aperture 560A which overlaps the first cover plate aperture 544A. The first air distribution lid 556A includes a second duct mount 557B which directs air through a second enclosed channel 558B to a second walled enclosure 559B at an area proximate to a second air distribution lid second aperture 560B which overlaps the second cover plate aperture 544B. FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the first sensor pod 528A including the cover plate 542 and the first air distribution lid 556A. A first air duct 562A is engaged with the first duct mount 557A to supply air to the first walled enclosure 559A. A second air duct 562B is engaged with the second duct mount 557B to supply air to the second walled enclosure 559B. FIG. 16 shows a full array of the sensor pods 528 and shows an air blower 564 supplying air through a plurality of ducts 566. FIG. 17 shows schematically how air is supplied from the air blower 564 to the first air distribution lid 556A, a second air distribution lid 556B, a third air distribution lid 556C, and a fourth air distribution lid 556D. The air blower 564 is in communication with the system controller 514 so that when the 3D sensors 502 are activated, the system controller 514 causes the air blower 564 to be activated also. The air flowing through the plurality of ducts 566 to the air distribution lids 556 is used to clear debris from the area proximate to the enclosure cover plate apertures through which the sensors 502 view rails and through which the light generators 506 shine light. As the rail vehicle 504 moves along a railway track, debris that would otherwise cover the view of the sensors 502 or block the light of the light generators 506 is dislodged by the air flow through the air distribution lids 556.

Referring now to FIG. 18, one or more of the plurality of air ducts 566 are further in fluid communication with the first sensor assembly 34 for directing air from the air blower 564 towards sensors of the first sensor assembly 34. The plurality of air ducts 566 in fluid communication with the first sensor assembly 34 are connected to a plurality of duct mounts 40A and 40B of the first sensor assembly 34. As shown in FIGS. 18-19, the plurality of duct mounts 40 are in fluid communication with enclosed channels 42. Enclosed channels 42 are in fluid communication with walled ducts 44. Walled ducts 44 are located proximate to windows or lenses of the sensors on the enclosure 48 containing the one or more light emitters 208 and the camera 224 of the first sensor assembly 34 such that air flowing through the enclosed channels 42 the walled ducts 44 is substantially directed towards the sensors of the first sensor assembly 34.

The air blower 564 preferably includes a plurality of outlets 50 for connecting the plurality of ducts 566 to the air blower 564. For example, the air blower 564 may include a number of outlets 50 corresponding to a number of sensors on both the first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36 such that air from the air blower 564 is imparted proximate to sensors of the first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36. The air blower 564 preferably includes a blower motor 52 located within a blower housing 54. The blower motor 52 is in fluid communication with the plurality of outlets 50.

The air blower 564 further preferably includes a chiller/heater 58 (FIG. 2) for heating or cooler air through the air blower 564. The chiller/heater 58 is preferably in fluid communication with the air blower 564 such that air from the air blower 564 provided to the first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36 may be heated or cooled depending on external environmental conditions. The chiller/heater 58 may be in electronic communication with a controller, such as the temperature controller 536 (FIG. 5) for controlling a heated or cooled temperature of air through the air blower 564.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 23-24, the first sensor assembly 34, the second sensor assembly 36, and the blower 564 are preferably located proximate to each other underneath the rail car 14 to minimize a required length of the plurality of air ducts 566. The first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36 are preferably arranged underneath the rail car 14 such that sensors of the first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36 are oriented to capture data from the railway track 12 at multiple angles.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the autonomous track assessment system 10 further preferably includes a weather station 60 mounted on exterior of the rail car 14 for detecting external environmental conditions around the autonomous track assessment system 10 such as precipitation, temperature, and other environmental conditions. One or more telemetry components 62A and 62B are also preferably mounted on the rail car 14 and may include, for example, cellular or WiFi antennas for communicating data collected on the autonomous track assessment system 10 to a location that is remote from the rail car 14. The one or more telemetry components 62A and 62B are preferably in communication with a telemetry controller 63 (FIG. 2). One or more cameras 64 may be mounted to record the enclosed space of the rail car 14 for security.

The autonomous track assessment system 10 further preferably includes one or more LiDAR sensors 66 located on an exterior of the rail car 14 for capturing data including a corridor through which the rail car 14 is travelling along the railway track 12. The one or more LiDAR sensors 66 are preferably mounted towards an upper portion of a rear side of the boxcar 14 and are preferably mounted in an enclosure 68. A plurality of digital cameras 70 are also located in the enclosure 68. The autonomous track assessment system 10 preferably includes at least two LiDAR sensors 66 mounted on opposing sides of ends of the rail car, as shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 22 shows a side cross-sectional view of the sensor enclosure 68 wherein the one or more LiDAR sensors 66 are exposed to collect data. The sensor enclosure 68 includes a sensor enclosure outer cap 72 including a plurality of cap apertures 74 (FIGS. 22 and 23) through which blown air may exit the enclosure 68 to prevent dirt, debris, or precipitation from interfering with the one or more LiDAR sensors 66 as explained in greater detail below. As shown in FIG. 24, a blower 76 is included for blowing air through the enclosure cap 72 and out of the plurality of cap apertures 74. A heater/chiller 78 is provided to heat or cool air from the blower 76 to the one or more LiDAR sensors 66. Air from the blower 76 flows through one or more ducts 80 in the boxcar 14 and through ducts formed through exterior of the boxcar 14, the ducts being in alignment with the sensor enclosure 68 when the sensor enclosure 68 is mounted on the boxcar 14. In one embodiment, air from the blower 76 flows through a computer rack 84 (FIG. 24) located within the rail car 14 for cooling or heating components installed on the computer rack 84. Further, air from the blower 76 may be heated as it passes through the computer rack 84 prior to passing through the enclosure cap 72.

Embodiments further include controlling desirable environmental conditions within the enclosed space of the rail car 14. For example, when various components of controllers including processors and other hardware are located within the rail car 14, conditions such as temperature and humidity may be monitored and a desirable temperature may be maintained using the blower 76 and heater/chiller 78.

Although reference herein is made to the blower 564 shown mounted beneath the rail car 14 proximate to the first sensor assembly 34 and the second sensor assembly 36 and the blower 76 installed within the rail car 14, in one embodiment a single blower may be utilized for heating or cooling the first sensor assembly 34, the second sensor assembly 36, and the one or more LiDAR sensors 66.

The autonomous track assessment system 10 provides for autonomous collection of data from the railway track 12 and a surrounding environment on a platform that is readily compatible with existing railway vehicles. For example, the autonomous track assessment system 10 may be located along an existing train that is transporting freight or other goods without compromising operation of the train. The autonomous track assessment system 10 provides for autonomous collection of data 24 hours per day each day of the year using various sensor assemblies without requiring manual operation or control of the sensor assemblies. Embodiments of the autonomous track assessment system 10 described herein further preferably enable operation of the autonomous track assessment system 10 in harsh environments, such as in extreme cold or heat, without compromising an ability of sensor assemblies of the autonomous track assessment system 10 from capturing data during extreme weather conditions. For example, in extreme cold, it s not uncommon for ice to form on various sensor assemblies. Using the blowers described herein blowing warm air across the outer surfaces of the various sensor assemblies allows the system 10 to keep operating when other systems would be rendered ineffective because of ice build-up or, in the case of extreme hot weather, overheating.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. An autonomous railway track assessment apparatus for gathering, storing, and processing profiles of one or both rails on a railway track, the apparatus comprising: railway track assessment platform including a boxcar including an enclosed space formed therein;one or more power sources located on the boxcar;a controller in electrical communication with the one or power sources including at least one processor and a data storage device in communication with the processor;a first sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the first sensor assembly including a first sensor enclosure, a light emitting device, and one or more first 3D sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track;a first LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a first scan plane and a second LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a second scan plane wherein the first LiDAR sensor and the second LiDAR sensor is in electrical communication with the controller and is physically connected to on an outer rear surface of the boxcar;an air handling system located on the boxcar, the air handling system including an air blower and a heater/chiller;a set of air ducts in fluid communication with the air handling system, the first sensor assembly, the first LiDAR sensor, and the second LiDAR sensor for supplying heated or cooled blown air from the air from the handling system to the first sensor assembly the first LiDAR sensor, and the second LiDAR sensor;wherein data from the railway track is autonomously collected by the first sensor assembly, the first LiDAR sensor, and the second LiDAR sensor controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

2. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a second sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the second sensor assembly including a second sensor enclosure, a second light emitting device, and one or more second sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track;the set of air ducts in fluid communication with the air handling system, the first sensor assembly, and the second sensor assembly for supplying heated or cooled blown air from the air handling system to the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly;wherein data from the railway track is autonomously collected by both the first sensor assembly controlled by the controller and the second sensor assembly controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

3. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second sensor assembly is oriented at an oblique angle α relative to the undercarriage of the rail vehicle.

4. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first sensor assembly is oriented at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the railway track.

5. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a temperature controller in communication with the air handling system wherein the blower and heater/chiller are activated or deactivated by the temperature controller based on environmental conditions of the autonomous railway track assessment apparatus.

6. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 5, further comprising one or more valves within ducts between the air handling system and each of the first sensor assembly and the second sensor assembly.

7. An air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus, the air handling system comprising: a railroad data gathering assembly including a sensor and a light emitter inside a sensor enclosure wherein the railroad data gathering assembly is operable to gather data from a railroad track using the sensor and the light emitter;an air blower;a heater/chiller in fluid communication with the air blower;a temperature controller in electronic communication with the air blower and the heater/chiller;a temperature sensor in communication with the temperature controller;at least one sensor assembly comprising a LiDAR sensor mounted on an outer surface of a boxcar;at least one duct for communicating air from the air blower and heater/chiller to the at least one sensor assembly;wherein the temperature controller activates and deactivates the air blower and heater/chiller to provide conditioned air to the railroad data gathering assembly based on data received from the temperature sensor wherein the conditioned air is blown out of the sensor enclosure proximate to the sensor and the light emitter to divert debris or precipitation from the sensor and the light emitter.

8. The air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus of claim 7, the LiDAR sensor further including a LiDAR sensor housing having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for emitting air from the air handling system towards a sensor surface of the LiDAR sensor.

9. The air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged radially around the LiDAR sensor housing.

10. The air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the LiDAR sensor housing further includes at least one camera located on the LiDAR sensor housing, wherein air flowing through the LiDAR sensor housing towards the plurality of apertures passes proximate to a lens of the at least one camera.

11. The air handling system for an autonomous track assessment apparatus of claim 7, wherein air from the air blower passes through a computer hardware rack prior to passing through the sensor enclosure.

12. An autonomous railway track assessment apparatus for gathering, storing, and processing profiles of one or both rails on a railway track, the apparatus comprising: railway track assessment platform including a boxcar including an enclosed space formed therein;one or more power sources located on the boxcar;a controller in electrical communication with the one or power sources including at least one processor and a data storage device in communication with the processor;a first sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the first sensor assembly including a first sensor enclosure, a light emitting device, and one or more first sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track wherein the first sensor assembly is oriented at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the railway track;a second sensor assembly in electronic communication with the controller, the second sensor assembly including a second sensor enclosure, a light emitting device, and one or more second sensors oriented to capture data from the railway track wherein the second sensor assembly is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the undercarriage of the boxcar;a first LiDAR sensor inside a first LiDAR sensor housing, the first LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a first scan plane wherein the first LiDAR sensor is in electrical communication with the controller and is physically connected to on an outer rear surface of the boxcar;wherein data is autonomously collected by the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the first LiDAR sensor controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.

13. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: an air handling system comprising: an air blower;a heater/chiller in fluid communication with the air blower;a temperature controller in electronic communication with the air blower and the heater/chiller; anda temperature sensor in communication with the temperature controller;wherein the temperature controller activates and deactivates the air blower and heater/chiller to provide conditioned air to the first sensor assembly, the second sensor assembly, and the first LiDAR sensor based on data received from the temperature sensor wherein the conditioned air is blown out of the sensor enclosure proximate to the sensor and the light emitter to divert debris or precipitation from the sensor and the light emitter.

14. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first LiDAR sensor housing comprises a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for emitting air from the air handling system towards a sensor surface of the first LiDAR sensor.

15. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 14 wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged radially around the first LiDAR sensor housing.

16. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 14 wherein the first LiDAR sensor housing further includes at least one camera located on the first LiDAR sensor housing, wherein air flowing through the first LiDAR sensor housing towards the plurality of apertures passes proximate to a lens of the at least one camera.

17. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 14 wherein air from the air blower passes through a computer hardware rack prior to passing through the sensor enclosure.

18. The autonomous railway track assessment apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a second LiDAR sensor inside a second LiDAR sensor housing, the second LiDAR sensor configured to gather data of a rail corridor along a second scan plane wherein the second LiDAR sensor is in electrical communication with the controller and is physically connected to on an outer rear surface of the boxcar and wherein data is autonomously collected by the second LiDAR sensor controlled by the controller and such data is stored on the data storage device.