Patent Application
20070138348
This invention relates generally to the field of rail transportation and, more particularly, to an improved hot bearing detection system to effectively operate during adverse weather/environmental conditions.
In extreme situations, the axle bearings of a rail car or locomotive can fail leading to bearing burn off and derailment. To detect such situations hot bearing detection systems, typically known as hotbox monitors or detectors, are now installed along railways to monitor the condition of rail car axles during transit.
A hotbox detector has a sensor device, or scanner, that is capable of detecting the temperature of a body passing within a given detection zone. A typical hotbox detector utilizes pyroelectric infrared sensors for detecting heat profiles of the rail car wheel bearings as the rail cars roll past the sensor. A known manufacturer of hotbox detectors is the assignee of this invention.
A hot bearing on a locomotive or rail car is indicative of a potential bearing breakdown and wheel seizure. When a hot spot is detected, the hotbox sends a signal to a central monitoring facility which, in turn, is then able to alert the train conductor to effect whatever action may be appropriate under the circumstances. In another example, the alert is transmitted directly to an operator aboard the locomotive.
Current hotbox detectors may not operate effectively during adverse weather conditions, such as, but not limited to, rainstorms and/or snowstorms, due to a buildup of water within the hotbox detector's scanner and scanner optics. Further, adverse weather/environmental conditions may also result in increasing an accumulation of particles, such as, but not limited to, dirt and dust, within the hotbox detector's scanner optics.
This invention is directed towards an improved hot bearing detection system to effectively operate during adverse weather conditions and environmental conditions. Towards this end, a casing for a hotbox detector scanner that has a detection device disposed within the casing is disclosed. The casing comprises a top cover having a flat top horizontal surface with an opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect a hot spot on the train. A baffle is also provided that is proximate the flat top horizontal surface to divert water blown across the top horizontal surface away from the opening. Also provided is a vertical plate proximate the flat top horizontal surface extending downward into a cavity within the hotbox detector scanner having a second opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect the hot spot on the train. A base beneath the detection device and a drain hole formed therethrough the base is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, more than one hold is provided. An elevated-shaped drain cover with a leg to position the drain cover above the hole is also provided.
In another preferred embodiment, a casing is disclosed for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train. The casing comprises a base upon which the detection device is placed, and a top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity. A first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering is also provided, and through this opening the detection device detects the hot spot on the train. Also included is a vertical plate proximate the top covering and extending downward into the cavity, and a second opening formed therethrough the vertical plate through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train. A plurality of chambers is formed within the cavity due to a placement of the vertical plate, the base, the detection device, and the top covering. A drain hole is formed therethrough at least one of the base and the top covering.
In another preferred embodiment a casing for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train is disclosed. The casing comprises a base upon which the detection device is proximate, and a drain hole formed therethrough the base. An elevated drain hole cover extending into the cavity and creating an opening between a lower edge of the drain hole cover and the drain hole is also provided. A top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity is disclosed and it has a first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train.
A more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Though the present invention is described as being used for a hotbox detector scanner to detect hot bearings on a train, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may also be utilized for other casings, or enclosures, that are to function in such weather conditions as those involving rain, wind, and snow, and environmental conditions where a greater amount of particulates are moved around. Furthermore, even though the present invention is described with respect to hotbox detector scanners for hot bearings on a train, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention may be used to detect other hot spots, in particular on a train, such as, but not limited to, a hot wheel. Thus, the scope of the present invention is not limited to only hotbox detector scanners for hot bearings on a train.
In the prior art, illustrated in
In addition to side drain holes 14, vents, or drain holes 51, are provided on the bottom of the hotbox detector scanner 5 to let air in and water out. In the prior art, these drain holes 51 would drain very slowly and were allowing water to pool inside the hotbox detector scanner 5. Thus, when a train would pass over the hotbox detector scanner 5, water within the hotbox detector scanner 5 would be disbursed within the hotbox detector scanner 5 (due to wind being blown in by the passing train) and onto the optics 53 causing integrity failures of the hotbox detector scanner 5, and or low bearing heat readings.
In an exemplary embodiment, the drain plug cover 61 is above the surrounding base 59 with an air gap of approximately an eighth of an inch at the base 59 between the drain plug cover 61 and the base 59 of the hotbox detector scanner 5. The drain plug 61 is not flat, but has an elevated shape, such as a cone shape. With this elevated shape, dust, rain, and snow that is being moved beneath the base 59 cannot easily enter the hotbox detector scanner 5 though the drain holes 51. The base of the drain plug 61 is below the elevated scanning optics, mirror and/or lens of the scanner 25. Thus, if any rain, snow and/or dust manage to reach the scanner 25, the drain plug lip prevents these elements from reaching the scanner optics.
While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims.
