System and method for fleet wheel-rail lubrication and noise management

Abstract

The present invention is a system and method for the control of applying lubrication to the wheels of a fleet of railed-based vehicles and the rails on which the railed-based vehicles travel. In an aspect, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system is configured to analyze and optimize the application of wheel / rail lubrication within a whole fleet to the best possible efficiency. In an additional aspect, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system is further configured to manage the noise created by the interaction between the wheels and rails of the whole fleet. In such aspects, the wheel-rail lubrication fleet management system can monitor the real results of the application of lubricant of rail-wheel systems that utilize the lubrication fleet management system.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 639,772 filed on Apr. 27, 2012, which is relied upon and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present invention is in the technical field of wheel / rail wear and noise management among rail vehicles. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of a fleet lubrication operating system.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Old or poorly maintained rail infrastructure, train wheels, or a combination of both can increase “wheel-climbing” and other known unfortunate wheel / rail dynamic occurrences, increasing the chances of a rail vehicle derailing event. Rail-vehicle derailments are always events that should be avoided, considering the high probability of loss of lives, as well as the costs resulting from the damage and subsequent repairs. For example, as published, the average derailment cost in the Unit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a system and method for managing the lubrication and noise of a fleet of railed-based vehicles. The system analyzes and optimizes the application of lubrication to wheels and rails, and manages the noise created by their interaction. It can control lubrication systems and monitor real-time results. The system can generate lubrication plans based on characteristics of the fleet and properties of lubricants, and can apply changes to the plan in case of emergency events. Overall, the system improves the efficiency and reduces costs of lubricating and managing the fleet.

Problems solved by technology

Old or poorly maintained rail infrastructure, train wheels, or a combination of both can increase “wheel-climbing” and other known unfortunate wheel / rail dynamic occurrences, increasing the chances of a rail vehicle derailing event.

The normal wear and tear on rails and wheels is a common problem that all rail-based vehicles face.

The corrugation and normal wear and tear requires the wheels and rails to be re-profiled and re-grinded throughout the life of the wheels and rails, as well as frequent replacement when such rails and wheels are no longer able to be repaired.

Further, a common problem that occurs between the interaction between the rails and the wheels of the rail-based vehicles is curve squeaking, the noise resulting from the interaction of rails and wheels in curved portions of a track.

Curve squeaking is an undesirable nuisance for those residences and businesses in the vicinity of rail tracks.

The TOR application method and strategies require a much higher quality lubricant / friction modifier, which are much more costly than lubricants / friction modifier utilized in the wheel-flange lubrication.

Many rail-operators today are still afraid to apply lubricant on top of the rail, believing the rail-based vehicle may lose traction as a result.

While the industry does have various applications and devices to apply the lubrication in these different manners, none meet all four engineering principals for properly lubricating two metallic surfaces when they interface.

Therefore, transit authorities have to operate and monitor these systems individually, including maintenance tasks on each individual lubrication component, which is very time-consuming and costly.

Such optimization is not only costly, but also requires time and manpower, which most fleet operators do not have.

Therefore, the adjustment / collection can take months or even years, to apply a fleet-wide change.

Such measures are extremely inefficient, especially when considering fleet operations which receive new vehicles with onboard lubrication or a series of new wayside lubricators, which most likely have to be adjusted after the initial startup phase.

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