Rail Car Profile Detection Using GPS and Laser Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rail yards face challenges in accurately verifying the position and content of trains due to variations in car positioning caused by differences in train direction and rail car coupler tension, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of inventory management and operations.

Innovation Solution

A profile detection system combining Global Positioning System (GPS) units and laser sensors to provide accurate location and identification of rail cars, correlating position data with train profiles to ensure precise tracking and verification against manifest consist data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS positioning system is used to locate rail cars, then location information is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate profile detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS positioning system with laser sensor system to create a hybrid positioning system. GPS provides broad location information while laser sensors provide precise distance measurements for profile detection. This merging of two different measurement systems allows the system to achieve both wide coverage and high precision simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives data from both GPS and laser sensors, then integrates and correlates this information to determine accurate rail car positions and profiles. This intermediary layer processes and reconciles the different measurement types, achieving high precision without requiring a single overly complex measurement device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual verification of train content is performed, then accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal throughputVSAvoidposition verification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated detection system where the rail cars essentially verify their own positions and profiles through the integrated GPS and laser sensor system. The system automatically detects car positions, loads, and configurations without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high reliability while significantly improving productivity and terminal throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with an automated electronic detection system using GPS and laser sensors. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated sensing and data processing systems enables continuous monitoring and verification, eliminating the trade-off between productivity and accuracy that exists in manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If laser sensor system is added to GPS system, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the integrated system where both GPS and laser sensor components serve multiple functions. The GPS system not only provides positioning but also works in conjunction with laser sensors to detect profiles, loads, and car configurations. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for various detection tasks without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure supports multiple detection objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate identification and verification of train car positions and loads, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity by providing sub-inch accuracy and reliable detection even at full equipment speed, allowing for automated tasks such as loading and unloading.

Implementation Method 1

A Global Positioning System unit and a laser sensor are provided to be disposed adjacent an article wherein the Global Positioning System unit, the laser sensor, and the article are relatively movable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS signal reception:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10882543B2Profile detection method

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 MI JACK PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A profile detection method is provided. A Global Positioning System unit and a laser sensor are provided to be disposed adjacent an article wherein the Global Positioning System unit, the laser sensor, and the article are relatively movable. Outputs of the Global Positioning System unit and the laser sensor are sensed. The steps of sensing an article identification tag and developing an indication of article location based on sensing the article identification tag are performed. An indication device develops an indication of a profile of the article responsive to the sensed outputs of the Global Positioning System unit and the laser sensor.