Rail Crossing Barrier Control via Thermal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current level crossing systems are inefficient in managing train stops within the warning zone, leading to prolonged closure times and traffic disruptions, especially during loading, unloading, or maintenance activities, as they rely on axle counters that only open barriers when the train leaves the zone, preventing autonomous vehicles from using these intersections.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines temperature changes within the warning zone to detect train movement and duration, issuing a warning signal to block the level crossing only when necessary, using temperature detection devices like thermal imaging cameras or infrared sensors, and comparing axle counts to prevent false alarms, allowing for early and precise barrier closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the existing axle counter system is used to detect train presence, then the level crossing can be secured reliably, but the barrier closure time becomes very long because the barrier does not reopen until the train leaves the warning zone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrain detection reliabilityVSAvoidbarrier closure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of train departure by monitoring temperature changes in the warning zone before the train actually leaves. This allows the barrier to be opened early, while the train is still present but clearly departing, thus reducing closure time without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical axle counter system with a thermal imaging-based detection system. This substitution enables continuous monitoring of temperature changes in the warning zone, providing early detection of train departure and allowing for timely barrier opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the barrier remains closed until the train leaves the warning zone, then safety is maintained, but traffic flow is disrupted for longer periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelevel crossing safetyVSAvoidtraffic flow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors temperature changes in the warning zone and uses this feedback to determine when the train is departing. This feedback mechanism allows the barrier to be opened at the optimal moment, balancing safety requirements with traffic flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By detecting train departure preliminarily through temperature changes before the train actually leaves the zone, the system enables early barrier opening, thereby reducing the time the road is blocked and improving overall traffic flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If temperature detection is performed continuously in the warning zone, then train departure can be detected early, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection response timeVSAvoidtemperature detection energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs temperature detection periodically or at specific intervals. This periodic action maintains the ability to detect train departure early while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach ensures shorter closure times, enhances traffic flow, and allows for reliable detection of train departure, even when trains are stationary, by using temperature changes and axle count comparisons to determine when to block or open the level crossing.

Implementation Method 1

the temperature in the warning zone of the level crossing or in a sub-area of the warning zone is determined at a first point in time, the temperature in the warning zone of the level crossing or in a sub-area of the warning zone is determined at a later second point in time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3887224B1Detecting the movement of a rail vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.08 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

The invention relates in particular to a method for detecting a movement of a rail vehicle, in particular a freight or passenger train, in a warning zone (120) of a rail crossing (100), characterized in that the method comprises: determining (10) a first temperature (210) in the warning zone (120) of the rail crossing (100) or in a portion of the warning zone (120) at a first time; determining (20) a second temperature (220) in the warning zone (120) of the rail crossing (100) or in a portion of the warning zone (120) at a second time. The first time is chronologically before the second time; comparing (30) the first temperature (210) with the second temperature (220). If the comparison demonstrates that the second temperature (220) is higher than the first temperature (210), the method comprises outputting (35) a warning signal (160) and initiating (37) blocking of the rail crossing (100).