Railroad Crossing Light Out Detector Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual in-person inspections of railroad crossing lights are labor-intensive and inefficient, failing to ensure compliance with operational and alignment requirements due to the lack of automated monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A railroad crossing light monitoring system that includes a photodetector to indicate the operational status of the light, a position sensor to determine the orientation, and a transmitter to send signals to a signal determination module for comparison against stored reference values, which initiates a maintenance inspection if the signals are outside the acceptable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual in-person inspections are used to verify crossing light operation and alignment, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The crossing light system performs self-inspection by using its own light output to illuminate a photodetector, automatically verifying its operational status and alignment without requiring external human inspection. The system monitors itself by detecting the light it emits through the lens at the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual inspection process with an automated optical detection system. A photodetector electronically senses the light output and generates signals for processing, substituting the human visual inspection mechanism with an automated sensor-based system that provides continuous monitoring.
2Productivity
If automated monitoring systems are implemented to reduce manual inspections, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector system serves multiple functions: it detects light presence to verify operational status, measures light intensity to assess alignment, and generates signals for both local indication and remote transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each monitoring task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal generation module as an intermediary that processes photodetector outputs and generates appropriate signals. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing signal processing and providing a standardized interface between the sensor and both local indicators and remote communication systems.
3Reliability
If visual inspection by rail workers is performed to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations, then regulatory compliance can be verified, but labor costs and inspection frequency requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback by monitoring light output and generating signals that indicate compliance status. The photodetector continuously detects light parameters, and the signal generation module provides ongoing verification of operational status and alignment, enabling real-time compliance monitoring without requiring repeated manual inspections.
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 system significantly reduces the need for in-person inspections by automatically monitoring and reporting the status and alignment of railroad crossing lights, ensuring compliance with operational and alignment standards through remote monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The signal generation module includes a photodetector to provide a first signal indicative of the operational status of the crossing light
Data Source
AI summary
A railroad crossing light detector system is disclosed. The system includes determining a first signal indicative of the amount of light emitted from an illuminated railroad crossing light source and determining a second signal indicative of the orientation of the crossing light. The first and second signals are transmitted to a signal determination module that compares the first and second signals to predetermined stored values. The compared signals are then provided to a railroad crossing controller for relaying to a central/remote monitoring location. In the event that at least one of the signals is out of range relative to the stored value, then an inspection request signal together with information on the location of the crossing light is provided to the central monitoring location. In this manner, the number of in-person inspections to the crossing light may be significantly reduced.