Remote Controlled Light Adjustment Device for Railway Crossing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting and aligning railway crossing lights require multiple trips by personnel to check and adjust the lights, which is inefficient and often impractical without a second person.
Innovation Solution
A remote controlled light adjustment device comprising a horizontal adjustment arm, a vertical adjustment arm, and a mounting base, coupled with a remote control that allows for wireless signal transmission to move the light device for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel manually adjust crossing lights by climbing the mast and making guess adjustments, then the light alignment can be modified, but multiple trips up and down the mast are required along with walking hundreds of feet to check alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and visual inspection with an automated optical measurement system. A laser alignment tool projects a reference beam to the light, and a sensor detects the actual light beam position, automatically calculating alignment data that is transmitted to a display device, eliminating the need for manual climbing and walking to check alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment measurement system consisting of a laser tool, sensor, and data transmission device. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the light source and the inspector, providing objective alignment data without requiring the inspector to physically position themselves at various check points.
2Measurement precision
If a second person is used to assist with alignment checks, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the complexity of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service alignment measurement by equipping the light itself with a sensor that automatically detects its own beam position and compares it against a laser-projected reference. The system self-measures and self-reportsthe alignment data to a display device, eliminating the need for a second person to perform manual measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement procedures requiring two people with an automated optical measurement system using laser projection and sensor detection, reducing human involvement while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
3Productivity
If traditional manual alignment methods are used, then no special equipment is needed, but the productivity of light alignment operations is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual alignment methods with an automated optical measurement and data transmission system, significantly increasing productivity by eliminating repeated climbing and walking while the added complexity is offset by the efficiency gains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional alignment system that combines laser projection, optical sensing, data processing, and wireless communication capabilities into a single integrated tool that can measure and report alignment data for various types of crossing lights.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote controlled light adjustment device includes a horizontal adjustment arm, a vertical adjustment arm, a mounting base comprising multiple anchor points for coupling the horizontal adjustment arm and the vertical adjustment arm to the mounting base, and a remote control, wherein the mounting base, the horizontal adjustment arm and the vertical adjustment arm are configured to be mounted to a light device, and wherein the horizontal adjustment arm and the vertical adjustment arm are configured to move the light device based upon signals transmitted by the remote control and received by the mounting base.