Route Damage Prediction Using Wireframe Model Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for inspecting and predicting damage to vehicle routes, such as rail tracks, require additional hardware and are prone to increased costs and false identifications, and often necessitate specialized vehicles that are not used for passenger or cargo transport.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising cameras, a conversion unit, and an analysis unit that captures image data of the route, converts it into wireframe model data, and identifies historical trends to determine when maintenance or repair is needed, without requiring additional hardware or specialized vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible markers are emitted on the tracks using laser light, then misalignment detection is improved, but system cost and complexity increase due to additional light emitting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex light emitting hardware (lasers, visible markers) from the inspection system. Instead, it uses the camera system already present on regular rail vehicles to capture images of the tracks, eliminating the need for specialized inspection vehicles and reducing system complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital wireframe model (a copy) of the physical track from captured images. This wireframe model allows for detailed analysis of track geometry and misalignment without requiring physical interaction with the track or specialized hardware, enabling precise measurement through digital comparison
2Reliability
If electric current is injected into the tracks, then open circuit detection is improved, but false identifications of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical current injection method with an optical imaging method. Instead of injecting current and measuring electrical changes, the system uses cameras to capture images and creates wireframe models to detect physical discontinuities in the track, eliminating false identifications associated with electrical methods
3Measurement precision
If specialized rail vehicles are used for track inspection, then detection capability is improved, but operational versatility decreases as vehicles cannot be used for passenger or cargo transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inspection system universal by integrating it into regular rail vehicles that already serve passenger or cargo transport functions. The camera system and wireframe modeling software can be installed on any standard rail vehicle, allowing the same vehicle to perform both its primary transport function and track inspection, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring specialized inspection vehicles
4Measurement precision
If rail vehicles travel slowly over the tracks for marker examination, then measurement accuracy is improved, but inspection productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous image capture and processing as the rail vehicle travels along the track. The system continuously acquires images, creates wireframe models in real-time, and compares them against the design model, allowing inspection to proceed at normal operating speeds without requiring slow, stop-and-examine procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous digital analysis
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 proactive maintenance and repair of vehicle routes by accurately predicting damage through image analysis, reducing the risk of accidents and operational costs while maintaining route safety.
Implementation Method 1
The cameras are configured to obtain image data within one or more fields of view of the one or more cameras that include a route
Data Source
AI summary
A route damage prediction system includes cameras, a conversion unit, and an analysis unit. The cameras obtain image data that include a route traveled upon by vehicles. The image data includes still images and/or video of the route obtained at different times. The conversion unit includes one or more computer processors configured to at least one of create wireframe model data or modify the image data into the wireframe model data representative of the route. The analysis unit includes one or more computer processors configured to examine changes in the wireframe model data to identify a historical trend of changes in the image data. The analysis unit is configured to compare the historical trend of the changes in the image data with designated patterns of changes in the wireframe model data to determine when to request at least one of repair, inspection, or maintenance of the route.