Hot wheel/bearing detection system

Abstract

A casing for a hotbox detector scanner that has a detection device disposed within the casing, the casing including a top cover having a flat top horizontal surface with an opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect a hot spot on a train, a baffle proximate the flat top horizontal surface to divert water blown across the top horizontal surface away from the opening, a vertical plate proximate the flat top horizontal surface extending downward into a cavity within the hotbox detector having a second opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect the hot spot on the train, a base beneath the detection device, a drain hole formed therethrough the base, and an elevated-shaped drain cover with a leg to position the drain cover above the hole.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of rail transportation and, more particularly, to an improved hot bearing detection system to effectively operate during adverse weather/environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In extreme situations, the axle bearings of a rail car or locomotive can fail leading to bearing burn off and derailment. To detect such situations hot bearing detection systems, typically known as hotbox monitors or detectors, are now installed along railways to monitor the condition of rail car axles during transit.

A hotbox detector has a sensor device, or scanner, that is capable of detecting the temperature of a body passing within a given detection zone. A typical hotbox detector utilizes pyroelectric infrared sensors for detecting heat profiles of the rail car wheel bearings as the rail cars roll past the sensor. A known manufacturer of hotbox detectors is the assignee of this invention.

A hot bearing on a locomotive or rail car is indicative of a potential bearing breakdown and wheel seizure. When a hot spot is detected, the hotbox sends a signal to a central monitoring facility which, in turn, is then able to alert the train conductor to effect whatever action may be appropriate under the circumstances. In another example, the alert is transmitted directly to an operator aboard the locomotive.

Current hotbox detectors may not operate effectively during adverse weather conditions, such as, but not limited to, rainstorms and/or snowstorms, due to a buildup of water within the hotbox detector's scanner and scanner optics. Further, adverse weather/environmental conditions may also result in increasing an accumulation of particles, such as, but not limited to, dirt and dust, within the hotbox detector's scanner optics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed towards an improved hot bearing detection system to effectively operate during adverse weather conditions and environmental conditions. Towards this end, a casing for a hotbox detector scanner that has a detection device disposed within the casing is disclosed. The casing comprises a top cover having a flat top horizontal surface with an opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect a hot spot on the train. A baffle is also provided that is proximate the flat top horizontal surface to divert water blown across the top horizontal surface away from the opening. Also provided is a vertical plate proximate the flat top horizontal surface extending downward into a cavity within the hotbox detector scanner having a second opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect the hot spot on the train. A base beneath the detection device and a drain hole formed therethrough the base is also provided. In a preferred embodiment, more than one hold is provided. An elevated-shaped drain cover with a leg to position the drain cover above the hole is also provided.

In another preferred embodiment, a casing is disclosed for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train. The casing comprises a base upon which the detection device is placed, and a top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity. A first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering is also provided, and through this opening the detection device detects the hot spot on the train. Also included is a vertical plate proximate the top covering and extending downward into the cavity, and a second opening formed therethrough the vertical plate through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train. A plurality of chambers is formed within the cavity due to a placement of the vertical plate, the base, the detection device, and the top covering. A drain hole is formed therethrough at least one of the base and the top covering.

In another preferred embodiment a casing for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train is disclosed. The casing comprises a base upon which the detection device is proximate, and a drain hole formed therethrough the base. An elevated drain hole cover extending into the cavity and creating an opening between a lower edge of the drain hole cover and the drain hole is also provided. A top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity is disclosed and it has a first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a prior art top cover and base for a hotbox detector;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a top cover of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the underside of the top cover of the present invention including a wire strung rodent guard and baffles;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the internal area of a hotbox detector scanner; and

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a drain plug cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Though the present invention is described as being used for a hotbox detector scanner to detect hot bearings on a train, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may also be utilized for other casings, or enclosures, that are to function in such weather conditions as those involving rain, wind, and snow, and environmental conditions where a greater amount of particulates are moved around. Furthermore, even though the present invention is described with respect to hotbox detector scanners for hot bearings on a train, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention may be used to detect other hot spots, in particular on a train, such as, but not limited to, a hot wheel. Thus, the scope of the present invention is not limited to only hotbox detector scanners for hot bearings on a train.

In the prior art, illustrated in FIG. 1, the covering 10 for a hotbox detector scanner 5 typically has a top plate 12 that has a sweep type, or curve, design. Such a design creates a negative air pressure. Through analysis it was determined that this sweep design resulted in side drain holes 14 located on the cover not letting water out while bottom drain holes 51 would actually pull, or suck, water into the hotbox detector scanner when trains traveling over speeds of 40 miles per hour passed over.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a top cover of the present invention and FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of an underside top plate of the present invention. The negative air pressure created by the curve plate is eliminated with a flat top plate 15. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a baffle 20 is located on the top of the top plate 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the baffle 20 is actually two baffles, each having an arrow shape. As illustrated further in FIG. 3, the baffles are defined at the edges of the top plate. Each arrow shaped baffle 20 is positioned on opposite sides of the opening 22 through which the detection device 25, or scanner, views the train bearings. The baffles 20 reduce the chance of water, which is being blown across the top of the hotbox detector scanner 5, from entering through the scanner opening 22. In a preferred embodiment, the baffles 20 are indentations within the top plate 15. In a preferred embodiment baffles 20 are cut from the metal of the top plate 15. In another embodiment, the baffles 20 are protrusions extending from the top plate 12. In another exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a wired covering, or wire strung 30, is placed over the opening 22 in the top plate 15. The purpose of this covering (interwoven strands of wire) is to keep small animals, such as mice, out of the hotbox detector scanner 5.

FIG. 3 is also an exemplary embodiment of the underside 32 of the top cover 15 of the present invention including the wire strung 30. As illustrated, a vertically placed plate 34 is connected to the top plate 15 and extends downward into the areas enclosed by the covering 10, or casing. This vertical plate 34 is positioned near the opening 22 on the side of the opening 22 that the scanner optics area 40 is located. An opening 36 is provided through the vertical plate 34 so that the scanner can view the train bearings. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that this vertical plate 34 does not have to be completely vertical. In other words, it may be near vertical where it is positioned so that the far end of the plate is further from the opening in the top plate, or closer to the opening in the top plate.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the internal area of a hotbox detector scanner. The top plate 15, the vertical plate 34 and the scanner 25 and its parts result in a series of chambers being formed within the covering 10. In an exemplary embodiment the chambers are all connected by different sized and different angled openings. As the wind, rain, and/or snow enter the covering 10, the different elements creating the different sized cavities cause the air pressure and the air speed to change. This results in the rain and/or snow becoming trapped in the various cavities. This also results in trapping blowing particles, such as, but not limited to, dirt, sand, or dust, thus keeping the optics cleaner.

In addition to side drain holes 14, vents, or drain holes 51, are provided on the bottom of the hotbox detector scanner 5 to let air in and water out. In the prior art, these drain holes 51 would drain very slowly and were allowing water to pool inside the hotbox detector scanner 5. Thus, when a train would pass over the hotbox detector scanner 5, water within the hotbox detector scanner 5 would be disbursed within the hotbox detector scanner 5 (due to wind being blown in by the passing train) and onto the optics 53 causing integrity failures of the hotbox detector scanner 5, and or low bearing heat readings.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a drain plug cover, or cap, 61. The drain plug cover 61 may be made of nylon or another material that can withstand environmental conditions expected to be experienced by the hotbox detector scanner 5. As illustrated, the drain plug cover 61 has legs 63 so that the drain plug cover 61 extends above the base 59 of the hotbox detector scanner 5. An exemplary number of legs are three. As further illustrated, the legs 63 have connection points 65, or notches, where the legs connect to the drain holes 51.

In an exemplary embodiment, the drain plug cover 61 is above the surrounding base 59 with an air gap of approximately an eighth of an inch at the base 59 between the drain plug cover 61 and the base 59 of the hotbox detector scanner 5. The drain plug 61 is not flat, but has an elevated shape, such as a cone shape. With this elevated shape, dust, rain, and snow that is being moved beneath the base 59 cannot easily enter the hotbox detector scanner 5 though the drain holes 51. The base of the drain plug 61 is below the elevated scanning optics, mirror and/or lens of the scanner 25. Thus, if any rain, snow and/or dust manage to reach the scanner 25, the drain plug lip prevents these elements from reaching the scanner optics.

While the invention has been described in what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiment but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A casing for a hotbox detector scanner that has a detection device disposed within the casing, the casing comprising:

a) a top cover having a flat top horizontal surface with an opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect a hot spot on a train;

b) a baffle proximate the flat top horizontal surface to divert water blown across the flat top horizontal surface away from the opening;

c) a vertical plate proximate the flat top horizontal surface extending downward into a cavity within the hotbox detector having a second opening therethrough to allow the detection device to detect the hot spot on the train;

d) a base beneath the detection device;

e) a drain hole formed therethrough the base; and

f) an elevated-shaped drain cover with a leg to position the drain cover above the hole.

2. The casing of claim 1 wherein the baffle is positioned on opposing sides of the opening in the flat top horizontal surface.

3. The casing of claim 1 further comprises interwoven strands of a material fixed across the opening in the flat top horizontal surface wherein the strands do not interfere with allowing the detection device to detect a hot spot on the train.

4. The casing of claim 1 wherein the cover prevents water from flowing into the detector and particles from blowing up into the device.

5. The casing of claim 1 wherein the drain cover has a cone-like shape.

6. The casing of claim 1 wherein the top plate, the vertical plate and parts of the detection device form chambers within the casing that have varied sizes and openings.

7. The casing of claim 6 wherein the chambers cause a speed of air passing within the casing to change velocity.

8. The casing of claim 1 wherein the elevated-shaped drain cover minimizes at least one of environmental conditions and weather conditions occurring beneath the base from entering the cavity within the casing.

9. A casing for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train, the casing comprising:

a) a base upon which the detection device is placed;

b) a top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity;

c) a first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train;

d) a vertical plate proximate the top covering and extending downward into the cavity;

e) a second opening formed therethrough the vertical plate through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train;

f) a plurality of chambers formed within the cavity due to a placement of the vertical plate, the base, the detection device, and the top covering; and

g) a drain hole formed therethrough at least one of the base and the top covering.

10. The casing of claim 9 further comprises an elevated drain hole cover extending into the cavity and creating an opening between a lower edge of the drain hole cover and the drain hole.

11. The casing of claim 10 wherein the elevated drain hole cover is cone-like in shape wherein the cone-like shape extends into the cavity.

12. The casing of claim 10 wherein the underside of the drain hole cover provides a location for at least one of environmental conditions and weather conditions beneath the base to reach without first entering the drain hole.

13. The casing of claim 10 wherein the elevated drain hole cover is elevated by a leg that extends from the lower edge of the drain hole cover.

14. The casing of claim 9 further comprises a baffle proximate the opening in the flat top horizontal surface.

15. A casing for covering a detection device that is positioned to detect a hot spot on a train, the casing comprising:

a) a base upon which the detection device is proximate;

b) a drain hole formed therethrough the base;

c) an elevated drain hole cover extending into the cavity and creating an opening between a lower edge of the drain hole cover and the drain hole;

d) a top covering having a flat horizontal top surface and side edges that are proximate the base which together with the base form a cavity; and

e) a first opening therethrough the flat horizontal top surface of the top covering through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train.

16. The casing of claim 15 further comprises a vertical plate proximate the top covering and extending downward into the cavity with a second opening formed therethrough the vertical plate through which the detection device detects the hot spot on the train.

17. The casing of claim 16 wherein a plurality of chambers are formed within the cavity due to placement of the vertical plate, the base, the detection device, and the top covering.

18. The casing of claim 15 wherein the elevated drain hole cover is cone-like in shape wherein the cone-like shape extends into the cavity and an underside of the drain hole cover provides a location for at least one of environmental conditions and weather conditions beneath the base to reach without first entering the drain hole.

19. The casing of claim 15 wherein the elevated drain hole cover is elevated by a leg that extends from the lower edge of the drain hole cover.

20. The casing of claim 15 further comprises a baffle proximate the opening in the flat top horizontal surface.