Claims:1. A device (100) for inspecting rail (106) of a rail track, the device (100) comprising:
a laser source (101) supported by a support member (103), wherein the laser source (101) is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail (106);
an image capturing unit (102) supported by the support member (103) such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit (102) is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is configured to selectively capture images of the rail (106), upon incidence of the laser beam; and
a computing unit (105) communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit (102), wherein the computing unit (105) is configured to:
receive, the images of the rail (106) captured by the image capturing unit (102);
compare, the images received from the image capturing unit (102) with pre-stored images; and
determine, a condition of the rail (106), based on the comparison.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is a camera.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the condition of the rail (106) is at least one of deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the rail (106) and edges of the rail (106).
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-stored images correspond to images of the rail (106) in ideal conditions.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an indication unit (104) communicatively coupled to the computing unit (105), wherein the computing unit (105) is configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to deviation in the condition of the rail (106), and indicate through the indication unit (104).
7. A system (200) for inspecting rail (106) of a rail track, the system (200) comprising:
a platform (201) movable on the rail track;
at least a pair of devices (100) supported by the platform (201), wherein each of the pair of devices (100) is adapted for inspecting at least one rail (106) of the rail track, and each of the pair of devices (100) comprising:
a laser source (101) supported by a support member (103), wherein the laser source (101) is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail (106);
an image capturing unit (102) supported by the support member (103) such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit (102) is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is configured to selectively capture images of the rail (106) upon incidence of the laser beam; and
a computing unit (105) communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit (102), wherein the computing unit (105) is configured to:
receive, images of the rail (106) captured by the image capturing unit (102);
compare, the images received from the image capturing unit (102) with pre-stored images; and
determine, the condition of the rail (106), based on the comparison.
8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the computing unit (105) is configured to determine deviation in inner edges of each rail (106) of the rail track, based on images captured by each of the at least one device (100) to determine deviation in gauge (G) of rail track.
9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the image capturing unit (102) is a camera.
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predetermined angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
11. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the condition of the rail (106) is at least one of deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the rail (106) and edges of the rail (106).
12. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pre-stored images correspond to images of the rail (106) in ideal conditions. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general relates to inspection of a rail track. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a device and a system for inspecting condition of a rail of the rail track.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Rail tracks find their application in many fields including transportation of goods within a locality or to a distance locality, commute people from one place to other place, manoeuvring carriers within a shop floor, etc. Such rail tracks often undergo certain catastrophic failures, either because of manufacturing processes of rails or environment in which the rails are adapted. These failures may include both critical and non-critical defects, for example, transverse defects, cracked head defects, cracked horizontal head defects and like.

Hence, it is pertinent to inspect rails of the rail track for anomalies to maintain the rails in appropriate condition. Generally, condition of the rails affects reliability of rail transportation. Maintenance often involves inspection of the rails, which historically has been accomplished through visual inspection by workers/operators. Operators either perform a visual inspection on foot using a mantissa gauge instrument or on a moving vehicle such as a hi-railer.

Manual inspection of the rail poses limitations as it would be difficult for the operator to identify small defects or damage in the rails, while inspecting on the moving vehicle and quality of inspection solely rely on skill and experience of the operator. This limitation is aggravated by the fact that, the defects or damage to the rails i.e., cracks, changes in profiles are difficult to notice, which is undesired. Inspection that is performed on foot can provide better results, since the operator can more closely and carefully inspect each portion of the rails. However, inspection performed on foot is a slow and tedious process, requiring many hours to inspect several miles of rail track.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a device and a system as disclosed and additional advantages are provided through the device and system as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment, a device for inspecting rail of a rail track is disclosed. The device includes a laser source supported by a support member, where the laser source is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail. Further, the device includes an image capturing unit supported by the support member such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam. The image capturing unit is configured to selectively capture images of the rail, upon incidence of the laser beam. Furthermore, the device includes a computing unit, which is communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit. The computing unit is configured to receive, the images of the rail captured by the image capturing unit, compare the images received from the image capturing unit with pre-stored images and determine a condition of the rail, based on the comparison.
In an embodiment, the image capturing unit is a camera.
In an embodiment, the predetermined angle is in a range of about 40 degrees to 50 degrees.
In an embodiment, condition of the rail is at least one of deviation in height of the rail, shape of the rail and edges of the rail.
In an embodiment, the pre-stored images correspond to images of the rail in ideal conditions.
In an embodiment, the device includes an indication unit communicatively coupled to the computing unit. The computing unit is configured to generate an alert signal corresponding to deviation in the condition of the rail, and indicate through the indication unit.
In another non-limiting embodiment, a system for inspecting rail of a rail track is disclosed. The system includes a platform movable on the rail track. Further, the system includes at least a pair of devices supported by the platform, where each of the pair of devices is adapted for inspecting at least one rail of the rail track. Each of the devices includes a laser source supported by a support member, where the laser source is configured to emit laser beam onto a surface of the rail. Further, the device includes an image capturing unit supported by the support member such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam. The image capturing unit is configured to selectively capture images of the rail, upon incidence of the laser beam. Furthermore, the device includes a computing unit, which is communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit. The computing unit is configured to receive, the images of the rail captured by the image capturing unit, compare the images received from the image capturing unit with pre-stored images and determine, a condition of the rail, based on the comparison.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a device of the system of Figure. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure. 3 illustrates a sectional view of the rail track depicting change in profile of the rail.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus and system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent apparatus and systems depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to operation of the apparatus and system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for inspecting a rail of a rail track. The system may facilitate contactless and real-time inspection of the rail, without human intervention. Conventionally, inspection of rails has been accomplished through visual inspection by operators. Operators either perform a visual inspection on foot using a mantissa gauge instrument or on a moving vehicle such as a hi-railer. Manually inspecting condition of the rail, pose limitations as it would be difficult for the inspector to identify small defects or damages in the rails while inspecting on the moving vehicle and quality of inspection rely on skill and experience of the operator. Inspection that is performed on foot can provide better results, since the inspector can more closely and carefully inspect each of the rail components. However, inspection performed on foot is a slow and tedious process, requiring many hours to inspect several miles of rail track. Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a system for inspecting the rail of the rail track.

The system for inspecting the rail of the rail track may include a platform, which may be configured to be movable on the rail track, such that inspection can be performed on the fly. The platform may be operated by an operator on board or may be operated remotely. Further, the system may include at least a pair of devices, which may be supported on the platform and each of the pair of devices may be configured to inspect at least one rail of the rail track. Each of the pair of devices may include a laser source supported by a support member. The laser source may be configured to emit laser light onto a surface of the rail. Further, the device may include an image capturing unit, which may be supported by the support member. The image capturing unit may be positioned such that, an optical axis of the image capturing unit may be aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to an incident axis of the laser beam. The image capturing unit may be configured to selectively capture images of the rail upon incidence of the laser beam.

Further, the device includes a computing unit, which may be communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit. The computing unit may be configured to receive images of the rail captured by the image capturing unit and compare the captured images with pre-stored images. Based on the comparison, the computing unit may determine condition i.e., deviation in height of the rail, shape of the rail and edges of the rail of the rail. This configuration of the system facilitates in inspecting the rail through out its length, in conjunction to movement of the platform. Further, the system aids in determining condition of the rail automatically without human intervention and thus, accurate determination about the condition of the rail is achieved.

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the disclosure are explained with reference to accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Figure. 1 is a perspective view of a system (200) for inspecting rail (106) of a rail track, which may typically include two rails. The system (200) may include a platform (201), which may be configured to be movable on the rail track. The platform (201) may include a plurality of wheels (202), which may be powered by a prime mover (203) such as but not limiting to a motor. The prime mover (203) may be configured to traverse the platform (201) on the rail track at desired speed. In an embodiment, the platform (201) may be operated by the operator on-board the platform (201) or may be operated remotely through suitable remote controllers. Further, the system (200) may include at least a pair of devices (100), which may be supported on the platform (201). In an embodiment, each of the pair of devices (100) may be supported on sides of the platform (201). As an example, the pair of devices (100) may be supported to the platform (201) by one of a mechanical joining process such as fasteners and, a thermal joining process such as welding, brazing and the like. In an embodiment, each of the pair of devices (100) may be adapted to inspect at least one rail (106) of the rail track, in conjunction to traversing of the platform (201) to perform inspection of the rail (106).
Referring to Figure. 2, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a perspective view of the device (100) positioned on the platform (201). The device (100) may be configured to generate inspection data relating to at least one condition of the rail (106). In an embodiment, the at least one condition of the rail (106) may be deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the rail (106), edges of the rail (106) and gauge (G), which is distance between two rails (106) of the rail track. Deviation in the conditions of the rail may be inferred as alteration in the conditions of the rail, in conjunction to correctly operating rail, aiding in safe traversing of a rolling stock. As apparent from Figure. 2, the device (100) may include a support member (103), which may be configured to support a plurality of components of the device (100). Further, the device (100) may include a laser source (101), which may be supported by the support member (103). The laser source (101) may be configured to emit laser beam onto a surface and other portions of the rail (106). That is, the laser beam is incident on the different portion of the rail to illuminate the rail, in order to perform inspection of the rail accurately. In an embodiment, the laser source (101) may be supported by the support member (103) such that, an incident axis (A-A) of the laser beam may be substantially perpendicular to the rail (106).
Now referring again to Figure. 2, the device (100) may further include an image capturing unit (102), which may be supported by the support member (103). In an embodiment, the image capturing unit (102) may be but not limiting to a camera. The image capturing unit (102) may be supported such that, an optical axis (B-B) of the image capturing unit (102) is aligned at a predetermined angle with respect to the incidence axis (A-A) of the laser beam. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle may range from about 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Particularly, the predetermined angle may be 45 degrees, forming a triangular configuration. That is, the arrangement of the laser source (101), the image capturing unit (102) in relation to the rail (106), may form a triangular configuration. Further, the image capturing unit (102) may be configured to selectively capture images of the rail (106) upon incident of the laser beam. In other words, the image capturing unit (102) may continuously capture images of the rail (106) during traversing of the platform (201) to perform inspection of the rail (106). In an embodiment, positioning the image capturing unit (102) at 45 degrees with respect to the incident axis (A-A) of the laser beam helps in obtaining maximum intensity of laser beam on to the image capturing unit (102). This may result in obtaining an accurate and brighter image profile of the rail (106).
Furthermore, the system (200) [thus, the device (100)] may include a computing unit (105), which may be communicatively coupled to the device (100). In an embodiment, the computing unit (105) may be communicatively coupled to the image capturing unit (102) and the laser source (102) of the device (100). The computing unit (105) may be configured provide an activation signal to the to the image capturing unit (102) and the laser source (102) of the device (100) to initiate the inspection. Further, the computing unit (105) may be configured to receive images of the rail (106) captured by the image capturing unit (102) and compare the captured images of the rail (106) at every instance with pre-stored images. The pre-stored images may be images of the rail (106) in an ideal condition. The ideal condition rail may be a rail, which is newly manufactured without any defects and readily adapted in the rail track. In an embodiment, the computing unit (105) may compare height of the rail (106) from the captured image with the pre-stored image to determine any deviation in height of rail (106). Similarly, the computing unit (105) may compare profile of the rail (106) in the captured image with the profile of the rail (106) in the pre-stored image, to determine any deviation in profile of the rail (106). In some embodiments, the computing unit (105) may be communicatively coupled to a memory unit [not shown], and the memory unit stores the pre-stored images or any other parameters of the rail in the ideal conditions. As seen in Figure. 2, the system (200) may further include an indication unit (104), which may communicatively coupled to the computing unit (105). The indication unit (104) may be configured to display/indicate the conditions of the rail (106) determined by the computing unit (105), based on the comparison.
In an embodiment, the computing unit (105) may be configured to determine deviation in inner edges of each rail (106) of the rail track [best seen in Figure. 3], based on comparison of the images captured by the image capturing unit (102) with pre-stored images, to determine deviation in gauge (G) of the rail track. That is, the computing unit (105) may compare inner edges of the rail in the images captured by the image capturing unit (102) with inner edges of the rail (106) of the pre-stored images. Based on comparison, the computing unit (105) may determine change in dimension of the inner edges of the rails (106) to determine deviation in gauge (G).
In an embodiment, the computing unit (105) may be one of a computer, mobile phone, a remote control and other devices intended to perform similar functions. Further, the computing unit (100) may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, other line of processors, and the like.
In an operational embodiment, the platform (201) may be positioned on the rail track whose rails are to be inspected. Further, the platform (201) may be operated by the operator to traverse over the rails (106). During traversing of the platform (201), the device (100) [thus, image capturing unit (102)], may continuously capture images of the rails (106), which may be received by the computing unit (105). Simultaneously, the computing unit (105) may compare the images captured by the device (100) with the pre-stored images to determine condition of the rail (106) such as deviation in height of the rail (106), shape of the profile, edges, and gauge. Further, upon determination in deviation in any of the condition of the rail (106), the computing unit (105) may generate an alert signal through an indication unit (104) to the operator, and thus facilitating in carrying out instantaneous maintenance of the rail track.
In an embodiment, the computing unit (105) may determine condition of the rail (106) throughout a length of the rail (106) in conjunction to movement of the platform (201). Based on determination of deviation in condition of the rail (106), the computing unit (105) may provide an alert signal through an indication unit (104). As an example, the alert signal may be one of an audio signal, and a visual signal or combination of audio and visual signal. Based on the alert signal, the operator may carry out maintenance work to correct the condition of the rail (106).
In an embodiment, the system (200) aids in real time inspection of the rail (106) and provide alert signal instantly for the operator, corresponding to deviation of conditions of the rail (106). Therefore, facilitates in carry out maintenance of the rail (106), instantly.
In an embodiment, the system (200) includes minimum number of components and aids in accurate inspection of the rail (106), without human intervention.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Referral Numerals Description
100 Device
101 Laser source
102 Image capturing unit
103 Support member
104 Indication unit
105 Computing unit
106 Rail
200 System
201 Platform
202 Wheels