DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to an obstacle protector for railway vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a roller enabled obstacle dislodger for a railway rolling stock.
BACKGROUND
Railway tracks must be kept clear of obstructions to ensure the smooth movement of trains. However, there is a risk of animals, obstacles coming under a running train while crossing the track. To address this issue, obstacle deflectors have been developed. These are barriers and metallic structures that are installed on the leading ends of trains. Obstacle deflectors serve to prevent debris or animal carcasses from obstructing the train's movement.
The primary purpose of obstacle deflectors is to deflect potential obstructions away from the track, thereby reducing the risk of train derailment or accidents. When an animal or debris comes into contact with the obstacle deflector, it is directed away from the train's path, minimizing the chances of it causing an obstruction on the track.
The design of obstacle deflectors typically involves a sturdy metallic structure that extends horizontally from the front of the train. This structure acts as a shield, preventing objects from passing under the train. It is designed to push the debris or animal remains to the side of the track rather than allowing them to accumulate on the track itself.
The existing arrangement pushes the debris or livestock on to the path of track itself but not towards the adjacent side of the track. There are chances, wherein small parts of animals can come under the train causing the obstruction for the train movement.
SUMMARY
In one aspects of the present disclosure, an obstacle dislodger system for a train is provided.
The obstacle dislodger system includes an obstacle dislodger fitted on extreme ends of the train, wherein the obstacle dislodger has a slanted 'V' shape configured to guide an impacted object along an angled surface of a obstacle dislodger to the side of the track. The obstacle dislodger system further includes at least one roller mounted on the frame the roller configured to freely rotate along its axis. The obstacle dislodger system further includes ball bearings provided to enable the rotation of the roller along its axis. The obstacle dislodger system further includes a supporting column configured to withstand oncoming impact force. The obstacle dislodger system further includes a video camera fixed on top of the obstacle dislodger frame to capture track clearances. The obstacle dislodger system further includes load sensors attached to the roller/rollers to record the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger. The obstacle dislodger system further includes a monitoring system displaying the camera footage on a video display. The obstacle dislodger system further includes a load sensor digital display displaying the sum of the load acting on the roller/rollers.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the roller/rollers are provided without ball bearings, enabling its rotation along its axis.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rotary motion of the rollers is isolated from the obstacle dislodger frame structure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the guard covers the entire front portion of the vehicle to push debris aside of the track without causing damage to the vehicle structure, thereby ensuring passenger safety and avoiding derailment of the rolling stock.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger system further includes a replaceable obstacle dislodger to be used in case of damage due to animal impact, thereby ensuring easy maintenance and safety of the vehicle.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rollers minimize the contact surface of the guard with the debris, reducing the frictional force resisting the movement of the debris along the guiding face of the obstacle dislodger.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the load sensors enable the measurement of the oncoming load acting on the obstacle deflector, facilitating the improvement of the obstacle dislodger design.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger system further includes a buzzer configured to produce a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal, alerting the train driver.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger system further includes dark red lights positioned inside the rollers, configured to flash upon impact with an obstacle or animal, attracting the attention of people outside the train.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger system further includes a GPS sensor providing the exact location of the train upon impact with an obstacle.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rollers are made of hardened plastic or metallic material.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the video camera is mounted on the obstacle dislodger to capture the track clearance.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the monitoring system comprises a visual display unit.
In second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for improving obstacle dislodger design in a train is provided.
The method includes providing an obstacle dislodger system comprising an obstacle dislodger with mounted rollers, a video camera, load sensors, and a monitoring system. The method further includes capturing video footage of track clearances using the video camera mounted on the obstacle deflector. The method further includes recording the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger using the load sensors attached to the rollers. The method further includes displaying the captured video footage on a video display of the monitoring system. The method further includes summing and displaying the load acting on the rollers on a load sensor digital display of the monitoring system. The method further includes analyzing the captured video footage and the load data to identify areas for improvement in the obstacle dislodger design. The method further includes modifying the obstacle dislodger design based on the analysis results to enhance its functionality and efficiency.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes providing a buzzer that produces a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal to draw the attention of the train driver.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes flashing dark red lights positioned inside the rollers upon impact with an obstacle or animal to draw the attention of people outside the train.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes utilizing a GPS sensor to provide the exact location of the train upon impact with an obstacle for further analysis and improvement of the obstacle dislodger design.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the method further includes replacing the obstacle dislodger with mounted rollers easily in case of damage due to animal impact, ensuring the maintenance and safety of the train.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger design is improved by optimizing the material composition, shape, and configuration of the rollers to facilitate the easy movement of animal corpses or debris aside.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger design is improved by enhancing the impact load reduction on the rolling stock, minimizing the possibility of derailment due to animal impact, and ensuring smooth train operation.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger design is improved by incorporating feedback from the captured video footage and load data to continuously enhance the performance and functionality of the obstacle dislodger system.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger design is improved by integrating advancements in technology and materials to optimize the obstacle deflector's operation, reliability and durability.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the obstacle dislodger design is improved by considering safety measures such as the provision of a buzzer, flashing lights, and GPS sensors to enhance awareness and response to obstacles or animal impacts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawing,
Figure 1 illustrates an obstacle dislodger system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates the obstacle dislodger system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates an obstacle dislodger system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates an obstacle dislodger system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description.
References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be references to the same embodiment or any embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments.
Reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", “one aspect”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special significance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided.
A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms.
The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Without intent to limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.
As mentioned before, there is a need for technology that overcomes these drawbacks. The present disclosure aims to addresses the aforementioned needs by providing an obstacle dislodger frame that gets fitted on extreme ends of the train, wherein the obstacle dislodger has a slanted 'V' shape configured to guide an impacted object along an angled surface of a obstacle dislodger to the side of the track along with various other components.
Figure 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrates an obstacle dislodger system 100, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The system 100 include an obstacle dislodger frame 102, at least one roller 1, ball bearings 2, obstacle dislodger frame 3, supporting column 4, one or more cameras 5 of which first and second camera is shown, one or more load sensors 6, monitors 7, load sensor displays 8, a video display 9, a buzzer 10, a dark red light/red light 11, a GPS sensor 12.
The obstacle dislodger frame 102 gets fitted on extreme ends of the train, wherein the obstacle dislodger has a slanted 'V' shape configured to guide an impacted object along an angled surface of a obstacle dislodger to the side of the track.
At least one roller 1 mounted on the obstacle dislodger frame 102, the roller configured to freely rotate along its axis.
The ball bearings 2 provided to enable the rotation of the roller along its axis.
The supporting column 4 configured to withstand an oncoming force.
The video camera 5 fixed on top of the obstacle dislodger to capture track clearances.
The load sensors 6 attached to the roller/rollers to record the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger.
The monitor 7 include the load sensor digital display 8 and the video display 9.
The load sensor digital display 8 will display the sum of the load acting on the roller/rollers.
The video display 9 will display the camera footage on a video display.
The buzzer 10 is configured to produce a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal, alerting the train driver.
The dark red lights 11 will be positioned inside the rollers and configured to flash upon impact with an obstacle or animal, attracting the attention of people outside the train.
The GPS sensor 12 will be adapted to provide the exact location of the train upon impact with an obstacle.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the roller 1 is provided without ball bearings, enabling its rotation along its axis.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rotary motion of the rollers is isolated from the obstacle dislodger frame 102 structure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the guard may cover the entire front portion of the vehicle to push debris aside of the track without causing damage to the vehicle structure, thereby ensuring passenger safety and avoiding derailment of the rolling stock.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system 100 may include a replaceable obstacle dislodger to be used in case of damage due to animal impact, thereby ensuring easy maintenance and safety of the vehicle.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rollers 1 minimize the contact surface of the guard with the debris, reducing the frictional force resisting the movement of the debris along the guiding face of the obstacle dislodger.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the load sensors 6 enable the measurement of the oncoming load acting on the obstacle dislodger frame 102, facilitating the improvement of the obstacle dislodger design.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further include a buzzer 10 configured to produce a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal, alerting the train driver.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further include a dark red light 11 positioned inside the rollers, configured to flash upon impact with an obstacle or animal, attracting the attention of people outside the train.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the system further include a GPS sensor 12 providing the exact location of the train upon impact with an obstacle.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the rollers 1 are made of hardened plastic or metallic material.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the video camera 5 is mounted on the obstacle deflector to capture the track clearance.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the monitor 9 comprises a visual display unit.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for improving obstacle dislodger design in a train is provided. The method may include the following steps:
At step a: providing an obstacle dislodger system 100 comprising an obstacle dislodger frame 102 with mounted rollers, a video camera 5, load sensors 6, and a monitor.
At step b: capturing video footage of track clearances using the camera 5 mounted on the obstacle dislodger frame 102.
At step c: recording the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger using the load sensors attached to the rollers 1.
At step d: displaying the captured video footage on a video display 9 of the monitor 7.
At step e: summing and displaying the load acting on the rollers on a load sensor digital display of the video display 9.
At step f: analyzing the captured video footage and the load data to identify areas for improvement in the obstacle dislodger frame 102.
The implementation set forth in the foregoing description does not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. Further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementation described can be directed to various combinations and sub combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations of the several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompany figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim (s):
1. An obstacle dislodger system (100) for a train, comprising:
a) an obstacle dislodger frame (102) fitted on extreme ends of the train, wherein the obstacle dislodger has a slanted 'V' shape configured to guide an impacted object along an angled surface of an obstacle dislodger to the side of the track;
c) at least one roller (1) mounted on the obstacle dislodger frame (102), the roller configured to freely rotate along its axis;
d) ball bearings (2) provided to enable the rotation of the roller along its axis;
e) a supporting column (4) configured to withstand an oncoming force;
f) a video camera (5) fixed on top of the obstacle dislodger to capture track clearances;
g) load sensors (6) attached to the roller/rollers to record the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger;
h) a monitor (9) displaying the camera footage on a video display;
i) a load sensor digital display (8) displaying the sum of the load acting on the roller;
j) a buzzer (10) configured to produce a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal, alerting the train driver; and
k) dark red lights (11) positioned inside the rollers, configured to flash upon impact with an obstacle or animal, attracting the attention of people outside the train.

2. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a GPS sensor (12) providing the exact location of the train upon impact with an obstacle.

3. The obstacle dislodger system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller (1) is provided without ball bearings, enabling its rotation along its axis.

4. The obstacle dislodger system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary motion of the rollers is isolated from the obstacle dislodger frame (102) structure.

5. The obstacle dislodger system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guard covers the entire front portion of the vehicle to push debris aside of the track without causing damage to the vehicle structure, thereby ensuring passenger safety and avoiding derailment of the rolling stock.

6. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a replaceable obstacle dislodger to be used in case of damage due to animal impact, thereby ensuring easy maintenance and safety of the vehicle.

7. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rollers (1) minimize the contact surface of the guard with the debris, reducing the frictional force resisting the movement of the debris along the guiding face of the obstacle dislodger.

8. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load sensors (6) enable the measurement of the oncoming load acting on the obstacle dislodger frame (102), facilitating the improvement of the obstacle dislodger design.

9. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rollers (1) are made of hardened plastic or metallic material.

10. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video camera (5) is mounted on the obstacle dislodger to capture the track clearances.

11. The obstacle dislodger system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monitor (9) comprises a visual display unit.

12. A method for improving obstacle dislodger design in a train, comprising:
a) providing an obstacle dislodger system (100) comprising an obstacle dislodger frame (1) with mounted rollers, a video camera (5), load sensors (6), and a monitor;
b) capturing video footage of track clearances using the camera (5) mounted on the obstacle dislodger frame (1);
c) recording the force exerted on the obstacle dislodger using the load sensors attached to the rollers (1);
d) displaying the captured video footage on a video display (9) of the monitoring system;
e) summing and displaying the load acting on the rollers on a load sensor digital display of the video display (9);
f) analyzing the captured video footage and the load data to identify areas for improvement in the obstacle dislodger frame (102);

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising providing a buzzer (10) that produces a high-pitched noise upon impact with an obstacle or animal to draw the attention of the train driver.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising flashing dark red lights (11) positioned inside the rollers upon impact with an obstacle or animal to draw the attention of people outside the train.