초록 ▼

An electromagnetic system for detecting cracked rail and enhancing traction when necessary, includes wiring coils around wheel axles, and a corresponding power source for supplying power to the coils for producing electromagnetic flux. The produced electromagnetic flux is routed through the wheel ax

An electromagnetic system for detecting cracked rail and enhancing traction when necessary, includes wiring coils around wheel axles, and a corresponding power source for supplying power to the coils for producing electromagnetic flux. The produced electromagnetic flux is routed through the wheel axles, wheels and rails in a closed circuit. When a cracked rail is encountered along the route, the circuit will be interrupted or open, resulting in a changed flux pattern. This pattern change is detected by a flux sensor, and the geographic location of the crack in the rail is determined. The electromagnetic system further includes an electromagnetic wheel loading means for generating an attraction to the rails. The generated attraction to the rails increases friction between the wheels and the rails, thereby increasing traction to enable hauling greater loads up steep grades.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An electromagnetic system for railroad track crack detection and traction enhancement adapted to be carried aboard a rail vehicle, said system comprising:first and second wheel axles;a first pair of wheels supported on said first axle;a second pair of wheels supported o

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An electromagnetic system for railroad track crack detection and traction enhancement adapted to be carried aboard a rail vehicle, said system comprising:first and second wheel axles;a first pair of wheels supported on said first axle;a second pair of wheels supported on said second axle;a first one of the wheels of said first and second pairs being adapted to contact a first rail of said railroad track;a second one of the wheels of said first and second pairs being adapted to contact a second rail of said railroad track;a first wiring coil wound on the first one of said axles;a second wiring coil wound on the second one of said axles;a power source coupled to each of said wiring coils for supplying power to produce electromagnetic flux in a magnetic circuit comprising(a.) said first pair of wheels and said first axle,(b.) said first rail,(c.) said second pair of wheels and said second axle, and(d.) said second rail; anda magnetic flux sensor for monitoring a flux pattern produced by said magnetic circuit and for generating an output indication if the flux pattern varies.