RADAR SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A STATUS OF A WHEEL

Abstract

There is disclosed a radar system (100) for determining a status of at least one wheel (110) of a train, comprising at least one radar unit (120) arranged on the train. The radar unit comprises an emitter (130) configured to emit radio waves (105) towards the at least one wheel and a detector (140), configured to detect at least a portion of the radio waves reflected from the at least one wheel and generate detector data. The radar system is configured to determine a wheel status at least partially based on the generated detector data.

Claims

1. A radar system for determining a status of at least one wheel of a train, the radar system comprising: at least one radar unit arranged on the train, comprising: an emitter configured to emit radio waves towards the at least one wheel, and a detector, configured to detect at least a portion of the radio waves reflected from the at least one wheel and generate detector data, wherein the radar system is configured to determine a wheel status at least partially based on the generated detector data.

2. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the radar system is configured to determine a wheel status based at least partially on at least one of the time travelled and the incident angle to the at least one radar unit for a detected radio wave of the radio waves.

3. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the radar system is configured to determine the wheel status at least partially based on the difference between a predetermined wheel status and the wheel status.

4. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit is arranged on a bogie of the train.

5. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the radar system comprises a processor configured to determine the wheel status based at least partially on the detector data, wherein the wheel status comprises at least one of a wheel parameter and a surface condition of the at least one wheel.

6. The radar system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises the processor.

7. The radar system according to claim 5, wherein the wheel parameter comprises at least one of a flange height, a flange thickness and a flange slope quota.

8. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the emitted radio waves are coherent radar pulses.

9. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the radio waves, emitted by the emitter, comprises electromagnetic radiation in the radio spectrum with a frequency in the range of 3 Hz-3000 GHz.

10. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises an emitter antenna configured to direct the radio waves in a predetermined direction.

11. The radar system according to claim 10, wherein the emitter antenna comprises a lens unit.

12. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises a wireless transmitter configured to transmit at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status.

13. The radar system according to claim 12, wherein the radar system comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to receive at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status from the at least one radar unit.

14. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises at least one attachment unit, configured to removably attach the at least one radar unit to the train.

15. The radar system according to claim 14, wherein the attachment unit comprises a magnet unit.

16. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises a battery.

17. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar unit is integrally formed.

18. The radar system according to claim 1, wherein the radar system comprises a plurality of radar units for the at least one wheel respectively.

19. A method for determining a status of at least one wheel of a train using a radar system, wherein the radar system comprises at least one radar unit, having an emitter configured to emit radio waves and a detector configured to detect radio waves, arranged on the train, the method comprising: emitting radio waves towards at least one wheel, by the emitter, generating detector data based on detected radio waves, by the detector, determining a wheel status at least partially based on the detector data.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a radar system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of a train wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a radar system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a radar system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 schematically shows a method for determining a status of at least one wheel of a train in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of the elements and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of the embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0044] Exemplifying embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0045] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a radar system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The radar system 100 comprises (a) radar unit(s) 120, wherein the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) arranged on a train, and is adapted for determining a status of at least one wheel 110 of the train. The radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) an emitter 130 configured to emit radio waves 105 towards the at least one wheel 110 of the train. The emitter may be configured to emit coherent radar pulses in the range of 3 Hz to 300 GHz. The radar unit(s) 120 further comprise(s) a detector 140 configured to detect at least a portion of the radio waves 105 that has been reflected from the at least one wheel 110. The radar system 100 is configured to determine a wheel status at least partially based on the generated detector data, wherein the wheel status contains information on a status of the at least one wheel 110. Typically, each wheel 110 has one or more radar units 120 configured to generate detector data for each wheel 110. The wheel status may be determined/calculated by determining the time travelled and/or the incident angle for a reflected radio wave that was detected by the detector 140.

[0046] In FIG. 1, the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) arranged above the wheel 110 in the bogie of the train. However, it is to be understood that the radar unit(s) 120 may be arranged in other locations in proximity to the at least one wheel 110, e.g. in front of and/or behind the at least one wheel 110, in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) integrally formed, i.e. formed as one single unit.

[0047] The radar system 100 may be configured to generate the wheel status at least partially based on the difference between a predetermined wheel status and a current wheel status, wherein the current contour status is based on the wheel status. The wheel status may comprise a profile/contour of a surface of the at least one wheel 110. For example, the wheel status may comprise at least one wheel parameter and/or a surface condition of the at least one wheel 110. The wheel parameter may comprise a width/height/depth of a part of the profile/contour of the at least one wheel 110, that may be indicative of wear/tear and defects that may pose a risk to the operation of the train and/or the rail. The predetermined wheel status may be determined by manual input of parameters and/or be automatically calibrated when the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) arranged at a specific location, for a specific wheel, in order to determine parameters related to e.g. the profile/contour of the at least one wheel 110. The wheel status may indicate if a wheel needs to be replaced or turned down. When the at least one wheel 110 is turned down, the diameter may become smaller, which changes the distance between an already positioned radar unit 120 and the wheel 110. In the case the at least one wheel 110 is turned down, the predetermined wheel status may be changed accordingly. For example, the predetermined wheel status may be changed by new manual input and/or automatic calibration, to account for the new shape of the wheel 110.

[0048] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of the at least one train wheel 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2 a first axis, Z, and a second axis, X, is defined according to the arrows in the figure. The first axis, Z, is arranged along the rotational axis, A.sub.1, of the at least one wheel 110. The second axis, X, is arranged to be perpendicular to the rotational axis of the at least one wheel 110. The at least one train wheel 110 comprises a rolling surface 112. The rolling surface 112 may be defined as a plane which is parallel with the first axis, Z. The dotted line, RC, represents the normal rolling circle of the at least one wheel 110 and extends in a direction parallel with the X-axis. RC passes through the rolling surface 112 at a distance L.sub.1 from an outer rim 114 of the at least one wheel 110, wherein the outer rim 114 extends in a direction parallel to the axis, X. The distance L.sub.1 may be 70 mm. The at least one wheel 110 comprises a flange 116. The flange 116 may be a ridge extending circumferentially around the axis of the at least one wheel 110 at the periphery of the at least one wheel 110. The flange 116 has a flange height, S.sub.h, defined as the distance between the rolling surface 112 and the peak/pinnacle/apex/top of the flange 116. The flange 116 has a flange thickness, S.sub.d, defined as a distance along the Z-axis, between the outer rim 114 of the at least one wheel 110 and a first location 117 on the flange 116. The first location 117 is defined as a location along the contour of the at least one wheel 110 on the inside of the flange 116, at a distance L.sub.2 from the rolling surface 112, in a direction parallel with the X-axis. The distance L.sub.2 may be 10 mm. The flange 116 has a flange slope quota, q.sub.r, defined as the distance, in a direction parallel with the Z-axis, between the first location 117 and a second location 118. The second location 118 is defined as a location along the contour of the at least one wheel 110 on the inside of the flange 116, at a distance L.sub.3, in a direction parallel with the X-axis, from the peak/pinnacle/apex/top of the flange 116. The distance L.sub.3 may be 2 mm. The flange height, S.sub.h, may fulfil 27.5 mmS.sub.h36 mm. The flange thickness, S.sub.d, may fulfil 22 mm S.sub.d33 mm. The flange slope quota, q.sub.r, may fulfil 6.5 mmq.sub.r. The flange height, S.sub.h, the flange thickness, S.sub.d, and the flange slope quota, q.sub.r, may be predetermined values set by operating and maintenance requirements. The flange height, S.sub.h, the flange thickness, S.sub.d, and the flange slope quota, q.sub.r, may be important to monitor, in order to ensure that the train may operate safely and efficiently.

[0049] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a radar system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The radar system comprises (a) radar unit(s) 120 arranged on a train, here the bogie of the train, in proximity to the at least one wheel 110 of the train. The radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) an attachment unit 190 configured to removably attach the radar unit(s) 120 to the train. The attachment unit 190 may comprise a magnet unit. The magnet unit may comprise one or more magnets configured to attach the radar unit(s) 120 to the train. It is to be understood that the attachment unit 190 may use a combination of a magnet unit and other attaching elements, such as adhesive material and/or mechanical structures. In FIG. 3 the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) integrally formed. In other words, the radar unit 120(s) is (are) formed as a single unit. The radar unit(s) 120 may be attached to, and removed from, a desired location on the train via the attachment unit 190.

[0050] The radar unit(s) 120 may be configured to detect a presence and/or motion. For example, the radar unit(s) 120 may detect the motion of the at least one wheel 110 and/or the train, and activate upon detected movement. The radar unit(s) 120 may comprise a sensor configured to detect a presence and/or motion. In case the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) activated by motion, the radar system 100 may automatically conserve power.

[0051] The radar system 100 comprises an emitter 130 configured to emit radio waves 105 towards the at least one wheel 110, and a detector 140 configured to detect at least a portion of the radio waves 105 reflected from the at least one wheel 110 and generate detector data. The radar system 100 is configured to determine a wheel status at least partially based on the generated detector data. Consequently, the wheel status contains information on a status of the at least one wheel 110.

[0052] The radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) an emitter antenna 160 configured to direct the radio waves 105 in a predetermined direction. The emitter antenna 160 may improve how specific the emitted radio waves 105 are reflected towards the detector 140. The emitter antenna 160 comprises a lens unit 165. The lens unit 165 may comprise one or more lenses configured to further improve the accuracy of the directing of the radio waves 105 towards the at least one wheel 110, and/or towards a specific location on the at least one wheel 110.

[0053] Furthermore, in FIG. 3, the radar system 100 comprises a processor 150 configured to determine the wheel status. The processor 150 may be configured to determine the wheel status based at least partially on the detector data. The wheel status may comprise at least one of a wheel parameter and a surface condition of the at least one wheel 110. The processor 150 may determine the wheel status based only on the generated detector data. The processor 150 may determine the wheel status based on a combination of the detector data and predetermined parameters of the at least one wheel 110 and/or the spatial relationship between the at least one wheel 110 and the radar unit(s) 120. The wheel parameter may be a height, width and/or depth of a part of the surface/profile/contour of the at least one wheel 110. The wheel parameter may be at least one of a flange height, a flange thickness and a flange slope quota. The predetermined parameters may be related to a contour of the at least one wheel 110, such that defects and/or evolving defects may be determined. Evolving defects may be parameters that indicate that the at least one wheel 110 soon has a defect which poses a threat to the operation of the train. The predetermined parameters may be at least one of a flange height, a flange thickness and a flange slope quota of the at least one wheel 110, e.g. when the at least one wheel 110 was mounted on the bogie of the train. A surface condition of the at least one wheel 110 may indicate wear and/or damage, e.g. a flat spot/wheel flat, a recess or pit due to a missing piece of the at least one wheel 110 and/or other conditions of the at least one wheel 110 which may have an influence on the operation and/or safety of the train. The surface condition may be related to the surface of the rolling surface/tread of the at least one wheel 110 and/or the flange of the at least one wheel 110. The surface condition may comprise information on the profile of the wheel 110. In FIG. 3, the radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) the processor 150, i.e. the processor 150 is part of the at least one radar unit 120.

[0054] The radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) a wireless transmitter 170 configured to transmit at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status. The wireless transmitter 170 may transmit detector data/wheel status to a cloud service/server, a communication network, a device, a computer, and/or to an already existing system of the train, for example to allow an operator of the train or a controller of the train to see the wheel status of the at least one wheel 110. The radar unit(s) 120 may transmit the detector data to an external processor, such that at least a part of detector data may be processed elsewhere, e.g. on a cloud server, in order to determine the wheel status. The radar unit(s) 120 may transmit the wheel status 110 to a device/computer/server wirelessly and/or via a wire/cord/cable. The external processor may be part of a control unit (180).

[0055] The radar unit(s) 120 may determine a wheel status of the at least one wheel 110, wherein the wheel status indicates if the at least one wheel 110 requires maintenance. The radar unit(s) 120 may determine the wheel status of the at least one wheel 110 based, partially or fully, on the detector data with the processor 150. The radar unit(s) 120 may transmit the wheel status using the wireless transmitter 170.

[0056] The radar unit(s) 120 may determine if the wear and/or damage to the train exceeds a threshold value, and transmit a signal via the wireless transmitter, indicating that the at least one wheel 110 and/or the train need maintenance. The signal may comprise the wheel status. The wheel status may comprise one or more metrics/values/parameters which indicates that a wheel 110 and/or the train needs maintenance. The transmitted wheel status may comprise actual wheel parameters, such as flange height, flange thickness and/or flange slope quota, determined by the radar unit(s) 120.

[0057] Furthermore, the radar system 100 comprises a control unit 180. The control unit 180 is configured to receive at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status from the radar unit(s) 120. The transmitter 170 may send detector data and/or a wheel status of the at least one wheel to the control unit 180. The control unit 180 may receive detector data and/or a wheel status of the at least one wheel 110. The control unit 180 may gather/store/collect/receive detector data and/or the wheel status of the at least one wheel 110 in one location/device, such that e.g. train personnel may see the status of the at least one wheel 110 at the control unit 180.

[0058] The control unit 180 may comprise a transmitter configured to send control signals to the radar unit(s) 120. The control signals may control the function of the radar unit(s) 120. The control unit 180 may comprise a processor configured to calculate/determine wheel parameters and/or defects of the at least one wheel 110. The radar system 100 may comprise a processor 150 in the radar unit(s) 120 and another processor 150 in the at least one control unit 180. The radar system 100 may comprise a processor 150 arranged in the control unit 180 while the radar unit(s) 120 does (do) not comprise a processor 150. The wireless transmitter 170 may transmit at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status to the control unit 180.

[0059] In FIG. 3. The radar unit(s) 120 comprise(s) a battery 200. The battery 200 is configured to power the radar unit(s) 120. Consequently, the radar unit(s) 120 is (are) self-powered, and does not need to be electrically connected to the train. Thus, the battery 200 may power the radar unit(s) 120 and the processor 150. In an embodiment, the radar unit(s) 120 and the battery 200 may be comprised in the radar unit(s) 120 form a single unit, which may be removably attached to the train.

[0060] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a radar system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the radar system 100 shown in FIG. 4 has several features in common with the radar system 100 shown in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 3, and it is hereby referred to FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 3 and the associated texts for an increased understanding of some of the features and/or functions of the radar system 100. In FIG. 4 the at least one radar unit 120 comprises three radar units 120 arranged in proximity to the at least one wheel 110. The radar units 120 are arranged on the bogie surrounding the at least one wheel 110. The radar units 120 are arranged at different locations to generate better and/or more complete detector data, e.g. with higher resolution, in order to better determine a wheel status of the at least one wheel 110.

[0061] FIG. 5 schematically shows a method 300 for determining a status of at least one wheel of a train in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The status of the at least one wheel is determined using a radar system, wherein the radar system comprises at least one radar unit arranged on the train, wherein the at least one radar unit comprises an emitter configured to emit radio waves and a detector configured to detect radio waves.

[0062] The method 300 comprises emitting 310 radio waves towards at least one wheel, by the emitter. The emitted radio waves may be directed towards the at least one wheel, via alignment of the at least one radar unit with respect to the at least one wheel. Furthermore, the emitted radio waves may be directed using a transmitter antenna, e.g a lens unit.

[0063] The method comprises generating 320 detector data based on detected/received radio waves, by the detector.

[0064] Furthermore, the method 300 comprises determining 330 a wheel status at least partially based on the detector data. The wheel status is related to the status of the at least one wheel. The wheel status may be determined based on the generated detector data and/or a combination of the generated detector data and predetermined wheel status/parameters. The predetermined wheel status and/or wheel parameters may be related to the size and/or shape of the wheel, such as a contour/profile of the at least one wheel, e.g. when it is new or newly turned down. The wheel status and/or wheel parameters may be related to the setup of the at least one wheel relative the at least one radar unit, for example the distance from the at least one radar unit to the at least one wheel. The wheel status may comprise information on a contour/profile of at least a part of the at least one wheel, e.g. of the rolling surface or the flange of the wheel. The wheel status may be calculated/determined using a processor. For example, generated detector data, which comprises information on e.g. the incident angle of the radar wave and/or the time travelled from the emitter to the detector, may be used to calculate/determine if there are damages/defects on the at least one wheel.

[0065] The method 300 may further comprise transmitting at least part of the detector data and/or the wheel status. For example, to a communication network, a cloud service and/or a device/computer. The transmitting may be performed by a wireless transmitter.

[0066] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the at least one radar unit 120 may have different shapes, dimensions and/or sizes than those depicted/described. Furthermore, the arrangement of the different components of the radar system 100 may be different than those depicted/described.