SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BROKEN RAIL AND TRAIN DETECTION

摘要

A rail break or rail vehicle detection system (10) which includes a voltagesource (20), capable of voltage source compensation, is coupled to each of apluralityof zones (30), (32), (34), (36) within a block (24) of rail track (12) devoidof insulatedjoints. A plurality of current sensors (38) are provided, each coupled to arespectivevoltage source (20) and configured to measure current flowing through thesensor (38)in response to changing voltage patterns. Each current sensor (38) is furtherconfigured in one embodiment to determine and compare signatures based oncurrentmeasurements to a predetermined decision surface to detect the presence of arailvehicle or rail break on a predetermined block (24) of track (12). The voltagesource(20) or current sensor (38) can be adapted to control voltage levels andpolarity ofeach voltage source (20). A method of communicating the presence or absence ofarail break or rail vehicle employs an in-rail TDMA communication scheme tosynchronize, test and communicate directly between the sensors (38) withoutuse ofexternal controllers.