Method and system for managing a plurality of remote assets, such as a fleet mobile assets is provided. The method allows for collecting data regarding each of a plurality of remote assets. The collected data is used to develop historical information regarding actual usage of each remote asset. The information is distributed via a global information network.

System and method for managing a fleet of remote assets

A diagnosis and repair recommendation system for a railroad locomotive is disclosed. The system uses generalized repair recommendations and instantiates them to a specific repair process for a unique road number locomotive. In addition to repair steps to be executed by the technician, the method and system remotely provides supporting documentation specifically tailored for each step in the repair process. As the repair is being conducted, feedback information is entered by the technician. The repair recommendations and the supporting documents are available to the technician via a remote unit, thereby allowing the technician to access the repair steps and supporting documentation while the repair is in progress.

Diagnosis and repair system and method

Computerized method and system for identifying repeatedly malfunctioning equipment and root causes therefor are provided. The method allows to provide a database (e.g., 220) comprising detailed equipment data including data indicative of historical equipment malfunctions in a plurality of pieces of equipment. The equipment data includes a unique equipment identifier for uniquely relating each malfunction to respective equipment. The method further allows to analyze the data base for a selected time window to review equipment malfunctions logged in the database and resulting in servicing activities over that time window. An equipment malfunction threshold for the number of malfunctions occurring during a predetermining period of time is established. The database is configured to automatically issue a report identifying any respective equipment as a repeatedly-malfunctioning-equipment whenever the number of equipment malfunctions resulting in servicing activities over that time window exceeds the equipment malfunction threshold. An input/output device (e.g., 226) is provided to communicate with said database to receive the report from the database. A work order for the repeatedly malfunctioning-equipment is instantiated, wherein the order is configured to remain open at least until service personnel logs comment data into the work order indicative of possible root causes for the repeatedly malfunctioning equipment.

Method and system for identifying repeatedly malfunctioning equipment

Computerized method and system for guiding personnel servicing equipment requiring repair while at an equipment work site are provided. The personnel is guided through a plurality of tasks for evaluating the health of the equipment to identify the nature and extent of service needed, and determining at least one preferred work site location for performing the services based on technical and business decision-making criteria.

Computerized method and system for guiding service personnel to select a preferred work site for servicing transportation equipment

Computerized method and system for graphically identifying replacement parts for selected equipment and a selected system thereof is provided. The method allows to provide a database comprising detailed parts data about the replacement parts for each assembly of the selected equipment, with the detailed data identifying each part in a selected assembly by providing a series of linked schematic representations of the selected assembly and any subassemblies thereof and respective parts. The method further allows to provide a respective identifier for uniquely identifying the selected equipment. An input/output device for communicating with the database is provided. The method allows to access the database to interface with the detailed parts data, and retrieve from the database detailed data about the selected equipment using the respective identifier for the equipment, wherein service personnel graphically progresses from the selected assembly to any relevant subassembly and replacement parts by following any appropriate links.

Method and system for graphically identifying replacement parts for generally complex equipment

Track maintenance management is defined by the present invention as the integration of all the maintenance engineering tasks which ensure that optimum levels of availability and overall performance of the track infrastructure are achieved in order to meet business objectives. The present invention provides the tools for effective track maintenance management and ensures that an economic balance between resource input and condition of the track infrastructure is maintained while still providing a competitive transport service. The present invention incorporates an essential database and a means of keeping it current. The present invention also provides a means for visualizing and interrelating the sets of data to improve maintenance decisions. The present invention also represents track condition by moving calculation which helps identify problems areas.

Computer system for railway maintenance

At the Pueblo test facility a clay subgrade layer 1.5 m (5 ft) thick was installed to provide a low modulus track. The performance and maintenance requirements of this track under accumulated traffic (with a 170-kN or 39-kip wheel load) were compared with those of an adjacent track section with natural stiff subgrade. In this way the effect of substructure condition on track performance was distinguished. It was determined that the low modulus track produced a more variable support condition than did the stiffer track. Larger variation in support provided more differential settlement and, therefore, required more smoothing maintenance. Track deflection under load provides information regarding substructure support and related track maintenance needs. Three ways of characterizing the load-deflection characteristics of track were considered: track deflection, track stiffness, and track modulus. The results of these measurements are shown and compared, and the implications of using each are discussed. Whichever technique is used, a system that can take measurements on a continuous basis is recommended to determine the support characteristics along the track. Such a system could be used to identify those sections requiring differing amounts of maintenance and those that may need rehabilitation to increase the modulus to an acceptable level.

Track modulus measurements at the pueblo soft subgrade site

Measurement of track deflection under vertical load is proposed as a means of assessing the structural condition of the track The results can be presented in the form of (a) vertical rail deflection under a specified load or change in load, (b) track stiffness defined as the ratio of change to load to change in rail deflection, or (c) track (foundation) modulus as defined by the beam-on-elastic-foundation model Examples of such data are given from tests on a heavy haul line The single vertical load point method was used Characteristics of the load-deflection relationships are shown The curves were subdivided into two parts The first part is the seating deflection, which indicates the voids under the rails and ties The second part is the contact deflection, a function of the substructure layer stiffness properties Deflection basins were also measured and compared with basins calculated using a computer model The study showed that continuous deflection profiles along the track are useful in characterizing the track support conditions and their variations

Track modulus measurements on a heavy haul line

Track geometry measurements are discussed as a means of evaluating the functional condition of track. Examples are given of track vertical profile geometry data from a heavy haul line obtained by a laser survey and by a track recording car. Bad sites with rapid geometry deterioration are compared with good sites with stable geometry. The mid-chord ordinate measurement procedure used by the recording car is described, and two methods to backcalculate the track longitudinal profile from this measurement are presented. A definition of track roughness based on the vertical geometry data is proposed. Examples are given of the use of roughness to identify track sections having similar maintenance needs and to project the amount of traffic when geometry corrections will be required. The results of the research suggest that considerable potential for cost savings exists from use of track geometry data in maintenance planning beyond that normally considered by the railroad where the measurements were made.

/pdf/use-of-track-geometry-measurements-for-maintenance-planning-3g0973pihd.pdf

Use of track geometry measurements for maintenance planning

Two types of commercially available dynamic earth pressure cells were tested to determine their suitability for measuring traffic-induced stresses in subgrade. The main consideration was how well the gauges could be calibrated for accurate representation of soil stresses. Tests were conducted with fluid pressure applied directly to the cells and with cells buried at various depths in a soil test chamber. The effects of soil type, proximity of adjacent cells, major principal stress direction, and temperature were investigated. Results indicate linearity, hysteresis, sensitivity, conformance, and accuracy. The two cells performed differently, but one was much more accurate than the other.

Willem Ebersohn

Papers

Computer system for railway maintenance

Track modulus measurements at the pueblo soft subgrade site

Track modulus measurements on a heavy haul line

Use of track geometry measurements for maintenance planning

Evaluation of Dynamic Earth Pressure Cells for Subgrade