Embedded Railway Ballast Moisture Sensing | UVM Innovations | University of Vermont

Embedded Railway Ballast Moisture Sensing

UVM Reference Number: C920
Summary:

Railbed health is an important aspect of safe transportation by train. If not properly maintained, over time this can lead to track misalignment and compromised load-bearing capacity. If the tracks are compromised in any way, catastrophic derailment is more likely. Additionally, the massive financial burden that misaligned tracks carry with them is a long-term expense that doesn't need to exist. Ballast are the rocks laid within the track. They provide vital stability that trains need to operate safely.

Our harmonic diode patches will be installed in every meter of the sub-ballast during the construction of all new railroads. Trains will automatically, passively gain information about potential fouling simply by traveling over the patches. Our solution will last for decades with no risk of our technology becoming obsolete or no longer supported. This gives railway companies an option to monitor this issue from the inception of the railway and to prevent millions of dollars in spending due to misalignment from chronic fouling.

Opportunity:

  • Looking for research and development partners and licensing opportunities.

Patents:

  • US 18/636,140

Seeking:

  • Licensing
  • Development partner
Patent Information:
Category(s):
Technology Classifications > Engineering
Inventors:
Tom Weller
Ismail Uluer
Jeff Frolik
For Information, Contact:
UVM Innovations UVMI.Case@uvm.edu
Keywords:
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