ElectroDynamic Shield for Prevention of Optical Surface Contamination

The Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Automated Track Inspection Program uses optical systems such as cameras or laser-based systems to monitor rail performance throughout the country. These systems are hindered by adverse weather conditions that allow water, dirt and mud to coat their optical components resulting in unwanted maintenance costs. Thus FRA is seeking a low-cost, practical solution. Poly-Adaptive LLC has developed a self-cleaning surface technology that can prevent accumulation and remove dirt and dust from surfaces and uses no moving parts. Our technology is based on patented innovations originally developed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and further matured by NASA for robotic and manned space missions over the last decade. It is the aim of this proposal to apply these techniques to critical ground-based systems such as track inspection devices for railroads. The technology is called the Electrodynamic Shield (EDS) that is able to lift and transport dust particles from surfaces without moving parts. During activation particles cannot reach the surface and are directed away from the protected areas. It is the aim of this research to extend the EDS technology to prevent water-based contaminants such as mud from accumulating on sensitive optical systems.