Opportunities & 3-Pass System
Defect detectability, operational value, and our optimal capture strategy for rail inspection.
Workflow Overview
Optimal 3-Pass System
High value, low delay capture strategy—clean, repeatable, and marketable.
Pass 1 — Low Mechanical Pass (Suspension Core)
Primary differentiator. Height: 5–7 ft AGL · Offset: ≤ 6 ft · Gimbal: -10° to -20° · Speed: 3–5 mph
Unlocks: Friction wedge presence/displacement, spring compression asymmetry, side bearing gap risk, bearing cap & bolt integrity, oil leakage indicators.
Pass 2 — Mid-Height Safety Appliance Pass
Compliance + visible damage. Height: 12–18 ft AGL · Offset: 6 ft · Gimbal: -40° to -45° · Speed: 6–10 mph
Unlocks: Missing/bent handholds, ladder damage, running board defects, grab iron presence.
Pass 3 — Overhead Structural Pass
No operational penalty. Height: 25–35 ft AGL · Gimbal: -90° (nadir) or -70° · Speed: 8–12 mph
Unlocks: Center plate alignment, debris intrusion, running board full-span, structural symmetry, damage mapping.
Where Drone + AI Is Strongest
- Presence / Absence (Safety Appliances) — Very Strong
- Suspension Geometry (Springs + Wedges) — Strong
- Gap / Seating Risk Modeling — Moderate–Strong
- Precision Mechanical Measurement — Weak
- Internal Mechanical Condition — Not Feasible
Truck & Suspension Components (Table 1)
| Defect / Condition | Detectable? | Difficulty | Operational Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broken / Missing Coil Spring | ✅ Strong | Low | Very High | Best from frontal truck view |
| Spring Compression Asymmetry | ✅ Strong | Medium | Very High | Requires centered frontal pass |
| Shifted / Collapsed Spring Stack | ✅ Good | Medium | High | Needs symmetry modeling |
| Side Bearing Gap Loss | ⚠️ Partial–Strong | Medium | Very High | Best with slight inward tilt |
| Missing Bearing Cap | ✅ Strong | Low | High | Clean presence detection |
| Missing / Broken Bearing Cap Bolts | ✅ Good | Medium | High | Needs close pixel density |
| Oil Leakage at Bearing | ⚠️ Moderate | Medium | High | Lighting dependent |
| Foreign Object in Truck | ✅ Strong | Low | Medium | High anomaly reliability |
Friction Wedges (Table 2)
| Defect / Condition | Detectable? | Difficulty | Operational Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missing Friction Wedge | ✅ Strong | Medium | Very High | Requires 5–7 ft AGL side pass |
| Dropped / Displaced Wedge | ✅ Strong | Medium | Very High | Best at wheel-center height |
| Uneven Wedge Position (L/R) | ⚠️ Good | Medium–High | High | Needs symmetry comparison |
| Wedge Out-of-Seat Condition | ⚠️ Good | Medium | High | Slight inward tilt improves view |
| Foreign Object in Wedge Pocket | ✅ Strong | Low | Medium | Strong anomaly case |
Safety Appliances (Table 3)
| Defect / Condition | Detectable? | Difficulty | Operational Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missing Handhold | ✅ Strong | Low | Very High | Clear presence detection |
| Bent / Deformed Handhold | ✅ Good | Medium | High | Geometry deviation modeling |
| Missing Ladder Rung | ✅ Strong | Low | Very High | Strong visual anomaly |
| Bent Ladder Rail | ⚠️ Good | Medium | High | Needs straight-line modeling |
| Running Board Damage | ✅ Good | Medium | High | 30 ft overhead ideal |
| Missing Running Board Section | ✅ Strong | Low | Very High | Binary detection |
| Missing Grab Iron | ✅ Strong | Low | High | Clean presence check |