Train speed control using current and velocity sensing

Abstract

A method for speed control for a motor of a locomotive of a model electric train is presented. A method in accordance with the present invention includes sensing an operating velocity of the motor and the operating current provided to the motor, and then producing a signal corresponding to the operating velocity and a signal corresponding to the operating current. A method in accordance with the present invention further includes providing the operating velocity signal and operating current signal to a controller and establishing a target motor velocity. A method in accordance with the present invention still further includes calculating a target current configured so that the motor reaches the target motor velocity, and then changing the operating current to the target motor current to achieve the target motor velocity.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a speed control system and, in particular, to a current and velocity sensing speed control system using current and velocity sensing on board a model electric train locomotive engine. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] In electric model toy trains, as in actual trains, a locomotive engine typically pulls a consist, which is the full set of cars which make up a train. The setup typically includes a user control box electrically connected to one or more of the train track rails having one or more levers, dials, or buttons that are manually adjustable by the user. The control box enables the user to control the speed and direction of the electric train by manually controlling the voltage levels supplied to the electronic systems and motor of the locomotive. However, only limited speed control is incorporated into the on-board control system and motor. [0005] One problem with existi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] A method for speed control for a motor of a locomotive of a model electric train is presented. A method in accordance with the present invention includes sensing an operating velocity of the motor and the operating current provided to the motor, and then producing a signal corresponding to the operating velocity and a signal corresponding to the operating current. A method in accordance with the present invention further includes providing the operating velocity signal and operating current signal to a controller and establishing a target motor velocity. A method in accordance with the present invention still further includes calculating a target current configured so that the motor reaches the target mot

Problems solved by technology

However, only limited speed control is incorporated into the on-board control system and motor.

One problem with existing speed control systems arises when the user changes the setting of, and thus the voltage supplied to, the locomotive to speed it up or slow it down.

With limited speed control, it is difficult for the user to finely control the speed of the electric train.

Another problem occurs as a result of fluctuations or spikes in the electrical supply.

These spikes can result in undesired increases or decreases in the speed of the electric train that occasionally lead to train derailments, especially on curved sections of track when a train is traveling at faster speeds.

Further, difficulties occur when coupling two or more locomotives together, so-called “lashup,” and when one or more locomotives are added to the middle or end of a consist.

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