Rollback protection system and method

Abstract

A method for preventing rollback of a rail vehicle from a stopped condition, includes receiving a first signal indicative of the rail vehicle's location, and, in response to the first signal, selecting from a lookup table one of a first plurality of pre-determined values of a braking parameter and selecting from the lookup table one of a second plurality of pre-determined values of a tractive effort parameter. In response to an order for movement, the method includes applying brakes of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the braking parameter; establishing tractive effort of the rail vehicle, according to the selected value of the tractive effort parameter; and, then, releasing the brakes of the rail vehicle to establish motion of the rail vehicle from the stopped condition.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]Embodiments of the invention relate generally to control systems for rail vehicles.[0003]2. Discussion of Art[0004]Rail car switching, shunting, and classification are integral aspects of rail freight operations. These procedures are performed in switching yards or classification yards, which include multiple rail tracks branching from one or more lead tracks and joining together at one or more exits. To maximize operational efficiency, several cars or trains of cars are typically moving simultaneously along different branches within a yard. Due to the presence of multiple stationary rail cars or stub trains on intervening tracks, an operator in a locomotive moving on a first track may not be able to see moving cars on a track branching from the first track. Accordingly, locomotive operators may coordinate their actions via a yardmaster stationed in a control tower overlooking the yard.[0005]Three-way communication between operators and a yard...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a system for controlling a rail vehicle to prevent it from rolling backwards after stopping. The system includes an off-board control unit that sends a signal to the vehicle's on-board transceiver to activate brakes and establish a minimum level of tractive effort (the force needed to move the vehicle) based on the vehicle's location. The on-board transceiver then controls the vehicle's traction motor and brakes to maintain the required level of tractive effort. This system allows for safer and more efficient control of rail vehicles, preventing accidents and reducing downtime.

Problems solved by technology

Due to the presence of multiple stationary rail cars or stub trains on intervening tracks, an operator in a locomotive moving on a first track may not be able to see moving cars on a track branching from the first track.

Three-way communication between operators and a yardmaster can potentially introduce lag time and error, which are undesirable while moving multiple pieces of heavy rail equipment.

In situations where the train may be on a grade (as may be found in connection with mining operations), there is a known tendency for “rollback” where the train moves opposite the applied tractive power.

While rollback can often be quickly detected and corrected by an onboard operator, the phenomenon is more difficult to detect and slower to correct from a remote location such as would be occupied by a tower control system operator.

As will be appreciated, it is inefficient and undesirable to continuously crew a train in a rail yard, solely for the purpose of preventing rollback, particularly where the onboard crew might otherwise interfere with tower control system operation.

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