Locomotive control system

Abstract

A locomotive control system measures actuating parameters of a locomotive propulsion system and monitors the actuating parameters according to a forcing function of operation of the propulsion system. A degraded component of the locomotive is identified by comparing actuating parameters generated according to the forcing function with actuating parameters expressed as a function of speed of another locomotive propulsion system, examining changes in the generated actuating parameters over time, examining oscillations in movement of the locomotive during gear shifting, comparing wheel speed decreases during another forcing function, and / or comparing a magnitude of a spectrum of the actuating parameters of with one or more designated magnitudes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 608,730, which was filed on 21 Dec. 2017, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein relate to systems that control vehicles such as locomotives based on evaluated health of the vehicles and / or components of the vehicles.BACKGROUND[0003]A variety of different types of vehicles, (e.g., locomotives, other off-highway vehicles, trucks, cars, sport utility vehicles, marine vessels, etc.) have various power assemblies that include axle or wheel components and many interconnected components and assemblies that are subjected to degradation due to infancy, age, operational stresses, etc. This is true for the many different types of vehicles and the operating method of the vehicles (e.g., autonomous or driverless vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, or driver-operated vehicles).[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is for a control system for a locomotive that uses sensors to measure various parameters of its propulsion system. These parameters are then monitored and analyzed using a forcing function to identify any degraded components of the system. The system can also compare changes in the monitored parameters over time or with other locomotives to determine if a component is damaged or degraded. This allows for timely maintenance and repair of the locomotive's propulsion system, improving its efficiency and reliability.

Problems solved by technology

Degradation of these components with time may not be easily recognizable.

These inspection methods incur high cost in terms of labor, equipment cost, downtime, etc.

Degradation of vehicle components or assemblies can negatively impact operation of the vehicle and / or other components and assemblies when the level of degradation reaches a severe level, which can result in breakdown of any component or assembly, derating the vehicle performance, or rendering the vehicle completely inoperable.

Severe degradation, wear or breakdown of components or assemblies leading to breakdown of the vehicle can result in significant costs in terms of labor, downtime, and replacement parts.

But, these approaches lack accuracy in predictions and / or result in the identification of the need for repair or replacement at too late of a time.

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