Railway manual operated switch point supervision system (SWPSS)

Abstract

A remote monitoring system that electronically monitors the switch points position and enables the presentation of the situation at the yard in real time to the operational managers thus minimizing the risk of human mistake. The system improves safety and reduces damage.

Description

[0001] Railway Manual Operated Switch Point Supervision System (SWPSS)

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] [Para 1] The object of the present invention is to provide a supervision system for marshalling yards having manual operating switch points in a more efficient and safety way, by avoiding unnecessary infrastructure works and given remote computer-based supervision of the real switch point position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

[0004] [Para 2] Marshalling yards are one of the corner stones in the railway network.

[0005] The railway world consists of many zones that may be attributed to zones called " Marshaling Yards" like depots; trains preparation yards; freight trains yards parking areas; fueling tracks; marshaling yards in private plants; and more.

[0006] [Para 3] In those yards numerous operational switch points are used to navigate the trains to the different locations in each yard. Since the trains and / or the single locomotives traffic moves at a very low speed and low frequency, the switch points are operated manually and mechanically. This method of switch points operation causes a significant slowdown in route preparation, lack of control of the switch points position on the train route and resulting in a lot of safety incidents, accidents and damage.

[0007] [Para 4] The manual and mechanical operation causes a decrease in security level of locomotive / train movements in the yard and significantly increasing of high expensive damage for rolling stock and infrastructure. [Para 5] Switch points control (left / right / fail) currently exist only on main lines and tracks where electrical or electronic signaling systems are operated. This control takes place through copper or optical cables and is an integral part of the signaling system.

[0008] [Para 6] Most uncontrolled switch points are now operated in yards where train traffic is sparse, trains moving at low speed without passengers. Such yards do not have as high safety requirements as the main lines with electronic signaling at the SIL4 safety level and / or in big yards with electronic signaling at the SIL2 level.

[0009] [Para 7] In addition, switch points without electronic control are operated on main lines where a mechanical signaling system is operated. In mechanical signaling the switch points are controlled indirectly. In case of damage to mechanical signaling rods and iron wires, lack of control may cause critical accidents.

[0010] [Para 8] All manually operated switch points are operated by field workers, and the status of the switch points (rig ht / left / fail) are reported by the same workers using various communication devices. It is very clear that such work and reporting methods involve many risks of human error, both in communication between a field worker and the field manager, in communication between the field manager and the train driver, and other possible mistakes. Such errors increase the risk of safety incidents with risk to human life as well as major damage due to collisions and derailments. [Para 9] In addition, due to the poor safety methods, the risk of switch points trailing and significant damage to railway infrastructure increases.

[0011] [Para 10] Manually operated switch points are now operated in large quantities all over the world in railways companies.

[0012] [Para 11]The new system introduces a more safety, efficient and relatively cheap solution for switch points supervision by avoiding human mistakes, unnecessary infrastructure works and investments in yards operation.

[0013] [Para 12] To date, in all marshaling yards, where manual operation of switch points is in use, there is a considerable safety risk due to human mistakes. The manual operation of switch points is based on human radio reports as to switch points position. Meaning that the report of the switch points position is communicated between the workers by radio communication conversation without any technology supervision system. This can lead to accidents and serious damage. The newly introduced system aims to improve the above-mentioned disadvantage.

[0014] [Para 13] The new system introduces a relatively simple and inexpensive system that displays the status of the switch points on a computer screen, (a tablet or a mobile phone) used by the operational manager, who can supervise the train-set movements in the yards, thus improving its safety.

[0015] [Para 14] There is no change in switch points' operation habits. The new system adds computerized supervision of switch points position in real time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] [Para 15] The system is based on the installation of blade detectors at switch points and the installation of radio transmitters, through which the switch points ranging at least up to 3000 meters are controlled. No communication and / or power supply cables are required.

[0017] [Para 16] The system establishes an electronic / computerized control system for manually operating switch points that are currently not controlled at all.

[0018] [Para 17] In addition, the system improves the indirect control that exists today in switch points, operated by mechanical interlocking.

[0019] [Para 18] The system is suitable for all types of switch points both on operational yards, main lines and lines under construction. The system is suitable for all types of yards: depot and parking areas, freight yards, private plant tracks and more.

[0020] The main aims of the system:

[0021] • Improving the safety of train operations.

[0022] • reducing the risks of human error.

[0023] • reducing accidents and damages.

[0024] • Improving the process of investigating operational incidents

[0025] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] [Para 19] The new system is a remote monitoring system that electronically monitors the switch points position and enables the presentation of the situation at the yard in real time to the operational managers thus minimizing the risk of human mistake. The system improves safety and reduces damage.

[0027] [Para 20] The system comprises the following elements: Central computer, blade detectors, radio transmission units, receiver, antenna, office computer, tablets. There is no limitation number of switch points.

[0028] [Para 21] The system may serve one or more control zones.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] [Para 22] Figs. 1a-1c show manual switch points with hand-operated lever.

[0031] [Para 23] Fig. 2 shows the switch point blade position detectors.

[0032] [Para 24] Fig. 3 shows the radio transmission units.

[0033] [Para 25] Fig. 4 shows the radio antenna.

[0034] [Para 26] Fig. 5 shows the receiver.

[0035] [Para 27] Fig. 6 shows the main computer.

[0036] [Para 28] Fig. 7 shows the office computer and tablet.

[0037] [Para 29] Figs. 8a - 8c show the system configuration schematic plan.

[0038] [Para 30] Fig. 9 shows the office computer's screen.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] [Para 31 ] It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purposes only. [Para 32] The new system is a remote monitoring system that electronically monitors the switch points position and presents to operational managers the yard and the position of the switch points in real time and by that minimizing risk of human mistake, improving safety and significantly reducing damage.

[0041] [Para 33] The main features of the system:

[0042] • Supervision of switch points status - left / right / fail,

[0043] • Audio and visual alarm when the switch point is not supervised,

[0044] • Data recording log downloading and printout,

[0045] • Putting reminder when the switch point is out of supervision,

[0046] • Ability to write down train-sets data, different comments,

[0047] • Ability to display a route according to switch points position

[0048] • Ability to recognize switch point trailing

[0049] • Connection to a nearby signaling system to receive entrance / exit route information,

[0050] [Para 34] Figs. 8a-c show the schematic configuration plan of the system:

[0051] Blade detectors 202 (fig. 2) are installed at switch points 205. The purpose of blade detectors 202 is to identify in which position the switch point 205 is located: left or right. The blade detectors 202 are connected to radio transmitters 203 (fig. 8) each one to their own transmitter: right detector to right transmitter, left detector to left transmitter. The connection is made by using copper cables 204 (fig. 8b). The blade detectors202 are connected to transmitters 203 by a special scheme so that every two-switch point’s blade are always controlled.

[0052] [Para 35] In addition to monitoring the status of switch points 205, transmitters 203 are transmitting live signals twice a day. Transmitters 203 are located near switch point 205, about 3m from the nearest rails.

[0053] [Para 36] When a field worker changes switch point 205 positions from left to right or vice versa using a hand-operated lever 201 (figs.la-c), blade detectors 202 change their contacts and operate transmitters 203. Each transmitter 203 transmits the change of its blade detector 202. Each transmission is performed twice for safety.

[0054] [Para 37] Transmitters 203 are powered by batteries with sufficient capacity for about three years. Near the end of battery power capacity, transmitter203 transmits a "low battery" signal and there is a time of several months to replace the battery.

[0055] [Para 38] Switch points 205 are in the yard at a distance of at least 3 km from the command-and-control center 300. In a direct line of sight between antenna 303 (fig. 4) and transmitters 203.

[0056] [Para 39] After change of switch point 205 position, two transmitters 203 transmit two transmissions each one of the new statuses. For safety reasons, every 12 hours transmitters 203 transmit a live signal showing the current switch point 205 positions. [Para 40] Transmissions are received by antenna 303 and receiver 301 (figs. 4, 5), which are in command-and-control center 300. The number of switch points 205 and transmitters 203 in the yard is unlimited.

[0057] [Para 41] Command-and-control center 300 comprises central computer 302 (fig. 6) which is connected via network cable to receiver 301 and uses a special software that manages all transmissions, filters them, and stores the data within its hard disk. The data is stored for a month and then replaced by FIFO (first in, first out) method.

[0058] [Para 42] Central computer 302 and receiver 303 are powered by a UPS system and are capable of operating without power for at least 12 hours.

[0059] [Para 43] Central computer 302 is connected via SDH digital transmission system 500 to office computer 401 at head office 400. The distance between command- and-control center 300 and head office 400 is not relevant and may be hundreds of kilometers.

[0060] [Para 44] Office computer 401 (fig.7) receives filtered data from computer 302 and displays the results graphically on screen 600, (see also fig. 9). Operator 402 at head office 400 sees on screen 600 the status of switch points 205 at the yard in real time.

[0061] [Para 45] It is possible to see on the screen the last changes on recorded log 601 (fig.9), the recorded data of trains parked on tracks 603. Operator 402 at head office 400 can put more information in windows 603.

[0062] [Para 46] It is possible to mark a yellow reminder 605 (fig.9) on switch point 205 where, for example, maintenance or other work are performed. In case of any malfunction at switch point 205, a red visual sign 604 appears on the screen together with an audio alert.

[0063] [Para 47] At the bottom of the screen the virtual control buttons 602 are located, through which it is possible to put in and cancel yellow reminder 605 and cancel an audio alert from the red malfunction sign 604. Sign 604 itself cannot be canceled; it disappears after switch point 205 is repaired. The saved data log 601 may be downloaded and printed.

[0064] [Para 48] All the above-mentioned actions and controls can be obtained and managed by any digital device (tablet, mobile phone and the likes).

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electronic supervision system for marshalling yards monitoring and presenting the switch points' position in real time, comprising:• switch point’s blade detectors connected to radio transmitters;• radio transmitters;• copper cables;• batteries;• antenna;• receiver;• command-and-control center comprises the main computer; • head office comprises the office computer using a dedicated software; and• digital transmission system;wherein the blade detectors are installed at switch points identifying the position of the switch points left or right; andwherein the connection of the blade detectors to the radio transmitters is by copper cables; andwherein all actions and control of the system can be performed and managed by any digital device (tablet, mobile phone and the likes).

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the blade detectors are connected to the radio transmitters, each blade detector to its own transmitter: right detector to right transmitter, left detector to left transmitter.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection of the blade detectors to the radio transmitters is by a special scheme so that every two- switch point’s blade are always controlled.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the transmitters are located near the switch points, at least 3m from the nearest rails and are transmitting live signals twice a day.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein when a field worker changes the switch points position from left to right or vice versa using a hand-operated lever, the blade detectors change their contacts and operate the transmitters.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein each transmitter transmits the change of its blade detector, and each transmission is performed twice for safety.

7. The system described in any one of claims 5 -6 wherein the transmitters are powered by batteries with sufficient capacity for at least three years, and near the end of battery power capacity, the transmitter transmits a "low battery" signal and there is a time of several months to replace the battery.

8. The system described in any one of claims 5-7 wherein after change of switch point's position, two transmitters transmit two transmissions each one of the new statuses, and every 12 hours the transmitters transmit a live signal showing the current switch point positions.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the switch points are in the marshalling yard at a distance of at least 3 km from the command-and-control center having a direct line of sight between the antenna and the transmitters.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein transmissions are received by the antenna and the receiver in the command-and-control center.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the central computer in the command-and-control center and the receiver are powered by a UPS system and can operate without power for at least 12 hours.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the central computer is connected via SDH digital transmission system to the office computer at the head office, located anywhere even hundreds of kilometers away.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the office computer receives filtered data from the central computer displaying the results graphically on its screen and the operator at head office sees the status of the switch points at the marshalling yard in real time.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the operator at head office sees the last changes on the recorded log and the recorded data of trains parked on the tracks.

15. The system described in any one of claims 13-14 wherein the operator at head office can mark yellow reminders on the screen of the office computer marking maintenance or other work performed on the switch points, and in case of malfunction at the switch point, a red visual sign appears on the screen together with an audio alert.

16. The system described in any one of claims 13-15 wherein at the bottom of the computer screen virtual control buttons are located, through which yellow reminder marks are put and canceled, and an audio alert is stopped.

Images