Braking System Using Reverse Signal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pneumatic braking systems in vehicle systems cause uneven braking, leading to train bunching or stretching due to differential slowing and brake signal propagation, while electronically controlled pneumatic systems maintain constant slack or distance between vehicles, failing to control slack or bunching effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing processors to communicate command messages that control the rate and direction of braking effort propagation between vehicles, allowing for precise control of braking actions based on vehicle locations, enabling controlled slack or bunching between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional pneumatic braking systems are used with front-to-rear signal propagation, then braking control is achieved, but train bunching occurs as the front slows faster than the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse signal propagation by sending brake commands from the rear vehicle forward through the train, inverting the traditional front-to-rear propagation direction. This inversion ensures that rear vehicles brake first and front vehicles brake last, preventing train bunching by maintaining proper slack distribution throughout the consist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts braking propagation direction and timing based on real-time train conditions. The controller monitors vehicle positions and slack conditions, then adapts the brake command sequence to prevent both bunching and stretching, making the braking system responsive to changing train configurations.
2Speed
If traditional pneumatic braking systems are used with front-to-rear signal propagation, then braking control is achieved, but train stretching occurs during brake release as the front moves faster than the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse signal propagation by sending brake release commands from the rear vehicle forward through the train, inverting the traditional front-to-rear propagation direction. This inversion ensures that rear vehicles release brakes first and front vehicles release last, preventing train stretching by maintaining proper slack distribution throughout the consist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts brake release propagation direction and timing based on real-time train conditions. The controller monitors vehicle positions and slack conditions, then adapts the brake release command sequence to prevent both bunching and stretching, making the braking system responsive to changing train configurations.
3Extent of automation
If ECP braking systems are used with simultaneous brake application, then braking control is achieved, but train slack status-quo is maintained without controlling bunching or stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts braking propagation direction and timing based on real-time train conditions. The controller monitors vehicle positions and slack conditions, then adapts the brake command sequence to actively control and adjust slack distribution, preventing both bunching and stretching during automated braking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors and slack condition monitoring to continuously adjust brake application timing and propagation. This closed-loop control enables the automated ECP system to actively manage train slack distribution rather than merely maintaining status-quo, preventing harmful bunching and stretching conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method includes one or more processors to control operation of an air brake system having plural braking devices each disposed on a different vehicle of a vehicle system and configured to control braking efforts in the air brake system via the braking device disposed onboard the corresponding vehicle. The one or more processors may communicate one or more command messages to the braking devices to control one or more of a rate of a braking effort propagation along the vehicle system or a direction of the braking effort propagation between the plural braking devices.