Convoy Line Integrity Monitoring for Safe Vehicle Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring the integrity of vehicle convoys, particularly railway convoys, fail to promptly identify undue disconnections of vehicles, leading to potential braking failures and unsafe operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring the integrity of a convoy of vehicles that utilizes electronic control means in each vehicle to verify the integrity of communication and power supply lines, determining disconnections by checking for interruptions in these lines and enabling braking of disconnected vehicles through controlled valve elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic digital coupler decoupling is used to enable vehicle separation for maneuvering operations, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of undue decoupling from single faults
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements prior cushioning by establishing redundant monitoring of convoy integrity through communication lines and power supply lines before undue decoupling can occur. The electronic control means continuously verify the integrity of these lines, and the valve element is pre-configured to close automatically upon detection of line interruption, preventing the harmful effect of unbraked disconnected vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having electronic control means continuously monitor the status of communication and power supply lines, and automatically respond to detected interruptions by closing the valve element. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that any undue decoupling attempt is immediately detected and counteracted, maintaining convoy integrity while allowing legitimate maneuvering operations.
2Ease of operation
If single fault in automatic coupler is allowed to cause decoupling, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to uncontrolled movement of disconnected vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the valve element in a state ready to close, and continuously monitoring communication and power supply lines for interruptions. When a fault causes unintended decoupling, the valve element automatically closes to prevent the disconnected vehicle from moving uncontrolled, counteracting the harmful effect before it can cause safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line and power supply line serve as intermediaries that transmit information about convoy integrity status. The electronic control means uses these lines to detect undue decoupling, and the valve element acts as a mediator that physically prevents uncontrolled movement by closing upon detection of line interruption, thereby protecting the system from harmful effects of single faults.
3Reliability
If valve element closes upon decoupling to isolate main pipe, then reliability of braking is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of braking capability in disconnected vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the valve element status dynamic rather than static. The valve element automatically transitions from open to closed state upon detection of communication or power supply line interruption, and can be remotely reopened by the lead vehicle. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to changing convoy configurations, maintaining braking isolation for safety while restoring braking capability when vehicles are legitimately reconnected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by altering the valve element position parameter in response to changes in communication line or power supply line status. When these lines are interrupted (indicating undue decoupling), the valve element changes from open to closed position, isolating the main pipe and enabling braking. When lines are restored (indicating legitimate reconnection), the valve element can be remotely changed back to open position, restoring braking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for monitoring the integrity of a convoy of vehicles are described. The convoy can include a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle connected to the first vehicle. In one example, the system can include a communication line and a power supply line each arranged to be installed in the first vehicle and in the at least one second vehicle. The system can further include a control circuit arranged to verify whether the communication line is interrupted and verify whether the power supply line is interrupted. From the verifications, the control circuit may determine that both the communication line and the power supply line are interrupted and further determine that the second vehicle has disconnected from the first vehicle.