Distributed Locomotive Control for Uniform Train Braking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current railway train braking systems face challenges in maintaining uniform pressure distribution along long trains, leading to non-uniform braking and increased risk of derailment, particularly in European contexts where train lengths exceed the safe limit of 750 meters.

Innovation Solution

A distributed power control system with multiple locomotives along the train, where slave locomotives can independently manage brake pipe pressure and traction, allowing for synchronized braking and traction commands to reduce pressure non-uniformity and enable safe operation even in degraded communication conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single locomotive controls the entire train, then the braking system is simple to operate, but pressure distribution becomes non-uniform along long trains exceeding 750 meters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking system operationVSAvoidpressure distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The train is divided into multiple segments, each controlled by a locomotive. The lead locomotive controls the first segment, while intermediate locomotives control subsequent segments. This segmentation allows each locomotive to independently manage brake pipe pressure in its respective segment, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across the entire train while maintaining operational simplicity through distributed control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If train length is increased beyond 750 meters, then transport capacity and productivity improve, but braking uniformity and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidbraking safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Intermediate locomotives act as mediators between the lead locomotive and the rest of the train. They receive braking commands from the lead locomotive via radio communication and locally execute them by controlling brake pipe pressure in their segment. This intermediary role enables safe operation of long trains by ensuring uniform braking across all segments while maintaining the productivity benefits of extended train length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If distributed power control is implemented, then pressure distribution uniformity improves, but system complexity and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distribution uniformityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each locomotive is equipped with pressure sensors that continuously monitor brake pipe pressure in its segment. This feedback information is used by the locomotive's control system to adjust brake application and release timing, ensuring uniform pressure distribution. The feedback mechanism simplifies the control logic at each locomotive while achieving the complex goal of uniform pressure distribution across the entire train.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system reduces braking and traction time variability, decreases longitudinal stresses, and allows continued safe operation of longer trains by ensuring uniform pressure distribution and maintaining tractive effort, thereby reducing the risk of derailment.

Implementation Method 1

This pressure step is propagated like a sound wave within the brake pipe, at a speed close to the speed of sound in air.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Speed of Sound

Implementation Method 2

the distributor valve DV can detect the presence in the pipe BP of the characteristic gradient Δp/Δt of the first braking 'step'

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient detection: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS10518760B2Systems for controlling a railway train for the transport of goods comprising a plurality of locomotives

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 FAIVELEY TRANSPORT ITAL SPA

AI summary

The system provides for the control of a railway train for the transport of goods, comprising a plurality of wagons a master locomotive at the head of the train and one or more slave locomotives distributed along the train. The train is equipped with a pneumatic brake pipe which extends along the whole train. The master locomotive is equipped with a master control system for controlling the train, and the at least one slave locomotive is equipped with a slave control system subordinated to the master control system. The master and slave systems can communicate with each other via a radio channel. The or each slave system is designed to control traction apparatuses, apparatuses for controlling the pressure in the brake pipe and apparatuses for applying the emergency brake of the corresponding slave locomotive, and for retransmitting signals indicating the status of these apparatuses of the slave locomotive to the master system.