Vehicle Event Source Localization with Distributed Receiver Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long vehicle systems face challenges in identifying the source of events, such as brake leaks, which require manual inspection and can cause delays and interference with other vehicle systems, as existing methods are time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A location determining system with receiver assemblies spaced along the vehicle system that receive signals indicative of events and determine the source based on signal propagation times and distances between assemblies, allowing for targeted inspection and potential control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection methods are used to identify defective components, then the inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the time required to identify and repair defective components increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated acoustic detection system that uses sensors, signal processing circuits, and algorithms to automatically identify defective components. The system substitutes human operators and manual inspection methods with electronic detection and analysis mechanisms, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining equipment simplicity through integrated sensor modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis of defective components by automatically detecting, analyzing, and identifying the location of defects without requiring manual intervention. The acoustic sensors and processing systems perform self-service inspection functions, allowing the vehicle system to identify its own defects autonomously and reduce dependency on manual inspection processes.
2Reliability
If manual inspection of the entire vehicle system is performed, then all sections can be thoroughly examined, but the vehicle system occupies the route longer and interferes with other vehicle systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the specific defective component from the entire vehicle system by using acoustic sensors to detect and locate anomalies. Instead of inspecting the entire system manually, the system extracts information about the specific defective area through signal analysis, allowing targeted inspection that maintains thoroughness for critical components while reducing overall inspection time and route occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and localization of defective components during normal operation or before complete system shutdown. By continuously monitoring acoustic signals and identifying anomalies in advance, the system prepares inspection information beforehand, allowing rapid targeted inspection rather than comprehensive manual examination, thereby reducing route occupation time while maintaining inspection effectiveness.
3Measurement precision
If the vehicle system slows to a stop for manual inspection, then the cause of the event can be identified, but the planned arrival time is missed and schedules are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual event source location identification with automated acoustic detection and signal processing. Sensors continuously monitor the vehicle system and automatically calculate the location of events such as brake applications or leaks using time-of-flight measurements and signal analysis, providing precise location data without requiring manual inspection and thereby minimizing disruption to schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback about event occurrences and their locations to operators or control systems. By continuously monitoring acoustic signals and immediately identifying and reporting event sources with precise location information, the system enables rapid response and decision-making, reducing the need for prolonged stops and allowing faster resumption of normal operations to meet schedules.
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 significantly reduces the time to identify and repair defective components, enabling vehicles to resume travel sooner and improving network throughput by focusing inspections on specific sections and optimizing brake applications.
Implementation Method 1
determine times at which the receiver assemblies received the signal based on a reference time... identifying a section of the vehicle system that includes a source of the event based on the times at which the receiver assemblies received the signal and a distance between at least two of the receiver assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include receiver assemblies disposed onboard a vehicle system and spaced apart from each other along a length of the vehicle system. The receiver assemblies are configured to receive a signal responsive to an event occurring on the vehicle system between the receiver assemblies, and to determine times at which the receiver assemblies received the signal. A controller is configured to identify a section of the vehicle system that includes a source of the event based on the times at which the receiver assemblies received the signal and a distance between at least two of the receiver assemblies.