Hybrid Train Configuration for Route Traversal Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to address the configuration of trains with hybrid locomotives before they are in operation, specifically determining if a provisional train configuration can traverse an anticipated route using hybrid locomotives with both fuel-consuming engines and energy storage systems.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a hybrid train configuration system to analyze an anticipated train route and a provisional configuration, determining viability and recommending necessary locomotive combinations to ensure complete traversal, using a graphical user interface to display results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an on-board control system is used to manage a train currently in operation, then the train can determine what combination of motive power sources is necessary for traversing the upcoming segment, but the system does not address the configuration of a train that is not yet in operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotive power source combination determinationVSAvoidpre-operational configuration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of train configuration viability before the train is assembled or dispatched. The processor evaluates whether a provisional train configuration including hybrid locomotives can completely traverse an anticipated route by analyzing route characteristics, train composition, and power source capabilities in advance, allowing operators to optimize configurations before actual operation begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If a provisional train configuration is analyzed to determine capability of traversing the anticipated route, then effective planning of train configurations is enabled, but additional computational analysis and processing are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrain configuration planningVSAvoidcomputational analysis requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual train configuration planning with an automated computational process. The processor automatically evaluates the viability of provisional train configurations by comparing route requirements against train capabilities, substituting human analysis with algorithmic assessment that can process multiple configuration scenarios efficiently and provide deterministic results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12479483B2Methods and systems for determining hybrid train configurations

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 PROGRESS RAIL LOCOMOTIVE INC

AI summary

In one instance, disclosed herein is a system for configuring a train having at least one hybrid locomotive, the system comprising at least one processor operative to: receive an anticipated train route; receive a provisional train configuration, the provisional train configuration including the at least one hybrid locomotive, wherein the at least one hybrid locomotive includes at least one internal combustion engine and at least one energy storage system; determine whether the provisional train configuration is capable of completely traversing the anticipated train route; and in response to determining that the provisional train configuration is capable of completely traversing the anticipated train route, prompt a graphical user interface to display a visual indication that the provisional train configuration is capable of completely traversing the anticipated train route.