Incremental Brake Pipe Pressure Reduction via Pushbutton Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locomotive braking systems lack precision in allowing operators to make incremental adjustments to brake pipe pressure beyond preconfigured positions, requiring manual lever manipulation and often necessitating the use of both hands for brake control.
Innovation Solution
An incremental brake pipe reduction system utilizing a pushbutton, switch, or touchscreen on the brake control interface allows operators to set incremental reductions in brake pressure without moving the handle, enabling precise control through predetermined increments and optional automatic bail-off features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator uses conventional brake control levers with preconfigured set positions, then the brake pipe pressure reduction can be achieved at defined positions, but the precision of brake pressure control between set positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control interface is segmented into discrete incremental steps rather than continuous lever movement. Each pushbutton press or touchscreen selection provides a predetermined increment of brake pressure reduction, allowing precise control between traditional set positions without requiring complex manual lever manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical brake lever system is replaced with an electronic interface (pushbuttons or touchscreen) that provides digital control over brake pressure increments. This substitution eliminates the imprecision of manual lever positioning while maintaining ease of operation through simple button presses or selections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually manipulates the brake lever beyond the minimum position, then a greater brake pipe pressure reduction can be achieved, but the risk of over-braking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides predetermined brake pressure increments that are calculated in advance to be safe and effective. Operators select from pre-defined incremental steps that have been designed to provide adequate braking without exceeding safe limits, eliminating the need for operators to guess the appropriate lever position.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system provides feedback to the operator about the current brake pressure level and the effect of each incremental adjustment. This feedback mechanism allows operators to make informed decisions about brake application, reducing the risk of over-braking while maintaining the ability to achieve the desired braking effect.
3Ease of operation
If the operator uses the bail off feature to prevent locomotive brake application, then the train brake control can be adjusted, but both hands are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The incremental brake control system is integrated into the existing brake controller interface, allowing operators to control train brakes independently without needing to manually manage locomotive brake bail-off features. The system automates the coordination between locomotive and train brake control, enabling one-handed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for incrementally accomplishing brake pipe reductions using an operator button, touch sensitive screen or other human machine interface. The system is preferably made available to the user when the brake handle is positioned in the ‘minimum’ brake application position and allows an operator to create a more precise target reduction value without having to manually move the brake handle to the location that the operator believes may result in the desired reduction. Using small, predetermined increments, the system allows for more precise control over brake pressure without an operator having to estimate what handle movement will accomplish the desired brake pressure.