Locomotive Control System Reconfiguration for Fleet Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railroad companies face compatibility issues when borrowing locomotives with different operating control systems, leading to functional incompatibility and underutilization of newer locomotives with advanced features.
Innovation Solution
A method and system to reconfigure the control system of a borrowed locomotive to match the operating control system of the borrowing company, allowing temporary operation with the same settings and interface as the other locomotives, enabling the borrowed locomotive to be used as a lead locomotive and utilizing its advanced features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a borrowed locomotive with a different operating control system is used, then the railroad company can access newer locomotives with advanced features, but the locomotive becomes functionally incompatible with the other locomotives in the fleet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control system parameters of the borrowed locomotive by temporarily disabling its original operating control system and configuring it to operate according to the borrowing entity's control system. This parameter transformation enables the locomotive to function compatibly with the fleet while retaining access to its advanced features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the control system based on the operational context. The locomotive's control system is temporarily modified for the duration of the loan period, allowing it to adapt to the borrowing entity's operations while maintaining the ability to revert to its original configuration
2Reliability
If the borrowed locomotive is relegated to remote locomotive status, then control system compatibility is maintained, but the full advantages of the borrowed locomotive's novel features are not availed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the control system parameters of the borrowed locomotive to match the borrowing entity's system, enabling the locomotive to operate as a lead locomotive rather than being relegated to remote status. This parameter change allows full utilization of the locomotive's advanced features including novel fuel economy and emission control features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the borrowed locomotive universally compatible with the borrowing entity's fleet by reconfiguring its control system. The locomotive can then perform multiple functions including lead locomotive operations, fuel economy optimization, and emission control, rather than being limited to remote locomotive status
3Ease of operation
If the control system of the borrowed locomotive is reconfigured to match the borrowing entity's system, then fleet consistency is achieved, but the locomotive's original control system settings are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary reconfiguration of the borrowed locomotive's control system before it is put into service with the borrowing entity. The control system is pre-configured with the borrowing entity's settings and parameters, ensuring immediate fleet consistency upon deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control system configuration that can be adjusted based on operational needs. The borrowed locomotive's control system is temporarily modified for the duration of the loan, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with the fleet while maintaining the flexibility to revert to original settings when returned to the owning entity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) owned by a first entity when borrowed and operated by a second entity. The locomotive includes an operating control system having a first mode and a second, different mode of operation, the first mode including settings configured for the first entity, the second mode including settings configured for a second, different entity. The method includes enabling the first mode and disabling the second mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the first entity, and enabling the second mode and disabling the first mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the second entity.