Distributed Locomotive Control Using Coupler Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems struggle with real-time adjustments to power contributions by distributed locomotives due to unexpected route conditions, leading to inefficiencies and potential mechanical stress between vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows for real-time adjustments to the distributed power control of locomotives by determining revised effort contributions based on current conditions, using processors to automatically switch between operating conditions to optimize vehicle performance variables such as forces and coupler states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distributed power control is used with predetermined effort contributions, then the vehicle system can operate with coordinated locomotives, but the system cannot make real-time adjustments to power contributions when unexpected route conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts power contributions of distributed locomotives based on real-time measured forces between vehicles. The system transitions from static predetermined effort contributions to dynamic real-time adjustments, allowing the control parameters to change adaptively in response to actual operating conditions and unexpected route variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where forces between vehicles are continuously measured and used to determine revised power contributions. The measured forces feed back to the control system, which then adjusts the effort contributions of individual locomotives to optimize performance and maintain safe operation under changing conditions.
2Loss of time
If locomotives contribute predetermined effort to propel the vehicle system, then the system can maintain scheduled operations, but excessive mechanical stress between vehicles may occur under unexpected route conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from force measurements between vehicles to detect when mechanical stress exceeds acceptable levels. Based on this feedback, the control system revises power contributions to reduce stress while maintaining overall system movement and scheduled operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes operational parameters by adjusting power contributions of individual locomotives in real-time. When unexpected route conditions cause excessive mechanical stress, the system modifies effort distribution parameters to optimize the balance between maintaining schedule and reducing stress on coupling mechanisms.
3Strength
If real-time force measurements and adjustments are implemented, then mechanical stress between vehicles is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex manual coordination and mechanical trial-and-error adjustments with an automated electronic control system. The control system processes force measurements and automatically determines revised power contributions, substituting electronic computation and automated control for more complex mechanical coordination mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and control system includes controlling operation of a vehicle system according to a first set of operating conditions while the vehicle system is moving along a route. The two or more vehicles of the vehicle system each configured to contribute a predetermined amount of effort to propel the vehicle system to move along the route based on the first set of operating conditions. The method and control system includes measuring forces between vehicles. Based on forces between vehicles related to the predetermined amount of effort and the measured forces between vehicles, a revised amount of effort is determined. The method and control system includes changing from controlling the vehicle system according to the first set of operating conditions to automatically controlling operation of the vehicle system according to a second set of operating conditions.