Locomotive Simulated Isolation Control via MU Cable Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locomotive consist control systems are limited in remotely designating operational status for individual locomotives to improve overall consist fuel efficiency and other parameters, as they primarily focus on communicating power operating requirements and control signals without the capability for selective operational settings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for the selective designation of operational settings for locomotives through control signals to simulate isolation, enabling improved performance goals without physically switching the locomotives into isolation mode, utilizing an energy management system with locomotive control computers and an isolation control module to implement these settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical isolation switches are used to isolate locomotives, then operational isolation is achieved, but device complexity and operational inflexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical isolation switches with electronic control signals transmitted through the MU cable system. The lead locomotive's controller sends simulated isolation commands electronically to trailing locomotives, which then activate their isolation modes through software control rather than mechanical switching. This substitution eliminates the need for physical isolation switches while achieving the same operational isolation effect, thereby reducing device complexity and increasing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical isolation function through software. Instead of physically disconnecting or isolating locomotives using mechanical switches, the system generates electronic control signals that simulate the isolation effect. The trailing locomotives receive these signals and activate isolation modes based on the simulated commands, effectively copying the functionality of physical isolation without the associated hardware complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If all locomotives operate continuously, then power availability is maximized, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of locomotive operational status based on real-time power demands. The lead locomotive's controller continuously monitors power requirements and dynamically adjusts which trailing locomotives should be in service or in isolation mode. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to minimize fuel consumption and emissions by keeping only the necessary number of locomotives operating, while still ensuring adequate power availability to meet varying train demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of trailing locomotives from a fixed continuous operation state to a variable state that can be switched between active and isolated modes. By transmitting control signals that alter the operational parameters of trailing locomotives, the system can optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by placing excess locomotives in isolation mode when full power capacity is not required, while maintaining the ability to activate them when power demands increase.
3Ease of operation
If physical isolation switching is implemented, then locomotive isolation is achieved, but ease of operation and remote control capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing MU cable control system multi-functional by enabling it to transmit both traditional control signals and simulated isolation commands through the same communication infrastructure. The lead locomotive's controller can send various types of commands through the MU cable, including throttle commands, brake commands, and isolation commands, all through the same system. This universal approach allows remote designation of isolation status without adding separate dedicated hardware for isolation control, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling one or more locomotives in a consist includes receiving a command and control signal at a controller associated with one of the one or more locomotives, the command and control signal indicative of a desired performance goal for the consist. Operational characteristics of the one locomotive that are factors in achieving the performance goal for the consist are determined. Operational settings for selected ones of the determined operational characteristics for the one locomotive are selectively designated to achieve the performance goal for the consist. Effects of the selectively designated operational settings for the one locomotive may be implemented through the use of control signals to simulate isolation of the one locomotive without physically switching the one locomotive to an isolation mode.