Locomotive Speed Control Module for Portable Remote Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable remote control systems for locomotives provide only coarse speed control due to limited access to the locomotive's speed signals, making it difficult to manage the speed of high horsepower locomotives effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that interfaces with the locomotive's MU receptacle to access speed control wires, using a speed control module with a bearing bracket assembly and encoder to provide precise speed control, and optionally generates electricity from axle rotation for on-board use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable remote control systems use standardized MU receptacle connections to interface with locomotives, then portability and ease of installation are improved, but access to speed control signals is limited making precise speed control difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control functions by separating speed control from throttle control. The portable remote control system connects via MU receptacle for portability, while a dedicated speed control module interfaces with the locomotive's speed control wires (1T and 24T) to provide precise speed measurements and control independently from the standard throttle control system.
Solution Approach 2:
A speed control module acts as an intermediary between the portable remote control system and the locomotive's control system. This module receives speed commands from the portable system via MU receptacle and translates them into precise speed control signals through the locomotive's existing speed control wires, enabling fine speed control without sacrificing portability.
2Device complexity
If portable remote control systems control only throttle position and braking separately, then system simplicity is maintained, but effective speed control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges speed control functionality with the existing portable remote control system. The speed control module combines speed measurement from the locomotive's existing sensors with control signals from the portable system, creating a unified control capability that maintains system simplicity while adding effective speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed control module provides multi-functionality by serving both as a speed measurement device and a speed control actuator. It interfaces with the locomotive's existing control system through standard MU receptacle connections while enabling both measurement and control functions, making the portable system universally applicable to various locomotive configurations.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses encoder and bearing bracket assembly to measure speed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder system utilizes the locomotive's own rotating components (axles, wheels) as the measurement reference. The bearing bracket assembly mounts the encoder to existing locomotive structures, and the encoder reads position information from the locomotive's own rotation, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical speed measurement mechanisms with an electronic encoder that reads positional information electronically. The encoder converts mechanical rotation into electronic signals that can be processed by the control system, simplifying the measurement system while improving precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables finer and safer speed control of locomotives by comparing target speeds with actual measurements, preventing over-speed conditions and providing emergency stops, while also allowing for power generation in train cars without existing power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A bearing bracket assembly can be used to support an encoder or other suitable device used to determine a speed of the locomotive
Implementation Method 2
a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle, a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A portable mounting assembly is provided comprising a mounting disc comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching the mounting disc to an axle bearing on a vehicle such as a locomotive, for determining speed; and a stabilizer bar attached at a first end to the mounting disc and at a second end to an outrigger comprising at least one magnetic component for attaching to a stationary component of the vehicle. A method of providing speed control to a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided. A method of overriding a speed control mode operated by a portable remote control system for a locomotive is also provided.