Locomotive Speed Control via Wayside Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack automated speed control and stopping capabilities for locomotives pushing railcars, leading to potential collisions and damage at unloading destinations, as existing RFID or AEI tag-based solutions are not applicable when the locomotive is pushing cars and require power and communication links that are impractical for railcars.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors positioned along the pathway that detect the lead vehicle and transmit signals to a controller, which communicates with the locomotive's onboard system to set a maximum speed setting, gradually reducing speed as the vehicle approaches the stop location and ensuring the locomotive stops at the correct position, using a combination of hardware and software elements for remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated speed control and stopping systems are implemented for locomotives pushing railcars, then stopping precision and collision prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electronic sensors and automated control circuits. The sensor detects the lead railcar's position and triggers an automated speed reduction and stopping sequence through electronic signals to the locomotive's control system, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the locomotive to automatically control its own speed and stopping without external intervention. The onboard sensor and control system work together to detect position, calculate required speed reductions, and execute stopping commands autonomously, making the locomotive self-regulating during the pushing operation.
2Extent of automation
If RFID or AEI tag-based control systems are used, then automated identification and control are improved, but adaptability to pushing operations and poor track conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that detects the lead railcar's position and presence without requiring active communication from the railcar itself. This passive detection method works regardless of whether the railcar has RFID tags or power sources, making it adaptable to all railcar types and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent components: a detection sensor, a control circuit, and an execution system. This modular approach allows the sensor to independently detect the lead railcar and trigger the appropriate control sequence without requiring the railcar to have any active identification systems.
3Measurement precision
If maximum speed setting is automatically reduced based on sensor detection, then stopping accuracy is improved, but response time and system latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-programmed with speed reduction schedules and stopping sequences that are automatically executed when the sensor detects the lead railcar. The control circuit contains pre-calculated speed profiles that reduce maximum speed in predetermined steps, eliminating the need for real-time calculations and reducing system latency.
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 precise control of locomotive speed and stopping, preventing overruns and potential collisions by setting a maximum speed setting based on sensor detection, ensuring the lead railcar is properly positioned for unloading, even in poor track conditions.
Implementation Method 1
At least one sensor is positioned relative to the pathway for detecting the presence of a lead vehicle on the pathway
Implementation Method 2
The sensor transmits at least one signal when the lead vehicle is detected on the pathway
Implementation Method 3
The remote control unit communicates with the locomotive operating system and/or slave control unit via a radio frequency (RF) communication system
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control system for controlling movement of a train comprises one or more sensors positioned relative to a railroad track for detecting the presence of a lead railcar on the track being pushed by a remotely controllable locomotive. The one or more sensors are spaced a distance from a predetermined stop location of a lead railcar and transmit signals when the lead railcar is detected on the track. A programmable controller positioned off-board or wayside receives signals from the one or more sensors and is in radio communication with an onboard operating system of the locomotive. The controller transmits a signal to the locomotive when the lead railcar is detected by a sensor, and in response to the signal the operating system of the locomotive sets a maximum speed setting for the locomotive to travel on the track toward the stop location.