Operator Control Unit Safety Lock for Deliberate Motion Re-Enable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail yard operations face challenges in safely maintaining and working on remote control locomotives due to the risk of accidental motion commands, which can endanger technicians and operators in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
An Operator Control Unit (OCU) system is designed to engage a safety lock mode that disables motion controls while maintaining access to core functions, with a multi-step process to enable and disable the safety lock mode to prevent accidental unlocking, including requiring specific interactions with the OCU's input interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple single-step process is used to disable the safety lock mode, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary actions (first input signal, then second input signal within time threshold) before the safety lock mode is disabled. This preliminary sequence ensures deliberate operation while maintaining ease of use for authorized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The disabling process is divided into periodic stages: receiving first input signal, checking time threshold, receiving second input signal, and finally disabling the mode. This periodic structure prevents accidental single-action unlocking.
2Reliability
If a multi-step process with time thresholds is used to disable the safety lock mode, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The OCU automatically monitors the time threshold between input signals and determines whether the sequence constitutes intentional or accidental activation. The system self-regulates the disabling process without requiring external validation, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by monitoring whether the second input signal occurs within the predetermined time threshold of the first signal. This feedback mechanism automatically validates the intent behind the user's actions and controls the disabling outcome.
3Productivity
If the safety lock mode is easily disabled, then the productivity is improved, but the safety for personnel working near the locomotive deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary deliberate actions (two input signals within time threshold) before allowing resumption of motion controls. This ensures safety personnel are clear before operations resume, preventing harmful effects while maintaining efficient workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing automatic or accidental disengagement of the safety lock. The multi-step process with time threshold validation counteracts potential harmful actions before they can occur.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of systems and methods for safety interlocking of operator control units for remote control machines. In an exemplary embodiment, an operator control unit configured to enable and disable a safety lock mode for a remote control machine includes a processor, a network interface, an input interface and memory including processor-executable instructions which cause the processor to disable motion controls of the remote control machine while maintaining wireless communication with the remote control machine to allow core non-motion controls of the remote control machine, and in response to a predefined sequence of activations of the multiple inputs during a specified time period, enable motion controls of the remote control machine. Methods for disabling a safety lock mode may include one or more required input interface actions in order to reduce a chance of accidentally disabling the safety lock mode.