Pressure Transducer Validity Verification in Distributed Power Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed power train systems, pressure transducers may fail to provide accurate readings, leading to high in-train forces and potentially unsafe operating conditions due to communication interruptions or faulty sensors, necessitating a method to verify the validity of pressure readings across linked locomotives.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that compares pressure readings from a first transducer on a lead powered system to a second transducer on a remote powered system, using a comparator subsystem and computer software code to determine if the remote transducer is functioning within designated operational parameters, thereby ensuring accurate data and reducing the need for redundant transducers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure transducers are installed on both lead and remote powered systems, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the remote transducer reading is continuously compared against the lead transducer reading. When the differential exceeds a threshold, the system generates a validity flag indicating potential transducer failure. This feedback loop enables real-time verification of transducer accuracy without requiring additional redundant transducers, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a comparator subsystem as an intermediary that mediates between the lead and remote transducers. This comparator evaluates the differential between readings and determines validity without requiring direct physical redundancy. The intermediary processing layer enables cross-verification of transducer readings, allowing the system to detect failures while using the minimum necessary number of transducers.
2Reliability
If redundant transducers are used to verify readings, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the lead transducer reading to verify the remote transducer reading. By establishing a reference relationship where the lead transducer serves as the primary reference and the remote transducer is verified against it, the system eliminates the need for additional redundant transducers. The feedback mechanism provides continuous validation without requiring extra sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a functional copy of the verification process by comparing the remote transducer reading against the lead transducer reading. Instead of physically duplicating transducers at multiple locations, the system uses the lead transducer as a reference model to validate the remote transducer. This functional copying approach achieves verification purposes without the material cost of additional transducers.
3Productivity
If transducer failures are not detected, then operational continuity is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to high in-train forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the differential between lead and remote transducer readings and provides feedback on reading validity. When a failure condition is detected (differential exceeds threshold), the system generates a validity flag that can trigger appropriate responses. This feedback mechanism enables early detection of transducer failures before they cause harmful effects, maintaining operational continuity while preventing high in-train forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by detecting transducer validity issues before they can cause harmful effects. The comparison mechanism identifies potential failures in advance, allowing the system to take preventive measures (such as generating validity flags or triggering alerts) before actual high in-train forces develop. This proactive approach prevents harmful conditions rather than merely responding to them after occurrence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that includes comparing a first brake pressure measured at a first transducer that is part of a braking system on a lead powered unit of a distributed power (DP) system to a second brake pressure measured at a second transducer that is part of a braking system on a remote powered unit of the DP system. The method also includes determining whether the second transducer is functioning within designated operational parameters when the DP system is operating in a DP mode based on comparing the first brake pressure to the second brake pressure.