Push-off Locomotive Time-Based Control for Marshalling Yard Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating a marshalling yard face disruptions when the distance counter of a push-off locomotive fails, requiring manual intervention or process abortion, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that switches to time-based control using trackside locating devices and timers to ensure safe stopping of the push-off locomotive, independent of the distance counter's functionality, by monitoring elapsed time and adjusting speed profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the push-off locomotive uses a distance counter for automatic control, then the positioning precision is improved, but the system reliability deteriorates when the distance counter fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from distance-based to time-based when the distance counter fails. The control computer switches to using elapsed time measurements instead of distance measurements to control the push-off locomotive's movement, allowing continuous operation despite the failure of the distance measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control computer acts as an intermediary that can switch between different measurement systems. When the distance counter fails, the control computer mediates by using time measurements and speed profile data instead, maintaining the control function without direct reliance on the failed distance counter.
2Reliability
If the system requires manual intervention when the distance counter fails, then the safety is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically switching to an alternative control mode when the distance counter fails. The control computer automatically uses time-based control with pre-defined speed profiles to manage the push-off locomotive, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous automatic control operation by switching to time-based measurement when the distance counter fails. This maintains the continuity of the push-off process without interruption, preventing the need to stop for manual intervention and thereby maintaining productivity while preserving safety through automated control.
3Measurement precision
If the push-off locomotive is stopped to change the distance counter, then the measurement precision is restored, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of the distance counter failure into a beneficial alternative control mode. By using time-based control with pre-defined speed profiles, the system turns the failure of the distance measurement system into an opportunity to use a different, equally effective measurement approach without stopping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining speed profiles that correspond to different time intervals. These pre-prepared speed profiles allow the control computer to immediately switch to time-based control when the distance counter fails, without needing to stop and recalculate or replace the distance counter, thereby avoiding time loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a discharge system, in which, in a preliminary process, a dismantling unit (ZLE) is dismantled by a push-off locomotive (ABL) above a vertex (SP) of the discharge system, in order to then run in a run-off process in the form of individual runs (AL), wherein the following steps are carried out. The push-off locomotive (ABL) is located using a travel counter starting from a reference position in the discharge system, and a relative location signal is generated. The movement of the push-off locomotive (ABL) is controlled by computer in a travel-based manner, wherein the push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to complete the dismantling unit (ZLE) pushing off, taking the location signal into account. The travel counter is monitored for its function. If a malfunction is detected during monitoring of the travel counter, a time-based computer-aided control is switched over.The push-off locomotive (ABL) is stopped to complete the push-off of the disassembly unit (ZLE) based on a time signal. Thus, in the event of a travel counter failure, the invention provides an alternative time-based method so that the push-off can be completed based on a time signal. The invention also relates to a process system and a computer program for implementing the method.