Rail Tie Distribution Control With Adaptive Chute Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail tie distribution systems are inefficient, imprecise, and unsafe in unloading individual ties at selected locations along a railroad track, requiring separate equipment and procedures for precise placement.
Innovation Solution
A rail tie distribution system with a computing resource that generates a distribution plan, communicated to operations and distribution cars, allowing for precise and safe discharge of ties using adjustable chutes and real-time adjustments based on imaging and sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a forklift type mechanism is used to lift and eject rail ties from a rail car, then the unloading process can be automated, but the rail ties are ejected at a height that causes them to land too far from the track
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ejection height and angle based on real-time conditions. The mechanical system transitions from static fixed-height ejection to dynamic adjustable-height ejection, allowing precise control over where ties land on the track while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the ejection parameters (height, angle, velocity) to optimize tie placement. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both automated operation and precise placement control, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.
2Ease of operation
If a crawler type unloader is used to travel over gondola cars and place ties using a jaw unit, then ties can be selectively placed along the track, but separate equipment and procedures are required to position the ties next to the ties to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the placement function and the positioning function into a single integrated system. The tie placement machine not only places ties but also automatically positions them next to the ties to be replaced, eliminating the need for separate positioning equipment and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The unloader system is designed to perform multiple functions: traveling over gondola cars, selecting ties for placement, positioning them accurately, and placing them next to the ties to be replaced. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized equipment.
3Productivity
If ties are ejected from the bottom of a stack using a kicker chain, then unloading can occur, but determining the specific location of the unloading machine and the tie to be ejected is difficult to coordinate for precision unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the position of the unloading machine and the specific tie to be ejected. This real-time feedback enables precise coordination between the machine location and tie selection, allowing accurate placement even when ejecting from the bottom of a stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual coordination methods with automated sensing and control systems. Sensors and control algorithms substitute for manual positioning, enabling precise coordination of machine location and tie selection without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
4Extent of automation
If GPS coordinates are used to determine tie distribution locations, then automated distribution can be achieved, but the system cannot adapt to unexpected conditions or obstacles encountered during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning the tie distribution route and locations using GPS coordinates. This preliminary automation is combined with the capability to detect and respond to unexpected conditions during operation, allowing the system to adapt in real-time while maintaining automated distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution system transitions from static GPS-based routing to dynamic adaptive routing. The system can modify its distribution plan in real-time based on unexpected conditions or obstacles encountered during operation, combining automated distribution with real-time adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for distributing rail ties are disclosed. A method of distributing rail ties at a side of a track comprises providing a plurality of rail tie distribution cars in a consist. Each of the plurality of rail tie distribution cars has a distribution car controller and a discharge means configured to selectively distribute a rail tie on at least one side of the track. The method comprises generating a rail tie distribution plan identifying a plurality of rail tie drop off locations and selecting, from the plurality of rail tie distribution cars in the consist, one rail tie distribution car to distribute a rail tie at one of the plurality of rail tie drop off locations. The distribution car controller and the discharge means of the selected one of the plurality of rail tie distribution cars distributes the rail tie at the drop off location.