Rail Vehicle Control for Audible Warning Timing and Clear Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face inefficiencies and safety risks due to improper activation of warning sounds at crossings, blocking of intersections, and delays caused by trailing vehicles needing to stop frequently, which affects fuel economy and safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that automatically manages vehicle movement relative to other vehicles, crossings, and work zones by pacing, controlling audible warnings, and preventing intersection blocking, using onboard or off-board controllers to optimize travel and communication with signaling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the trailing vehicle system travels too closely to the vehicle system ahead, then the total trip time is reduced and fuel economy is improved, but the trailing vehicle system may be required to slow to a stop for a designated duration to avoid or reduce a risk of an accident
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the distance between vehicle systems and automatically adjusts the trailing vehicle's speed and positioning. The controller receives data from location determining devices and communicates with signaling devices to maintain safe following distances while optimizing trip time, providing real-time feedback control to prevent both accidents and unnecessary stops
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing vehicle system's controller autonomously manages its own positioning and speed adjustment without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing its location to the leading vehicle's position and automatically implementing speed changes to maintain optimal spacing, reducing the need for operator decision-making
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls the warning sound activation, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the operator may make mistakes such as forgetting to activate the warning sound at the proper time or activating it when not warranted
Solution Approach 1:
The trip planning controller automatically activates and deactivates the audible warning device based on its own operational state and location data. The system monitors its approach to crossings and autonomously controls warning sound activation without requiring operator intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors its location relative to crossings using location determining devices and automatically adjusts warning sound activation accordingly. The system provides real-time feedback control, activating warnings only when approaching crossings and deactivating them in quiet zones, ensuring accurate and consistent operation
3Productivity
If very long rail vehicle systems stop in a location that results in a leading end locomotive being ahead of the crossing, but one or more trailing locomotives or railcars disposed in the crossing, then the vehicle system can stop, but the crossing becomes blocked causing significant delays or safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vehicle train into segments and determines the location of each segment relative to crossings. By tracking individual locomotives and railcars separately, the controller can identify when trailing units are approaching crossings and prevent stops that would cause blockage, while still allowing the leading locomotive to position itself appropriately
Solution Approach 2:
The controller proactively identifies potential crossing blockage situations before they occur by monitoring the positions of all vehicle segments. It takes preliminary action to prevent stops that would result in trailing units blocking crossings, adjusting speed and positioning in advance to maintain both stopping capability and crossing clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method can include determining a location of a locating device disposed onboard a vehicle system, identify a size of the vehicle system, calculate a duration that the vehicle system has been blocking or will be blocking an intersection between at least two intersecting routes based at least in part on the location of the locating device and on the size of the multi-vehicle system, and implement one or more responsive actions to clear the intersection responsive to the calculation of the duration. Optionally, the system and method can predict or forecast whether a vehicle system approaching or moving through the intersection will come to a stop in a locking that blocks the intersection, and implement one or more responsive actions.