Remote Control of Multiple Locomotive Consists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for remotely controlling vehicle consists, such as trains, are limited in that they can only control the leading locomotive, leading to difficulties when the terrain has inclines, the leading locomotive malfunctions, or spatial adjustments are needed for cargo loading/unloading, resulting in time-consuming operations and revenue impacts for railroad companies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for the selective remote control of tractive or braking effort in any propulsion-generating vehicle within a vehicle consist, enabling independent control of each consist without affecting others, using an off-board control unit that can switch control between consists and position non-propulsion vehicles for loading/unloading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only the leading locomotive is controlled remotely, then the control system is simple, but the system cannot generate sufficient tractive effort on inclines or recover quickly from locomotive malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to provide independent control of multiple propulsion-generating vehicles within a consist. Each vehicle can be individually selected and controlled via the remote control device, allowing the operator to distribute tractive effort across multiple locomotives rather than relying solely on the leading locomotive. This segmentation enhances reliability by providing redundant control points while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If the leading locomotive is the only vehicle under remote control, then the control operation is straightforward, but spatial adjustments for cargo loading/unloading become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows the operator to select and switch control between different propulsion-generating vehicles within the consist based on operational needs. This dynamic control capability enables rapid spatial adjustments by controlling any locomotive to reposition cars for optimal loading/unloading positions, significantly improving productivity without making the control operation overly complex through standardized selection procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote control is limited to the leading locomotive, then the control device is simple, but the system cannot perform independent spatial adjustments of specific cars for loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed with universal functionality to control any propulsion-generating vehicle within the consist, not just the leading locomotive. This multi-functionality allows the same control device to perform diverse operations including tractive effort control, braking control, and spatial repositioning of any locomotive in the consist, thereby achieving high adaptability while maintaining a single, unified control interface that does not significantly increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for remotely controlling a vehicle system includes selectively identifying, among two or more consists in the vehicle system, a selected consist to remotely control. Each of the two or more consists including a propulsion-generating vehicle. The method also includes initiating remote control of the propulsion-generating vehicle in the selected consist and remotely controlling at least one of tractive effort or braking effort provided by the propulsion-generating vehicle in the selected consist using a remote control device. The at least one of tractive effort or braking effort provided by the propulsion-generating vehicle in the selected consist is controlled without remotely controlling tractive effort or braking effort provided by the propulsion-generating vehicle in at least one other consist in the vehicle system.