Remote Locomotive Control System with Yard Supervision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control locomotive (RCL) systems often require multiple operators in a switchyard, which can be unsafe and inefficient, especially when operators need to switch roles frequently, and may not adequately protect workers from risks such as misaligned track switches or unauthorized movement.
Innovation Solution
The system redefines roles by having a remote operator and a field operator, where the remote operator plans and controls locomotive routes from a safer location using streaming video and wireless communication, while the field operator focuses on localized control and safety, with the yard supervisory controller monitoring and alerting for potential risks, allowing for one-person field crew operations with enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operators are used in the switchyard for remote control locomotive operations, then operational control and safety monitoring are improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to exposure to hazards such as misaligned track switches and unauthorized movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operator from the hazardous switchyard environment and relocates them to a remote control location. The operator controls the locomotive remotely via communication systems, eliminating direct exposure to physical hazards such as misaligned track switches and moving equipment while maintaining operational control and safety monitoring capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operators frequently switch roles in existing RCL systems, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to role switching interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where the primary and secondary operator designations are not fixed but can be automatically switched based on real-time operational conditions, such as which operator has the best vantage point for monitoring. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational flexibility while eliminating the inefficiencies of manual role switching, as the system automatically optimizes operator positioning and responsibilities.
3Productivity
If automatic point protection is implemented to permit one-person field crew operations, then operational efficiency is improved, but safety monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback systems including sensors, cameras, and communication devices that continuously monitor the switchyard environment and transmit information to the remote operator. This feedback loop enables a single operator to maintain full safety monitoring capability by receiving real-time data from multiple sources, allowing one-person field crew operations without compromising safety oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
An example locomotive consist control system includes a locomotive controller located on a locomotive consist to control movement of the locomotive consist along one or more tracks, and a field operator control unit in communication with the locomotive controller. The field operator control unit is configured to control movement of the locomotive consist via the locomotive controller. The system also includes a yard supervisory controller configured to monitor a location of the locomotive consist along the one or more tracks, and a remote operator controller in communication with the yard supervisory controller and the locomotive controller. The remote operator controller is configured to transmit speed and direction orders from the yard supervisory controller to the locomotive controller to control movement of the locomotive consist.