Remote Locomotive Communication Link Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face complexities in establishing and managing communication links between controlling and remote locomotives, requiring lengthy setup procedures and manual intervention, which hinders efficient operation and decoupling processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with onboard processors and communication devices allows for the establishment and maintenance of communication links between controlling and remote vehicles, enabling them to change operational modes independently while maintaining communication, facilitating decoupling and re-coupling without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless communication linking procedures are used between controlling and remote locomotives, then communication links can be established, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication parameters and establishing identification protocols before actual coupling occurs. The remote locomotive is pre-programmed with seeking behavior and the controlling locomotive is pre-configured with acceptance criteria, so that when coupling happens, the communication link is established automatically without time-consuming manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locomotives perform self-service through automated seeking and linking procedures. The remote locomotive automatically seeks out the controlling locomotive using wireless communications, and both units automatically negotiate and establish the communication link without requiring operators to manually configure settings or initiate handshake protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional uncoupling procedures are used for distributed power-linked consists, then locomotives can be decoupled, but the entire train must be unlinked and the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network is segmented into independent zones, allowing individual locomotives to be decoupled from the consist without affecting the communication links of other locomotives. Each locomotive maintains its own communication channel with the controlling locomotive, so that when one is decoupled, others remain operational independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures communication links based on the operational state of each locomotive. When a remote locomotive is decoupled mechanically, the system dynamically maintains its communication link in a suspended state, allowing it to remain part of the network logically while being physically separated, and can quickly rejoin when recoupled.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required for setup and linking procedures, then communication links can be established, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated seeking, identification, and link establishment procedures. The remote locomotive automatically seeks the controlling locomotive, both units exchange identification information through wireless communication, and the link is automatically established and confirmed without any manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving operational efficiency.
4Reliability
If decoupled locomotives are automatically controlled to remain stationary as a safety measure, then safety is maintained, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational status of decoupled locomotives based on their communication link state. When a locomotive is decoupled but maintains its communication link in suspended mode, it can remain operational and move independently. Only when the communication link is fully terminated does the locomotive enter the stationary safety mode, providing flexibility during intermediate states while maintaining safety when completely separated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more processors and a communication device onboard a first remote vehicle of a vehicle system that includes a controlling vehicle. The one or more processors are configured to establish a communication link with the controlling vehicle, and, in a first mode of operation, to automatically control movement of the designated remote vehicle responsive to movement-control messages received from the controlling vehicle over the communication link. The one or more processors are also configured, responsive to receipt of a designated suspend message from the controlling vehicle, to switch the designated remote vehicle from the first mode of operation to a second mode of operation where movement of the designated remote vehicle is controlled independently of the controlling vehicle while maintaining the communication link.