Remote Locomotive Wireless Linking for Faster Consist Setup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle systems require manual intervention and are prone to errors when establishing communication links between lead and remote locomotives, leading to inefficiencies and increased time in coordinating tractive and braking efforts, especially in long trains with multiple remote locomotives.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communication system that includes processors and a communication device onboard the lead vehicle, capable of establishing communication links with remote vehicles using unique identifiers, allowing for wireless linking messages to be sent and received without an operator's presence on the remote vehicles, enabling remote control of movement and operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to establish communication links between lead and remote locomotives, then communication links can be established, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote locomotive automatically establishes communication links by receiving its identifier wirelessly and configuring its radio parameters autonomously, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention at each remote locomotive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (operators physically entering data) with wireless electronic communication systems that automatically transmit identifiers and establish links
2Ease of operation
If operators manually input information onboard each remote locomotive, then communication links can be established, but the process becomes susceptible to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual data entry by having the remote locomotive automatically receive and process its identifier through wireless communication, making the system both easier to operate and more reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier is transmitted as digital information from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive, replacing manual copying and entry of information with automated digital transmission
3Productivity
If automated wireless linking is implemented, then time and effort are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead locomotive's radio system performs multiple functions: normal communication and automatic identifier transmission for link establishment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the identifier transmission and link establishment process between lead and remote locomotives
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes a first control system having one or more processors onboard a lead vehicle of a vehicle system that includes the lead vehicle and a remote vehicle. The second control system automatically restricts movement of the vehicle system based on a location of the vehicle system. The processors detect a signal instance of an operator actuating an input device, and communicate a vehicle information request message to the second control system. The second control system communicates a list of vehicle identifiers, that includes a vehicle identifier associated with the remote vehicle, to the processors. The processors communicate a wireless linking message, including a request to establish a communication link, to the remote vehicle based on the vehicle identifier associated with the remote vehicle.