Remote Train Lead Change Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control systems require manual reconfiguration of locomotives during a lead change, which is time-consuming and costly, especially when the lead locomotive malfunctions, and existing systems do not efficiently address the need for remote control of locomotive commands during such changes.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system that includes a user input device, display device, and communicating device, with a controller generating configuration commands for locomotives based on user inputs, allowing for remote facilitation of lead changes by selecting isolation, distributed power, and lead/trail settings through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reconfiguration of each locomotive is performed during a lead change, then the locomotive settings can be correctly updated, but the process becomes time-consuming and causes operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reconfiguration process with an automated electronic system. The remote control device sends electronic commands through communication devices to automatically update locomotive settings, eliminating the need for operators to manually visit each locomotive and adjust physical controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration where the locomotives automatically receive and apply configuration updates without requiring human intervention at each locomotive. The remote control device initiates the reconfiguration process, and the locomotives autonomously update their settings based on transmitted commands.
2Reliability
If operators visit each locomotive manually to reconfigure settings, then complete control reconfiguration is achieved, but operational productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the manual physical process of operators visiting each locomotive with an automated electronic communication system. The remote control device transmits configuration commands wirelessly to locomotive control systems, enabling complete reconfiguration without physical presence at each locomotive.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary preparation of reconfiguration commands before execution. The remote control device can prepare and validate configuration commands in advance, then transmit them to multiple locomotives simultaneously, ensuring complete settings are applied without requiring sequential manual intervention.
3Productivity
If remote control system is implemented for lead changes, then reconfiguration speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform various operations including lead change reconfiguration, monitoring, and control command transmission. By consolidating these functions into a single device, the system achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces communication devices as intermediary components between the remote control device and locomotive control systems. These intermediaries simplify the overall architecture by providing standardized interfaces for data exchange, enabling remote reconfiguration without requiring direct complex connections between all system components.
4Reliability
If autonomous trains experience lead locomotive faults, then safety is maintained, but operational delays increase due to manual reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual on-site reconfiguration with automated remote control for autonomous trains. When a lead locomotive fault occurs, the system can automatically transmit reconfiguration commands to designated backup locomotives, enabling rapid lead changes without requiring human operators to physically access the trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous train system incorporates self-service capabilities where the train can reconfigure its own operational parameters remotely. The system automatically identifies alternative lead locomotives, transmits necessary configuration commands, and executes the lead change without requiring external human intervention, thereby minimizing downtime while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for remotely facilitating a lead change among a plurality of locomotives in a train is disclosed. The control system may include a user input device, a display device, a communicating device configured to exchange information with the plurality of locomotives, and a controller in electronic communication with the user input device, the display device, and the communicating device. The controller may be configured to generate on the display device a graphical user interface configured to receive a plurality of user inputs in conjunction with the user input device, wherein the plurality of user inputs includes an isolation switch selection, a distributed power selection, and a lead/trail selection. The controller may also be configured to generate configuration commands communicable to the plurality of locomotives via the communicating device based on the user inputs.