Remote Vehicle Control Lockout for Work-Marker Safety Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control of vehicle systems poses a safety risk as operators cannot visually detect active safety procedures, such as the Blue Flag procedure, leading to potential harm to personnel working on or near the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A safety mode activation device onboard the vehicle system detects the presence of operators or active work markers using sensors and mobile devices, transmitting a lockout signal to prevent vehicle movement, and engages brakes or disconnects propulsion systems to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If remote control of vehicle systems is implemented, then operator safety from vehicle movement is improved, but ability to detect active safety procedures visually is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having detection sensors continuously monitor for operators or markers near the vehicle system and automatically transmit status signals to the safety mode activation device. This closed-loop feedback ensures the remote operator is informed of safety conditions without needing visual line-of-sight, resolving the contradiction between remote control safety and visual procedure detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection sensor system that acts as a mediator between the physical safety procedure (blue flag) and the remote operator. The sensors detect the presence of operators or markers and convert this information into electronic status signals, allowing the remote operator to know safety procedure status without direct visual observation.
2Reliability
If visual indicators like blue flags are used for safety procedures, then safety protocol compliance is improved, but remote operators cannot see these indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual indicator system (blue flags that require line-of-sight) with an electronic detection and signaling system. Detection sensors electronically detect operators or markers and transmit status signals to the safety mode activation device, which then communicates with the remote operator, substituting mechanical visual communication with electronic information transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an electronic copy or representation of the physical safety procedure status. Instead of requiring the remote operator to see the actual blue flag or operator, the detection sensors create an electronic status signal that replicates the safety information, allowing remote awareness without direct visual contact.
3Reliability
If automatic detection systems are added to vehicle systems, then safety monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection sensors and safety mode activation device are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting operators, detecting markers, determining proximity, and transmitting status signals. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining improved safety monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a controller, an activation device, and a communication device. The controller may control movement of a first vehicle system absent an operator input onboard the first vehicle system. The controller may control a propulsion system and a braking system of the first vehicle system. The controller may be positioned off-board the first vehicle system. The activation device may receive a status signal indicating a presence of a work marker proximate to the first vehicle system. The communication device may communicate a lockout signal from the activation device to the controller to direct the controller to prevent activation of the propulsion system and engage the braking system to prevent movement of the first vehicle system.