Train Braking Model Dynamic Force Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train braking systems fail to accurately account for dynamic braking forces, leading to overly conservative PTC system operations, which can slow down rail network throughput and cause unnecessary warnings and enforcement events.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines dynamic braking data for a braking model by adjusting safety factors based on expected dynamic braking force and retarding forces, and adjusts the braking model in real-time using on-board computers to account for actual train acceleration and deceleration, ensuring accurate braking predictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PTC braking model excludes dynamic braking force to ensure safety, then the reliability of braking prediction is improved, but the productivity of rail network throughput deteriorates due to overly conservative operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual train deceleration during braking events and compares it with predicted deceleration from the braking model. This feedback loop allows the system to learn and adjust the dynamic braking force contribution, ensuring safety while improving accuracy of stopping distance predictions, thereby reducing overly conservative operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary learning of dynamic braking characteristics during normal braking operations before penalty brake events. By accumulating data from routine braking events, the system pre-calibrates the dynamic braking force model, ensuring accurate predictions are ready when needed for safety-critical stopping decisions
2Reliability
If the PTC braking model uses conservative safety factors to ensure accurate stopping distance prediction, then the reliability of train stopping prediction is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary warnings and enforcement events
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the braking model parameters based on learned dynamic braking characteristics from actual train operations. Instead of using fixed conservative safety factors, the model adapts to the specific train's braking behavior, maintaining high prediction accuracy while reducing false conservative warnings that trigger unnecessary enforcement events
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the braking model parameters (specifically the dynamic braking force contribution) based on learned data from actual braking events. By adjusting these parameters to reflect real-world performance rather than conservative estimates, the system maintains safety while reducing operational disruptions from false predictions
3Measurement precision
If the braking model accounts for dynamic braking force variation, then the measurement precision of braking prediction is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the train's existing onboard computers and sensors to perform the learning and measurement functions. Rather than adding dedicated hardware, the system leverages available computational resources and existing train operation data to calculate dynamic braking force characteristics, minimizing additional device complexity while achieving high measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for determining dynamic braking data for use in a braking model of at least one train, the method including: (a) determining at least one initial safety factor; (b) determining at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor based at least partially on (i) the expected dynamic braking force, and (ii) specified retarding forces of the train; and (c) determining at least one new safety factor based at least partially on the at least one initial safety factor and the at least one dynamic braking adjustment factor. Also disclosed are braking systems including dynamic braking for a train having at least one locomotive.