Distributed Control Modules for Train Consist Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle system communication and control methods face challenges such as error-prone wireless communication, limited system length, and difficulty in managing multiple consists, leading to poor performance, reduced flexibility, and haulage limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote communication module, control module, and determination module, allowing each consist to communicate and control tractive efforts autonomously, with capability determination and adjustment based on local conditions, reducing reliance on centralized control and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead consist controls remote consists via wireless communication, then coordination of tractive and braking operations is achieved, but communication errors increase and system length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control architecture into distributed autonomous units. Each consist is segmented as an independent decision-making entity with its own determination module that can autonomously evaluate commands and adjust operations based on local conditions, eliminating the need for continuous wireless communication across the entire vehicle system length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces determination modules as intermediary components between communication modules and control modules at each consist. These intermediaries locally process and interpret commands, reducing dependency on direct wireless communication between lead and remote consists, thereby extending system length without compromising reliability.
2Ease of operation
If an operator controls multiple consists synchronously, then coordination is achieved, but operator workload increases and management becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
Each consist is equipped with autonomous determination capabilities that enable self-service control. The determination modules automatically evaluate received commands against local capability information and conditions, making independent decisions without requiring operator intervention for each consist, thereby reducing workload while maintaining coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the control paradigm from manual synchronous control to automated asynchronous control. By changing the operational parameters from operator-driven to system-driven autonomous decision-making, the patent enables management of numerous consists without increasing operator workload.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized control is used, then coordination is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to local conditions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling each consist to have its own determination module that evaluates commands based on local capability information and conditions. This allows each unit to adapt control decisions to its specific context while maintaining overall system coordination, enhancing flexibility without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a remote communication module, a control module, and a determination module. The remote communication module is configured to be disposed onboard a remote consist of a vehicle system, and is communicatively connected to at least one additional consist of the vehicle system. The control module is configured to be disposed onboard the remote consist and to provide control commands to at least one powered unit of the remote consist. The determination module is configured to be disposed onboard the remote consist and to determine capability information corresponding to the ability of the at least one powered unit of the remote consist to perform a first command received from one of the at least one additional consist. The determination module is also configured to determine a second command provided to the control module using the first command and the capability information.