Vehicle Orientation Detection via Brake Pipe Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual entry of vehicle orientations in multi-locomotive consists is time-consuming and prone to human error, leading to potential safety issues due to incorrect orientation, which can cause unsafe operation and damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using sensor assemblies to determine the direction of fluid flow within a vehicle consist, allowing processors to automatically determine the orientation of remote vehicles relative to a lead vehicle, thereby enabling correct interpretation and implementation of command signals for coordinated movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of vehicle orientations is used, then operators can configure each remote locomotive, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of entering orientation data with an automated sensor-based system. Sensors detect fluid flow direction in brake pipes to automatically determine vehicle orientation, eliminating the need for operators to manually input orientation data and reducing both time and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the vehicle itself to automatically determine its orientation through onboard sensors that detect fluid flow direction. The orientation information is automatically captured and used by the control system without requiring external operator intervention for each vehicle configuration.
2Ease of operation
If manual orientation entry is used, then operators can set up the consist, but incorrect orientation can cause unsafe compression or stretching of the consist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual orientation configuration with an automated sensor system that detects fluid flow direction. This substitution eliminates human error in orientation entry, ensuring that the control system correctly interprets forward/reverse commands and prevents harmful compression or stretching of the consist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor fluid flow direction in brake pipes. This feedback provides real-time orientation information to the control system, ensuring that commands are correctly interpreted and preventing unsafe operations resulting from incorrect orientation data.
3Productivity
If automated sensor systems are used, then orientation determination is faster and more accurate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using the existing brake pipe fluid flow system for a new orientation detection function. The brake pipe infrastructure, already present in the vehicle, is repurposed to provide orientation data, avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid flow direction as an intermediary to convey orientation information. Instead of directly measuring vehicle orientation with complex sensors, the system uses the direction of fluid flow in the brake pipe as a mediator that indirectly indicates orientation, simplifying the measurement approach.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automatically determining vehicle orientations reduces human error and setup time, ensuring safe and efficient operation of vehicle consists by ensuring correct interpretation and execution of commands for tractive and braking efforts.
Implementation Method 1
determining (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining an orientation of a vehicle are provided. The system and method determine (with a sensor assembly disposed onboard a first vehicle) a direction in which a fluid flows within the first vehicle. The first vehicle is included in a vehicle consist with a second vehicle. The orientation of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle is determined based at least in part on the direction in which the fluid flows within the first vehicle. The fluid may be air in an air brake pipe of the vehicle consist.