Vehicle Communication Relay for Remote Multi-Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems with distributed power arrangements face inefficiencies and increased costs due to the time-consuming process of disconnecting and reconnecting control signals between lead and non-lead vehicles, especially when operators need to remotely control movement from off-board positions, leading to decreased productivity and revenue.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables a first operator control unit off-board a vehicle system to communicate control signals to a lead vehicle, which then automatically adjusts the movement settings of non-lead vehicles within the system, allowing for remote control without the need for the operator to physically disconnect and reconnect, using a communication device and vehicle control system to establish and maintain communication links between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operator disconnects from the lead vehicle and reconnects with a non-lead vehicle to remotely control movement, then the operator can control different vehicles in the system, but the process becomes time consuming and decreases productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The lead vehicle's communication device is equipped with multi-functionality to communicate with both the operator control unit and non-lead vehicles. This universal communication capability allows the lead vehicle to act as an intermediary, enabling the operator to control any vehicle in the system without physically moving control equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The lead vehicle serves as an intermediary between the operator control unit and non-lead vehicles. The communication device on the lead vehicle receives control signals from the operator and automatically forwards them to the appropriate non-lead vehicle. This mediator approach eliminates the need for the operator to manually disconnect and reconnect control signals, maintaining productivity while enabling versatile control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle system is divided into segments with non-lead vehicles moving in different directions, then the system can handle complex routing scenarios, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lead vehicle's communication device acts as a central intermediary that manages control signals for segmented vehicle systems. When non-lead vehicles need to move in different directions or be separated into segments, the operator sends control signals to the lead vehicle, which automatically routes them to the appropriate non-lead vehicles. This mediator approach simplifies the control architecture compared to having direct control links between the operator and each vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device on the lead vehicle possesses universal functionality to communicate with multiple non-lead vehicles simultaneously and independently. This multi-functional capability allows the system to handle complex routing scenarios where vehicles are divided into segments and move in different directions, without increasing operator workload or control system complexity
3Productivity
If the operator remains connected to the lead vehicle while controlling non-lead vehicles, then connectivity is maintained and productivity improves, but control precision for individual vehicles may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lead vehicle's communication device serves as a precise intermediary that accurately transmits control signals from the operator to the appropriate non-lead vehicles. The system maintains continuous connectivity with the lead vehicle while ensuring control signal fidelity is preserved through automated communication protocols, thus maintaining both productivity and control precision simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the lead vehicle's communication device receives control signals from the operator and automatically forwards them to non-lead vehicles with confirmation of signal delivery and vehicle response. This feedback loop ensures control precision is maintained even though the operator remains connected to the lead vehicle, as the system verifies each control action is accurately transmitted and executed
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more processors configured to communicatively link a first operator control unit (OCU) disposed off-board a vehicle system with a vehicle control system (VCS) disposed onboard the vehicle system. The vehicle system is formed from first and second vehicles. The VCS is configured to remotely control movement of the second vehicle from the first vehicle, wherein the one or more processors configured to receive a control signal communicated from the first OCU to a communication device that is onboard the first vehicle. The control signal dictates a change in movement operational setting of the second vehicle. The one or more processors configured to direct the communication device to communicate the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the VCS, wherein movement of the second vehicle is automatically changed responsive to communicating the control signal from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.