U.S. patent application number 15/448850 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-06 for system and method for indexing vehicles of a vehicle system.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Adam Charles Hausmann, Peter Idema, Derek Kevin Woo.
Application Number | 20180251140 15/448850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63294858 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180251140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hausmann; Adam Charles ; et
al. |
September 6, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDEXING VEHICLES OF A VEHICLE SYSTEM
Abstract
A control system having a controller is configured to operate a
vehicle indexing system that moves one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles. The controller is configured to determine a power setting
of the vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle indexing
system to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle system into
the position. The controller also is configured to determine a
vehicle power setting for the vehicle system based on the power
setting of the vehicle indexing system for controlling the vehicle
system to provide additional tractive effort to the vehicle
indexing system to move the one or more vehicles into the
position.
Inventors: |
Hausmann; Adam Charles;
(Melbourne, FL) ; Woo; Derek Kevin; (Melbourne,
FL) ; Idema; Peter; (Vancouver, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63294858 |
Appl. No.: |
15/448850 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B61J 3/12 20130101; B61L
27/0083 20130101; B61J 3/08 20130101; B61L 3/008 20130101; B61L
3/127 20130101; B61L 15/0027 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B61L 3/12 20060101
B61L003/12 |
Claims
1. A control system comprising, a controller configured to operate
a vehicle indexing system that moves one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles, the controller configured to determine a power setting of
the vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle indexing
system to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle system into
the position, wherein the controller also is configured to
determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle system based on
the power setting of the vehicle indexing system for controlling
the vehicle system to provide additional tractive effort to the
vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles into the
position.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to be located off-board the vehicle system.
3. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to communicate the vehicle power setting to a remote
control device disposed off-board the vehicle system for remotely
controlling the vehicle system according to the vehicle power
setting.
4. The control system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle power setting
includes a throttle notch setting.
5. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to determine the vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system to move a second vehicle of the vehicle system into the
position after a lead vehicle is moved into the position, wherein
moving the second vehicle into the position moves the lead vehicle
out of the position.
6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to determine the vehicle power setting based on a
tractive effort previously generated by the vehicle indexing system
to move at least one of the vehicles in the vehicle system into the
position.
7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to communicate the vehicle power setting to an on-board
control unit on-board the vehicle system for controlling the
vehicle system according to the vehicle power setting.
8. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to determine a tractive effort generated by the vehicle
system to move at least a first vehicle of the vehicles in the
vehicle system into the position, the controller also configured to
determine a fault state of one or more of a braking system or a
route traveled by the vehicle system based on the tractive
effort.
9. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to move the one or more vehicles into the position for
the one or more of unloading the cargo or loading the cargo without
the vehicle system being separated into two or more smaller
segments of the vehicle system.
10. A method comprising, determining a power setting of a vehicle
indexing system that is used to move one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles; and determining a vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing system
for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional tractive
effort to move the one or more vehicles into the position to one or
more of unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the
cargo onto the one or more vehicles.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein determining the vehicle power
setting occurs off-board the vehicle system.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising communicating the
vehicle power setting to a remote control device disposed off-board
the vehicle system for remotely controlling the vehicle system
according to the vehicle power setting.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle power setting
includes a throttle notch setting.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle power setting is
determined to control the vehicle system to move a second vehicle
of the vehicle system into the position after a lead vehicle is
moved into the position, and move the second vehicle into the
position moves the lead vehicle out of the position.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle power setting is
determined based on a tractive effort previously generated by the
vehicle indexing system to move at least one of the vehicles in the
vehicle system into the position.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprising communicating the
vehicle power setting to an on-board control unit on-board the
vehicle system for remotely controlling the vehicle system
according to the vehicle power setting.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining a
tractive effort generated by the vehicle system to move at least a
first vehicle of the vehicles in the vehicle system into the
position, the controller also configured to determine a fault state
of one or more of a braking system or a route traveled by the
vehicle system based on the tractive effort.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle power setting is
determined to control the vehicle system to move the one or more
vehicles into the position for the one or more of unloading the
cargo or loading the cargo without the vehicle system being
separated into two or more smaller segments of the vehicle
system.
19. A control system comprising, a controller configured to operate
a vehicle indexing system that moves one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles, the controller configured to determine a power setting of
the vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle indexing
system to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle system into
the position, wherein the controller also is configured to
determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle system based on
the power setting of the vehicle indexing system for controlling
the vehicle system to provide additional tractive effort to the
vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles into the
position; and wherein the controller also is configured to
determine a fault state of one or more of a braking system or a
route traveled by the vehicle system based on the tractive
effort.
20. The control system of claim 19, wherein the controller is
configured to alert the vehicle system when the fault state exceeds
a designated threshold margin.
21. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining a second
vehicle power setting for the vehicle system to provide a full
tractive effort to move the one or more vehicles of the vehicle
system into the position without the use of the vehicle indexing
system, responsive to when the vehicle indexing system is
unavailable.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to
indexing vehicles of a vehicle system to one or more positions in
order to load and/or unload cargo from one or more of the
vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicle systems, such as automobiles, mining equipment, rail
vehicles, over-the-road truck fleets, and the like, carry cargo.
The cargo of the vehicle systems may be loaded and/or unloaded by
indexing vehicles of the vehicle system into an indexing position
by using a vehicle indexing system. The vehicle indexing system may
comprise equipment to push and/or pull the vehicles of the vehicle
system into the indexing position. The indexing position is a
position at which the cargo is loaded into and/or unloaded from the
vehicles of the vehicle system. The vehicle indexing system can
position the vehicles of the vehicle system in the indexing
position with a high level of accuracy so to maximize the amount of
cargo loaded and/or unloaded.
[0003] The vehicle indexing system, however, may be limited by the
amount of force the vehicle indexing system is able to provide to
move the vehicles of the vehicle system. As a result, vehicle
systems are broken into two or more systems before the vehicle
indexing system can index the vehicles to load and/or unload cargo,
or very large, expensive, and powerful indexing systems are
established. Separating the vehicle system into two or more vehicle
systems is time consuming and may lead to increasing operating
costs, decreasing operating revenue, and/or decreasing productivity
of the customer. Modifications may be made to the indexing arm of
the vehicle indexing system to improve the amount of force that the
vehicle indexing system is able to provide. However, modifications
to the indexing arm of the vehicle indexing system can be
significant, costly, and time consuming.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0004] In one embodiment, a control system is provided that
includes a controller configured to operate a vehicle indexing
system that moves one or more vehicles in a vehicle system into a
position to one or more of unload cargo off of the one or more
vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more vehicles. The
controller is configured to determine a power setting of the
vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle indexing system
to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle system into the
position. The controller also is configured to determine a vehicle
power setting for the vehicle system based on the power setting of
the vehicle indexing system for controlling the vehicle system to
provide additional tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system
to move the one or more vehicles into the position.
[0005] In one embodiment of the subject matter described herein, a
method comprises determining a power setting of the vehicle
indexing system that is used to move one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles. And determining a vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing system
for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional tractive
effort to move the one or more vehicles into the position to one or
more of unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the
cargo onto the one or more vehicles.
[0006] In one embodiment, a control system includes a controller
configured to operate a vehicle indexing system that moves one or
more vehicles in a vehicle system into a position to one or more of
unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto
the one or more vehicles. The controller is also configured to
determine a power setting of the vehicle indexing system that is
used by the vehicle indexing system to move the one or more
vehicles in the vehicle system into the position. The controller
also is configured to determine a vehicle power setting for the
vehicle system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing
system for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional
tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system to move the one or
more vehicles into the position. The controller also is configured
to determine a fault state of one or more of a braking system or a
route traveled by the vehicle system based on the tractive
effort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The subject matter described herein may be understood from
reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with
reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic illustration of a vehicle
system and vehicle indexing system in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic illustration of a control
system in accordance with one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic illustration of a remote
control system in accordance with one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic illustration of an on-board
control unit in accordance with one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic illustration of an indexing
control unit in accordance with one embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining
power settings in accordance with one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort in accordance with one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort exceeding a fault state predetermined threshold
margin in accordance with one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 7C illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort less than a fault state predetermined threshold
margin in accordance with one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort in accordance with one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 8B illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort exceeding a fault state predetermined threshold
margin in accordance with one embodiment; and
[0019] FIG. 8C illustrates a schematic illustration of additional
tractive effort less than a fault state predetermined threshold
margin in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter
described herein relate to systems and methods that enable a
vehicle system to work with a vehicle indexing system in order for
the vehicle system to provide additional tractive effort to aid,
augment, supplement, and/or supplant the force provided by the
vehicle indexing system to move the vehicle system between indexing
positions when vehicles of the vehicle system are being indexed.
The systems and methods determine the tractive efforts or
propulsive forces to be provided by the vehicle system in order to
assist the vehicle indexing system in moving (e.g., indexing) each
of one or more vehicles of the vehicle system to indexing positions
(where cargo may be loaded and/or unloaded) without the vehicle
system being separated into two or more vehicle systems (and moved
solely from force provided by the indexing system). The systems and
methods determine operational power settings of the vehicle
indexing system to index vehicles of the vehicle system. The
systems and methods determine vehicle power settings for the
vehicle system in order for the vehicle system to provide
additional tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system to index
vehicles of the vehicle system. Additionally or alternatively, the
systems and methods determine the vehicle power settings or
propulsive forces for the vehicle system in order for the vehicle
system to provide the full tractive effort to index the vehicles of
the vehicle system. For example, if the vehicle indexing system
fails and/or breaks, the vehicle system may provide the full
tractive effort to index (e.g., move) the vehicles without the use
of the vehicle indexing system. Optionally, the systems and methods
determine a fault state of one or more of a braking system or a
route traveled by the vehicle system based on the tractive effort
provided by or needed from the vehicle system to assist the
indexing system.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a vehicle system 108
and a vehicle indexing system 104. The vehicle system 108 may be
formed from a single vehicle 106, or two or more vehicles 106
traveling together along a route 122. The vehicles may or may not
be mechanically coupled with each other. The vehicles may be
propulsion-generating vehicles (e.g., locomotives, automobiles,
other freight or passenger rail vehicles, or rail-based ore carts
or other mining equipment) and/or non-propulsion generating
vehicles (e.g., rail cars, trailers, barges, mining baskets, etc).
The illustrated vehicle system 108 represents a rail vehicle
system, such as a train. Optionally, the vehicles may be other
off-highway vehicles (e.g., electric mine haul trucks or heavy
construction equipment), marine vessels, and/or other vehicles
generally (including automobiles, such as driverless cars). The
vehicle system 108 travels along the route 122, which can represent
a track, road, waterway, or the like.
[0022] The vehicle system 108 may comprise one or more vehicles
that travel along the route 122. The vehicle system 108 can include
one or more propulsion-generating vehicles 106 and/or one or more
cargo-carrying vehicles 106a, 106b, 106c, 160d, 106e. In one
embodiment, the vehicles 106 may also carry cargo and/or the
vehicle system 108 may only be formed from one or more of the
vehicles 106. The vehicles 106 can represent locomotives,
automobiles, or other vehicles that generate tractive effort or
force to move the vehicles 106 and vehicle system 108 along the
route 108. The cargo-carrying vehicles 106b, 106c, 106e can
represent rail cars, trailers, or other vehicles that move along
the route 122 but that may not generate tractive effort or force.
The vehicles 106a, 106d comprise an on-board control unit 132. For
example, the vehicles 106a, 106d of the vehicle system 108 are
propulsion-generating vehicles that comprise the on-board control
unit 132 located on each vehicle 106a and vehicle 106b that control
movement of the respective vehicles 106a, 106b. The vehicles 106b,
106c, 106e may not comprise an on-board control unit. Additionally
or alternatively, one or more vehicles 106, or each vehicle 106 of
the vehicle system 108 may include a control unit that operates in
order to control movement of the respective vehicle of the vehicle
system 108.
[0023] A control system 102 controls operations of the vehicle
indexing system 104 and/or operations of the vehicle 106 of the
vehicle system 108. A remote control system 116 communicates with
the control system 102 and controls operations of the vehicles 106
of the vehicle system 108. The control system 102 and the remote
control system 116 will be described in further detail below with
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0024] The vehicle indexing system 104 comprises an indexing arm
128 and an indexing body 130. The indexing arm 128 extends away
from the indexing body 130. The indexing arm 130 extends in a
direction toward the vehicle system 108. The indexing arm 130 may
extend to an end 136 that engages with a vehicle 106 of the vehicle
system 108 or another portion of the arm 130 may engage the vehicle
system 108. Additionally or alternatively, the indexing system 104
may comprise two or more indexing arms 128.
[0025] The vehicle indexing system 104 travels along an indexing
route 126, which can represent a track, road, waterway, or the
like. The vehicle indexing system 104 is configured to travel in
one or more directions 120 along the indexing route 126. For
example, the vehicle indexing system 104 travels in a back and
forth manner along the indexing route 126. Alternatively or
additionally, the vehicle indexing system may travel in additional
directions along an alternative indexing route. In the embodiment
of FIG. 1, the vehicle indexing system 104 is configured to travel
in the direction 120 in a direction designated by the vector A in
order to index the vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108.
Optionally, the vehicle indexing system 104 may be configured to
index the vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108 in an alternative
direction. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the vehicle indexing system
104 is configured to push the vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108
in the direction designated by vector A. Additionally or
alternatively, the vehicle indexing system may be configured to
pull the vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108 in the direction
designated by vector A.
[0026] The vehicle indexing system 104 comprises an indexing
control unit 134. The indexing control unit 134 may be disposed
onboard the vehicle indexing system 104. Additionally or
alternatively, the indexing control unit 134 may be off-board the
vehicle indexing system 104. The components of the indexing control
unit 134 will be described in further detail below.
[0027] The vehicle indexing system 104 indexes the vehicle 106 of
the vehicle system 108 into an indexing position 110. The vehicle
indexing system 104 indexes the vehicles 106 into the indexing
position 110 by moving (e.g., pushing and/or pulling) the vehicles
106 in the direction designated by vector A. For example, the
vehicle indexing system 104 indexes (e.g. moves) the vehicle 106c
into the indexing position 110 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The
indexing position 110 may be a predetermined location along the
route 122. The indexing position 110 is a target position into
which each vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108 is to be
individually positioned for loading and/or unloading of cargo onto
the vehicle when the vehicle is in the indexing position 110. The
indexing position 110 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is generally the
length of one vehicle 106. For example, the indexing position 110
may be 90-110% of the total length of one vehicle 106. Additionally
or alternatively, the indexing position 110 may be a length shorter
than 90% of the total length of one vehicle 106. Additionally or
alternatively, the indexing position 110 may be a length greater
than 110% of the total length of one vehicle 106. Additionally or
alternatively, the indexing position 110 may be a predetermined
area that is generally the length of more than one vehicles 106 of
the vehicle system 108. For example, the indexing position 110 may
be 90-110% of the length of two vehicles 106 of the vehicle system
108. The indexing position 110 may be a predetermined length that
is a length shorter than 90% of the total length of two or more
vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the indexing position 110 may be a predetermined
length that is a length greater than 110% of the total length of
two or more vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108.
[0028] The vehicle indexing system 104 indexes the vehicles 106 of
the vehicle system 108 into the indexing position 110. After the
vehicle indexing system 104 indexes a first vehicle 106 into the
indexing position 110, the end 136 of the indexing arm 128
disengages from the vehicle 106. The vehicle indexing system 104
moves in a direction opposite of vector A along the indexing route
126. The vehicle indexing system 104 moves in a direction towards a
second vehicle. The second vehicle is positioned behind or towards
a rear end of the first vehicle. The end 136 of the indexing arm
128 engages with the second vehicle. The vehicle indexing system
indexes (e.g., moves) the second vehicle towards the indexing
position 110 in the direction of vector A. For example, the vehicle
indexing system 104 indexes the vehicle 106c into the indexing
position 110. The end 136 of the indexing arm 128 disengages with
the vehicle 106c. The vehicle indexing system 104 moves in the
direction opposite of vector A along the indexing route 126 towards
the vehicle 106d until the end 136 of the indexing arm 128 engages
with the vehicle 106d (e.g., the second vehicle). The vehicle
indexing system 104 indexes (e.g., moves) the vehicle 106d towards
the indexing position 110 in the direction of vector A along the
indexing route 126.
[0029] The indexing position 110 may be a predetermined position
along the route 122 corresponding to a location where cargo of the
vehicles 106 of the vehicle system is unloaded and/or loaded. The
vehicle indexing system 104 may index each vehicle 106 of the
vehicle system 108 until each vehicle 106 is indexed. The vehicles
106 may be indexed in order to unload and/or load cargo into
vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108. In the present embodiment,
the vehicle 106c is positioned in the indexing position 110. For
example, the vehicle 106c may be loaded and/or unloaded with cargo.
When the cargo is loaded into vehicle 106c and/or unloaded from
vehicle 106c, the vehicle indexing system 104 moves in the
direction opposite of vector A towards vehicle 106d. The vehicle
indexing system 104 moves the vehicle 106d towards the indexing
position 110. For example, the vehicle indexing system 104 moves
the vehicles 106d towards the indexing position 110 in order to
load and/or unload cargo of vehicle 106d. The vehicle indexing
system 104 indexes each vehicle of the vehicle system 108 until
cargo is loaded and/or unloaded from each vehicle of the vehicle
system that carries cargo.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates the control system 102. The control
system 102 controls operations of the vehicle indexing system 104.
The control system 102 represents hardware circuitry that includes
and/or is connector with one or more processors (e.g.,
microprocessors, controllers, field programmable gate arrays,
integrated circuits, etc). The control system 102 generates signals
that are communicated by a communication unit 210. For example, the
control system 102 may communicate signals to a propulsion system
of the on-board control unit 132 of the vehicle 106. Optionally,
the control system 102 generates signals that are communicated by
the communication unit 210 to a propulsion system of the indexing
control unit 134 of the vehicle indexing system 104. The generated
signals may include one or more of throttle notch settings, speed
settings, power settings, brake settings, alert notifications, or
the like.
[0031] The control system 102 can include one or more input devices
206 and/or output devices 212 such as a keyboard, an electronic
mouse, stylus, microphone, or the like for communicating with an
operator of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or alternatively,
the input and/or output devices may be used to communicate with an
operator of the vehicle indexing system 104. The input and/or
output devices may be used to communicate with an operator of the
remote control system 116. The control system 102 can include one
or more displays 204 such as a touchscreen, display screen, or the
like. The control system 102 is operably connected with components
of the vehicle indexing system 104. Additionally or alternatively,
the control system 102 is operably connected with components of the
remote control system 116. The control system 102 may be operably
connected with components of the vehicle 106. Additionally or
alternatively, the control system 102 may be operably connected
with components of alternative systems.
[0032] The control system 102 can include an energy management
system (EMS) 216 (also referred to herein as a controller). The EMS
216 may determine a power setting for the vehicle indexing system
104. The power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 may be
communicated by the control system 102. The power setting includes
operational settings of the vehicle indexing system 104 to dictate
how the vehicle indexing system 104 is to travel along the indexing
route 126. The power setting may include throttle notch settings,
acceleration settings, speed settings, brake settings, or the like,
that direct how the vehicle indexing system 104 is to operate. For
example, the EMS 216 may determine a power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104 in order for the vehicle indexing system 104 to
index the vehicle 106c of the vehicle system 108 into the indexing
position 110 wherein the vehicle 106c carries cargo. Additionally
or alternatively, the EMS 216 may determine an alternative power
setting to index the vehicle 106c into the indexing position
wherein the vehicle 106c does not carry cargo (e.g., the vehicle
106c with cargo has a greater weight than the vehicle 106c without
cargo). For example, the EMS 216 may determine a power setting in
order for the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the vehicle 106c
into the indexing position to unload cargo. After the cargo of
vehicle 106c is unloaded, the EMS 216 may determine an alternative
power setting in order for the vehicle indexing system 104 to index
the vehicle 106d into the indexing position in order to unload
cargo carried by the vehicle 106d. The alternative power setting
determined by the EMS 216 to index vehicle 106d may differ from the
power setting determined by the EMS 216 to index vehicle 106c. For
example, after the cargo of the vehicle 106c is unloaded, the
weight of the vehicle system 108 is less than the weight of the
vehicle system 108 before the cargo of vehicle 106c has been
unloaded. The reduced weight of the vehicle system 108 after the
cargo of vehicle 106c is unloaded may require an alternative power
setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the vehicle
106d into the indexing position 110. Additionally or alternatively,
the vehicle indexing system 104 may index vehicles of the vehicle
system 108 in order to load cargo. For example, after the cargo of
the vehicle 106c is loaded, the weight of the vehicle system 108 is
greater than the weight of the vehicle system 108 before the cargo
of vehicle 106c has been loaded. The increased weight of the
vehicle system 108 when the cargo of the vehicle 106c has been
loaded may require an alternative power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104 to index the vehicle 106d into the indexing
position.
[0033] The EMS 216 may determine a unique power setting to index
each vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the EMS 216 may determine a common power setting to
index one or more vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108.
Optionally, the EMS 216 may determine a common power setting to
index a number of vehicles of the vehicle system and a unique power
setting to index a number of vehicles of the vehicle system. For
example, the EMS 216 may determine a common power setting C to
index the vehicles 106a, 106b. The EMS 216 may determine an
alternative common power setting D to index the vehicles 106c,
106d, wherein the power setting C is unique to the power setting
D.
[0034] The control system 102 may communicate the determined power
setting to the vehicle indexing system 104 by way of path 114 (of
FIG. 1). The control system 102 may communicate the power settings
from the communications unit 210 to a propulsion system 520 (of
FIG. 5) of the indexing control unit 134 of the vehicle indexing
system 104.
[0035] The EMS 216 may determine a vehicle power setting for the
vehicle system 108. The vehicle power setting of the vehicle system
108 may be communicated by the communication unit 210 of the
control system 102 to the on-board control unit 132 of the vehicle
system 108. The vehicle power setting includes operational settings
for the vehicle system 108 that dictate how the vehicle system 108
is to travel along the route 122. The vehicle power setting may
include throttle notch settings, acceleration settings, speed
settings, brake settings, or the like, that control the vehicle
system 108. The EMS 216 may determine the vehicle power setting of
the vehicle system 108 based on the power setting of the vehicle
indexing system 104. The vehicle power setting is determined to
control operations of the vehicle system 108 in order to provide
additional tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system 104 in
order to move one or more vehicles 106 into the indexing position
110. For example, the EMS 216 of the control system 102 may
determine a power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 in
order to index the vehicle 106c of the vehicle system 108 into the
indexing position wherein the vehicle 106c carries cargo. The EMS
216 may also determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system 108 based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing
system 104 in order for the vehicle system 108 to provide the
additional tractive effort in order to assist the vehicle indexing
system 104 to move the vehicles into the indexing position 110.
Additionally or alternatively, the EMS 216 may determine a vehicle
power setting for the vehicle system 108 to provide the full
tractive effort or propulsive force to index the vehicles 106 of
the vehicle system 108 without the use of the vehicle indexing
system 104. For example, the vehicle indexing system 104 may
malfunction and/or break. The EMS 216 may determine the vehicle
power settings for the vehicle system 108 to index the vehicles 106
when the vehicles indexing system 104 is unavailable.
[0036] The vehicle power setting of the vehicle system 108, with
the power setting of the vehicle indexing system 104, together move
the vehicles 106 into the indexing position 110. For example, the
EMS 216 may determine a power setting for the vehicle indexing
system 104 and a vehicle power setting for the vehicle system 108
in order to index the vehicle 106c into the indexing position 110,
wherein the vehicle power setting provides additional tractive
effort from the vehicle system 108 to the vehicle indexing system
104. For example, the vehicle indexing system 104 indexes the
vehicle 106c into the indexing position. However, the weight of the
vehicle system 108 is too great for the vehicle indexing system 104
to independently index the vehicle system 108. The EMS 216
identifies the discrepancy and the control system 102 communicates
the vehicle power settings to the vehicle system 108. The vehicle
power setting is determined in order for the vehicle system 108 to
assist the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the vehicle 106c
into the indexing position. Additionally or alternatively, the EMS
216 may determine the vehicle indexing system 104 is capable of
moving the vehicles 106 into the indexing position without the
additional tractive effort from the vehicle system 108. The EMS 216
may communicate the power setting to the vehicle indexing system
104, and may not communicate a vehicle power setting to the vehicle
system 108.
[0037] The control system 102 may communicate the determined
vehicle power setting to the vehicle system 108 by way of path 112
(of FIG. 1). The control system 102 may communicate the vehicle
power setting from the communications unit 210 to a propulsion
system 420 (of FIG. 4) of the on-board control unit 132 of the
vehicle system 108.
[0038] The EMS 216 may determine a unique vehicle power setting to
index each vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the EMS 216 may determine a common vehicle power
setting to index one or more vehicles 106 of the vehicle system
108. Additionally or alternatively, the EMS 216 may determine a
common vehicle power setting to index a number of vehicles of the
vehicle system and a unique vehicle power setting to index a number
of vehicles of the vehicle system. For example, the EMS 216 may
determine a common vehicle power setting E to index the vehicles
106a, 106b. The EMS 216 may determine an alternative common vehicle
power setting F to index the vehicles 106c, 106d, wherein the
vehicle power setting E is unique to the vehicle power setting
F.
[0039] The control system 102 can include a power unit 214 and a
memory 208. The power unit 214 may provide electrical power to the
vehicle system 108. Additionally or alternatively, the power unit
214 may power the control system 102. For example, the power unit
214 may be a battery and/or circuitry that supplies electrical
current to power other components of the control system 102. The
memory 208 may store the determined power setting for controlling
the vehicle indexing system 104. Additionally or alternatively, the
memory 208 may store the determined vehicle power setting for
controlling the vehicle system 108. For example, the memory 208 may
store the power setting and the vehicle power setting corresponding
to each vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. The memory may
communicate the determined power settings and determined vehicle
power settings to the EMS 216 for a second vehicle system, wherein
the second vehicle system is similar to the vehicle system 108. For
example, a second vehicle system carries the same cargo and/or
comprises the same number of vehicles as vehicle system 108. The
control system 102 may communicate the determined power settings
and determined vehicle power settings from the memory 208 rather
than the EMS 216 determine new power settings and new vehicle power
settings for the second vehicle system.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates the remote control system 116. In one
embodiment, the control system 102 communicates the determined
vehicle power settings to the remote control system 116. The remote
control system 116 may control operations of the vehicle system
108. The remote control system 116 represents hardware circuitry
that includes and/or is connector with one or more processors
(e.g., microprocessors, controllers, field programmable gate
arrays, integrated circuits, etc). The remote control system 116
generates signals that are communicated by a communication unit 310
to the propulsion system 420 of the on-board control unit 132 of
the vehicle 106. The signals may include one or more of throttle
notch settings, speed settings, brake settings, power settings,
alert notifications, or the like, that control the operation of the
vehicle system 108.
[0041] The remote control system 116 can include one or more input
devices 306 and/or output devices 312 such as a keyboard, an
electronic mouse, stylus, microphone, or the like for communicating
with an operator of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the input and/or output devices may be used to
communicate with an operator of the control system 102. Optionally,
the input and/or output devices may be used to communicate with an
operator of an alternative system. The remote control system 116
can include one or more displays 304 such as a touchscreen, display
screen, or the like. The remote control system 116 is operably
connected with components of the vehicle system 108. Additionally
or alternatively, the remote control system 116 is operably
connected with components of the control system 102. Optionally,
the remote control system 116 is operably connected with components
of alternative systems
[0042] The remote control system 116 can include a power unit 314.
The power unit 314 may provide electrical power to the vehicle
system 108. Additionally or alternatively, the power unit 314 may
power the remote control system 116. For example, the power unit
314 may be a battery and/or circuitry that supplies electrical
current to power other components of the remote control system
116.
[0043] The remote control system 116 receives determined vehicle
power settings from the control system 102. The remote control
system 116 receives the determined vehicle power settings from the
control system 102 by path 118 (of FIG. 1). The remote control
system 116 may communicate the determined vehicle power settings by
the communication unit 310 to one or more of the on-board control
unit 132 of the vehicle system 108. For example, the remote control
system 116 receives the determined vehicle power settings from the
control system 102. The vehicle power settings are determined by
the EMS 216 of the control system 102 based on the power settings
of the vehicle indexing system 104. The remote control system 116
communicates the vehicle power settings to the propulsion system
420 of the on-board control unit 132. For example, the remote
control system 116 communicates the vehicle power setting to the
on-board control unit 132 by way of path 124 (of FIG. 1).
[0044] A memory 308 may store the received determined vehicle power
setting. For example, the memory 308 may store the determined
vehicle power settings communicated by the control system 102 for
each vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. The remote control
system 116 may communicate the stored vehicle power settings from
the memory 308 to the on-board control unit 132 for a second
vehicle system, wherein the second vehicle system is similar to the
vehicle system 108. For example, a second vehicle system carries
the same cargo and/or comprises the same number of vehicles as
vehicle system 108. The remote control system 116 may communicate
the stored determined vehicle power settings from the memory 308
rather than communicate new vehicle power settings received from
the control system 102.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the on-board control unit 132. The
on-board control unit 132 controls operations of the vehicle 106 of
the vehicle system 108. The on-board control unit 132 represents
hardware circuitry that includes and/or is connector with one or
more processors (e.g., microprocessors, controllers, field
programmable gate arrays, integrated circuits, etc). The on-board
control unit 132 receives operational settings from the control
system 102 and/or the remote control system 116 for controlling
operations of the vehicles 106. FIG. 5 illustrates the indexing
system control unit 134. The indexing system control unit 134
controls operations of the vehicle indexing system 104. The
indexing system control unit 134 represents hardware circuitry that
includes and/or is connector with one or more processors (e.g.,
microprocessors, controllers, field programmable gate arrays,
integrated circuits, etc). The indexing system control unit 134
receives operational settings from the control system 102 for
controlling operations of the vehicle indexing system 104. The
components of the on-board control unit 132 and the indexing system
control unit 134 are similar and will be discussed in detail
together.
[0046] The on-board control unit 132 and the indexing system
control unit 134 can include one or more input devices 406, 506
and/or output devices 412, 512, such as a keyboard, an electronic
mouse, stylus, microphone, or the like for communicating with an
operator of the vehicle system 108 and/or vehicle indexing system
104. Additionally or alternatively, the input and/or output devices
may be used to communicate with an operator of the control system
102. Optionally, the input and/or output devices may be used to
communicate with an operator of the remote vehicle system 116. The
control units 132, 134 can include one or more displays 404, 504
such as a touchscreen, display screen, or the like.
[0047] The on-board control unit 132 is operably connected with
components of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the on-board control unit 132 is operably connected
with components of the control system 102. Optionally, the on-board
control unit 132 is operably connected with components of the
remote control system 116. The on-board control unit 132 may be
operably connected with components of the vehicle indexing system
104.
[0048] The indexing system control unit 134 is operably connected
with components of the control system 102. Additionally or
alternatively, the indexing system control unit 134 is operably
connected with components of the vehicle indexing system 104.
Optionally, the indexing system control unit 134 may be operably
connected with components of the remote control system 116. The
indexing system control unit 134 may be operably connected with
components of the vehicle system 108. Additionally or
alternatively, the control units 132, 134 may be operably connected
with components of an alternative system.
[0049] The on-board control unit 132 and the indexing system
control unit 134 can include power units 414, 514 respectively. The
power units 414, 514 may provide electrical power to the control
units 132, 134. Additionally or alternatively, the power units 414,
514 may provide electrical power to the vehicle system 108 and/or
the vehicle indexing system 104. For example, the power units 414,
514 may be a battery and/or circuitry that supplies electrical
current to power other components of the control units 132,
134.
[0050] The on-board control unit 132 receives signals that are
communicated by the control system 102 by path 112 (of FIG. 1).
Optionally, the on-board control unit 132 receives signals that are
communicated by the remote control system 116 by path 124. The
signals are received by a communication unit 410 of the on-board
control unit 132. The signals may include one or more of throttle
notch settings, speed settings, brake settings, power settings,
alert notifications, or the like that control the operation of the
vehicle system 108.
[0051] The communication unit 410 may communicate the received
operational signals to the propulsion system 420 (e.g., motors,
alternators, generators, etc) of the on-board control unit 132. The
propulsion system 420 may control the operational settings of the
vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. For example, the control
system 102 may communicate to the communication unit 410 of the
on-board control unit 132 to increase the throttle notch setting to
level 3. The communication unit 410 may communicate the received
throttle notch setting to the propulsion system 420 in order for
the propulsion system 420 to change the throttle notch setting and
to change the operational setting of the vehicle 106 of the vehicle
system 108.
[0052] The indexing system control unit 134 receives signals that
are communicated by the control system 102 by path 114. The signals
are received by a communication unit 510 of the indexing system
control unit 134. The signals may include one or more of throttle
notch settings, speed settings, brake settings, power settings,
alert notifications, or the like that control the operation of the
vehicle indexing system 104.
[0053] The communication unit 510 may communicate the received
operational signals with the propulsion system 520 (e.g., motors,
alternators, generators, etc) of the indexing system control unit
134. The propulsion system 520 may control the operational settings
of the vehicle indexing system 104. For example, the control system
102 may communicate to the communication unit 510 of the indexing
system control unit 134 to increase the throttle notch setting to
level 5. The communication unit 510 may communicate the received
throttle notch setting to the propulsion system 520 in order for
the propulsion system 520 to change the throttle notch setting and
to change the operational setting of the vehicle indexing system
104.
[0054] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method
600 for determining the power settings for the vehicle indexing
system 104 and for determining the vehicle power settings for the
vehicle system 108. At 602, the EMS 216 of the control system 102
determines a power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 in
order for the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the vehicle 106
into the indexing position 110. For example, the EMS 216 determines
the power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 to be a
throttle notch setting 10 in order for the vehicle indexing system
104 to index the vehicle 106c into the indexing position to unload
the cargo carried by vehicle 106c. The power setting may be
determined based on the cargo the vehicle system 108 carries, the
number of vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108, the cargo that
will be loaded into the vehicle system 108, or the like. At 604,
the control system 102 communicates the determined power setting to
the indexing system control unit 134 of the vehicle indexing system
104 to index the vehicle 106 into the indexing position 110. For
example, the control system communicates to the vehicle indexing
system 104 the throttle notch setting 10 that the vehicle indexing
system 104 should operate in order for the vehicle indexing system
104 to index the vehicle 106c into the indexing position 110 to
unload cargo carried by vehicle 106c.
[0055] At 606, a determination is made to whether the vehicle
indexing system 104 needs additional tractive effort assistance
from the vehicle system 108. For example, the power setting
throttle notch setting 10 for the vehicle indexing system 104 may
be the maximum power setting the vehicle indexing system can
operate. The EMS 216 determines that in order to index the vehicle
106c into the indexing position, the power setting throttle notch
setting is not enough power to index the vehicle 106c of the
vehicle system 108. For example, in order to move the vehicle
system 108, the vehicle indexing system 104 requires tractive
effort support. If it is determined that the vehicle indexing
system 104 can index the vehicle 106 without additional tractive
effort support, flow of the method 600 proceeds towards 608. At
608, the vehicle indexing system 104 indexes the vehicle 106c into
the indexing position 110 to load and/or unload cargo, then flow of
the method proceeds back to 602. Alternatively, if it is determined
that the vehicle indexing system 104 does require additional
tractive effort support, flow of the method 600 proceeds towards
610.
[0056] At 610, the EMS 216 of the control system 102 determines the
vehicle power setting for the vehicle system 108 to operate in
order for the vehicle system 108 to provide additional tractive
effort to the vehicle indexing system 104. The EMS 216 determines
the vehicle power setting based on the determined power setting of
the vehicle indexing system 104. For example, the EMS 216
determines the power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104 to
operate at a throttle notch setting 10. Additionally, the EMS 216
determines that in order to index the vehicle 106c into the
indexing position 110, the vehicle indexing system 104 needs
additional tractive effort provided by the vehicle system 108. The
EMS 216 determines a throttle notch setting 15 for the vehicle
power setting of the vehicle system 108 in order for the vehicle
system 108 to provide additional tractive effort to the vehicle
indexing system 104. For example, the vehicle indexing system 104
does not have enough power to independently index the vehicle
system 108. The vehicle system 108 assists the vehicle indexing
system 104 to index the vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108 into
the indexing position 110 to load and/or unload cargo.
[0057] At 612, the control system 102 communicates the determined
vehicle power setting to the on-board control unit 132 of the
vehicle system 108 to assist the vehicle indexing system 104 to
index the vehicle 106 into the indexing position 110. For example,
the control system 102 communicates the vehicle power setting
throttle notch setting 15 to the vehicle system 108 that the
vehicle system 108 should operate in order to provide additional
tractive effort to the vehicle indexing system 104. The additional
tractive effort by the vehicle system 108 assists the vehicle
indexing system 104 to index the vehicle 106c into the indexing
position 110 to unload cargo carried by the vehicle 106c.
[0058] At 614, the vehicle indexing system 104, with the additional
tractive effort from the vehicle system 108, indexes the vehicle
into the indexing position 110. For example, the vehicle indexing
system 104 has a power setting throttle notch setting 10. The
vehicle system 108 has a vehicle power setting throttle notch
setting 15. The power setting of the vehicle indexing system 104,
with the additional tractive power effort by the vehicle system
108, indexes the vehicle 106c into the indexing position 110.
[0059] At 616, a determination is made to whether the additional
tractive effort vehicle power setting exceeds a predetermined
threshold margin. The EMS 216 may include a predetermined threshold
margin within which the vehicle power setting is to operate. The
predetermined threshold margin may include a lower operational
setting limit and/or an upper operational setting limit. The EMS
216 may determine whether the vehicle power setting is outside of
the threshold margin. For example, the predetermined threshold
margin may be a throttle notch setting between power 1 (e.g., the
lower limit) and power 10 (e.g., the upper limit). The EMS 216
determines that the vehicle power setting throttle notch setting 15
exceeds the predetermined threshold margin. The predetermined
threshold margin may identify a fault state of one or more of a
braking system or the vehicle system 108 and/or a fault state of
the route 122. If the vehicle power setting throttle notch setting
is outside of the threshold margin, then flow of the method 600
proceeds towards 618. Alternatively, flow of the method 600
proceeds towards 602.
[0060] At 618, the EMS 216 determines a fault state of one or more
of a braking system or the route 122 traveled by the vehicle system
108 based on the additional tractive effort of the vehicle system
108. The fault state may be a result of a braking system
functioning incorrectly. Additionally or alternatively, the fault
state may be a result of the vehicles 106 carrying a cargo load
that varies from the anticipated cargo load. Optionally, the fault
state may be a result of a foreign object located on the route 122
that is preventing the vehicle system 108 to travel the route 122.
The fault state may be a result of another error of the vehicle
system 108. For example, the EMS 216 may determine that the vehicle
power setting throttle notch setting 15 that exceeds the
predetermined threshold value 10 is a result of the braking system
of the vehicle system 108 functioning incorrectly.
[0061] At 620 a determination is made to whether a responsive
action to the identified fault state is required and the responsive
action is identified. The responsive action could include
scheduling an inspection of the route 122. Additionally or
alternatively, the responsive action could include modification of
the predetermined threshold margin. Optionally, the responsive
action could be modification of the predetermined threshold margin
based on a non-anticipated cargo load. The responsive action could
be to schedule an inspection of a braking system of the vehicle
system 108. Additionally or alternatively, the responsive action
may be to schedule an inspection of the vehicle indexing system
104. If it is determined that a responsive action is not required,
flow of the method 600 proceeds towards 602. Alternatively, flow of
the method 600 proceeds towards 622. For example, the EMS 216
determines that the identified fault state of the braking system of
the vehicle system 108 functioning incorrectly requires a
responsive action to be taken. The responsive action may be to
schedule an inspection of the braking system of the vehicle system
108.
[0062] At 622, the responsive action identified at 620 is
implemented. Flow of the method 600 then proceeds towards 602 to
proceed with a next vehicle 106 of the vehicle system 108. For
example, after the vehicle 106c is indexed into the indexing
position, cargo carried by the vehicle 106c is unloaded, and the
responsive action to the braking system functioning incorrectly is
taken, then flow of the method proceeds towards 602 for the vehicle
106d. The method 600 continues until all vehicles 106 of the
vehicle system 108 that are determined to be required to be indexed
are indexed into the indexing position 110.
[0063] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate three examples of the
vehicle indexing system 104 indexing vehicles 106 into the indexing
position 110 to unload cargo carried by the vehicles 106. FIG. 7A
illustrates an example of the vehicle indexing system 104 indexing
vehicles 106 with the additional tractive effort provided by the
vehicle system 108 in order to index the vehicles 106 to unload
cargo carried by the vehicles 106. Shown as a function of power 702
versus time 704, the graph illustrates the power setting 708 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 and the additional tractive effort of
the vehicle power settings 706 of the vehicle system 108. The
throttle notch settings power setting 708 and vehicle power setting
706 decrease over time. The power setting 708 curve illustrates the
power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104. For example,
over time, the power setting 708 of the vehicle indexing system 104
decreases as cargo is unloaded and the weight of the vehicle system
108 decreases. As the weight of the vehicle system 108 decreases,
the vehicle indexing system 104 requires less power to index the
vehicles 106 into the indexing position 110. Additionally, over
time, the vehicle power setting 706 of the vehicle system 108
decreases as cargo is unloaded. As the weight of the vehicle system
108 decreases, the vehicle system 108 requires less power to assist
the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the vehicles 106 into the
indexing position 110.
[0064] FIG. 7B illustrates an example of the additional tractive
effort by the vehicle system 108 exceeding a fault state
predetermined threshold margin by a difference 712. The power
setting 708 curve illustrates the power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104. Over time, the power setting 708 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 decreases as cargo is unloaded.
However, over time, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the additional
tractive effort of the vehicle power setting 706 does not continue
to decrease as cargo is unloaded from the vehicle system 108. The
difference 712 between the power setting 708 and the vehicle power
setting 706 identifies a fault state when the additional tractive
effort by the vehicle system 108 exceeds the predetermined
threshold margin. For example, FIG. 7B illustrates an example when
the EMS 216 may identify that the tractive effort is outside of the
predetermined threshold margin and that a responsive action is
required. For example, as the cargo is unloaded from the vehicles
106, the vehicle power setting 706 fails to decrease over time due
to a cargo load heavier than anticipated. The heavier cargo load
requires a greater additional tractive effort than anticipated.
[0065] FIG. 7C illustrates an example of the additional tractive
effort by the vehicle system 108 less than the fault state
predetermined threshold margin by a difference 716. The power
setting 708 curve illustrates the power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104. Over time, the power setting 708 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 decreases as cargo is unloaded.
However, over time, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the vehicle power
setting 706 does not gradually decrease as cargo is unloaded from
the vehicle system 108. The difference 716 between the power
setting 708 and the vehicle power setting 706 identifies a fault
state when the additional tractive effort by the vehicle system 108
is less than the predetermined threshold margin. For example, FIG.
7C illustrates an example when the EMS 216 may identify that the
tractive effort is outside of the predetermined threshold margin
and that a responsive action is required. For example, as the cargo
is unloaded from the vehicles 106, the vehicle power setting 706
decreases sharply due to a cargo load lighter than anticipated. The
lighter cargo load requires a lesser additional tractive effort
than anticipated.
[0066] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate three examples of the
vehicle indexing system 104 indexing vehicles 106 into the indexing
position 110 to load cargo carried by the vehicles 106. FIG. 8A
illustrates an example of the vehicle indexing system 104 indexing
vehicles 106 with the additional tractive effort provided by the
vehicle system 108 in order to index the vehicles 106 to load cargo
carried by the vehicles 106. Shown as a function of power 802
versus time 804, the graph illustrates the power setting 808 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 and the additional tractive effort of
the vehicle power settings 806 of the vehicle system 108. The
throttle notch power setting 708 and vehicle power setting 706
increase over time. The power setting 808 curve illustrates the
power setting for the vehicle indexing system 104. For example,
over time, the power setting 808 of the vehicle indexing system 104
increases as cargo is loaded into the vehicles 106 and the weight
of the vehicle system 108 increases. As the weight of the vehicle
system 108 increases, the vehicle indexing system 104 requires more
power to index the vehicles 106 into the indexing position 110.
Additionally, over time, the vehicle power setting 806 of the
vehicle system 108 increases as cargo is loaded. As the weight of
the vehicle system 108 increases, the vehicle system 108 requires
more power to assist the vehicle indexing system 104 to index the
vehicles 106 into the indexing position 110.
[0067] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of the additional tractive
effort by the vehicle system 108 exceeding the fault state
predetermined threshold margin by a difference 812. The power
setting 808 curve illustrates the power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104. Over time, the power setting 808 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 gradually increases as cargo is loaded
into the vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108. However, over
time, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the vehicle power setting 806 does
not gradually increase as cargo is loaded into the vehicles of the
vehicle system 108. The difference 812 between the power setting
808 and the vehicle power setting 806 identifies a fault state when
the additional tractive effort by the vehicle system 108 exceeds
the predetermined threshold margin. For example, FIG. 8B
illustrates an example when the EMS 216 may identify that the
tractive effort is outside of the predetermined threshold margin
and that a responsive action is required. For example, as the cargo
is loaded into the vehicles 106, the vehicle power setting 806 is
greater than anticipated due to a cargo load heavier than
anticipated. The heavier cargo load requires a greater additional
tractive effort than anticipated.
[0068] FIG. 8C illustrates an example of the additional tractive
effort by the vehicle system 108 less than the fault state
predetermined threshold margin by a difference 816. The power
setting 808 curve illustrates the power setting for the vehicle
indexing system 104. Over time, the power setting 808 of the
vehicle indexing system 104 increases as cargo is loaded into the
vehicles 106 of the vehicle system 108. However, over time, as
illustrated in FIG. 8C, the vehicle power setting 806 does not
gradually increase as cargo is loaded into the vehicle system 108.
The difference 816 between the power setting 808 and the vehicle
power setting 806 identifies a fault state when the additional
tractive effort by the vehicle system 108 is less than the
predetermined threshold margin. For example, FIG. 8C illustrates an
example when the EMS 216 may identify that the tractive effort is
outside of the predetermined threshold margin and that a responsive
action is required. For example, as the cargo is loaded into the
vehicles 106, the vehicle power setting 806 does not increase over
time as anticipated due to a cargo load lighter than anticipated.
The lighter cargo load requires a lesser additional tractive effort
than anticipated.
[0069] In one embodiment of the subject matter described herein, a
control system is provided that includes a controller configured to
operate a vehicle indexing system that moves one or more vehicles
in a vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo
off of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or
more vehicles. The controller is configured to determine a power
setting of the vehicle indexing system that is used by the vehicle
indexing system to move the one or more vehicles in the vehicle
system into the position. The controller also is configured to
determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle system based on
the power setting of the vehicle indexing system for controlling
the vehicle system to provide additional tractive effort to the
vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles into the
position.
[0070] Optionally, the controller is configured to be located
off-board the vehicle system. The controller is configured to
communicate the vehicle power setting to a remote control device
disposed off-board the vehicle system for remotely controlling the
vehicle system according to the vehicle power setting. The vehicle
power setting includes a throttle notch setting. The controller is
configured to determine the vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system to move a second vehicle of the vehicle system into the
position after a lead vehicle is moved into the position, wherein
moving the second vehicle into the position moves the lead vehicle
out of the position.
[0071] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine the
vehicle power setting based on a tractive effort previously
generated by the vehicle indexing system to move at least one of
the vehicles in the vehicle system into the position. The
controller is configured to communicate the vehicle power setting
to an on-board control unit on-board the vehicle system for
controlling the vehicle system according to the vehicle power
setting
[0072] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine a
tractive effort generated by the vehicle system to move at least a
first vehicle of the vehicles in the vehicle system into the
position, the controller also configured to determine a fault state
of one or more of a braking system or a route traveled by the
vehicle system based on the tractive effort. The controller is
configured to move the one or more vehicles into the position for
the one or more of unloading the cargo or loading the cargo without
the vehicle system being separated into two or more smaller
segments of the vehicle
[0073] In one embodiment of the subject matter described herein, a
method comprises determining a power setting of the vehicle
indexing system that is used to move one or more vehicles in a
vehicle system into a position to one or more of unload cargo off
of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto the one or more
vehicles. And determining a vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing system
for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional tractive
effort to move the one or more vehicles into the position to one or
more of unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the
cargo onto the one or more vehicles.
[0074] Optionally, the method comprises wherein determining occurs
off-board the vehicle system. Further comprising communicating the
vehicle power setting to a remote control device disposed off-board
the vehicle system for remotely controlling the vehicle system
according to the vehicle power setting. The method comprises
wherein the vehicle power setting includes a throttle notch
setting.
[0075] Optionally, the vehicle power setting is determined to
control the vehicle system to move a second vehicle of the vehicle
system into the position after a lead vehicle is moved into the
position, and move the second vehicle into the position moves the
lead vehicle out of the position. The vehicle power setting is
determined based on a tractive effort previously generated by the
vehicle indexing system to move at least one of the vehicles in the
vehicle system into the position.
[0076] Optionally, the method further comprises communicating the
vehicle power setting to an on-board control unit on-board the
vehicle system for remotely controlling the vehicle system
according to the vehicle power setting. The method further
comprising determining a tractive effort generated by the vehicle
system to move at least a first vehicle of the vehicles in the
vehicle system into the position, the controller also configured to
determine a fault state of one or more of a braking system or a
route traveled by the vehicle system based on the tractive effort.
The vehicle power setting is determined to control the vehicle
system to move the one or more vehicles into the position for the
one or more of unloading the cargo or loading the cargo without the
vehicle system being separated into two or more smaller segments of
the vehicle system
[0077] In one embodiment, a control system comprises a controller
configured to operate a vehicle indexing system that moves one or
more vehicles in a vehicle system into a position to one or more of
unload cargo off of the one or more vehicles or load the cargo onto
the one or more vehicles. The controller configured to determine a
power setting of the vehicle indexing system that is used by the
vehicle indexing system to move the one or more vehicles in the
vehicle system into the position. Wherein the controller also is
configured to determine a vehicle power setting for the vehicle
system based on the power setting of the vehicle indexing system
for controlling the vehicle system to provide additional tractive
effort to the vehicle indexing system to move the one or more
vehicles into the position. And wherein the controller also is
configured to determine a fault state of one or more of a braking
system or a route traveled by the vehicle system based on the
tractive effort.
[0078] Optionally, the controller is configured to alert the
vehicle system when the fault state exceeds a designated threshold
margin.
[0079] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings
of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope.
While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are
intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter,
they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many
other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the
inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended
claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first,"
"second,", and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not
intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in
means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted
based on 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations
expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of
function void of further structure.
[0080] This written description uses examples to disclose several
embodiments of the inventive subject matter, including the best
mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to
practice the embodiments of inventive subject matter, including
making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject
matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples
that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such other
examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they
have structural elements that do not differ from the literal
language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages
of the claims.
[0081] The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the
present inventive subject matter will be better understood when
read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that
the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various
embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative
of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one
or more of the functional blocks (for example, communication unit,
control system, etc) may be implemented in a single piece of
hardware (for example, a general purpose signal processor,
microcontroller, random access memory, hard disk, and the like).
Similarly, the programs may be stand-alone programs, may be
incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be
functions in an installed software package, and the like. The
various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and
instrumentality shown in the drawings.
[0082] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion
is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment"
of the present inventive subject matter are not intended to be
interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments
that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless
explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising,"
"including," or "having" an element of a plurality of elements
having a particular property may include additional such elements
not having that property.
[0083] Since certain changes may be made in the above-described
systems and methods, without departing from the spirit and scope of
the inventive subject matter herein involved, it is intended that
all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples
illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be
construed as limiting the inventive subject matter.
* * * * *