Apparatus and method for conserving fuel during dynamic braking of locomotives
US4735385A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T30/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A respective microcomputer-based dynamic braking proportioning unit is disposed on each locomotive of a group of locomotives of a train consist. Each unit is connected to the brake setup and brake control wires of a trainline communicating with all of the locomotives, and each unit is connected to the dynamic braking equipment of its respective locomotive. Each unit includes two data entry mechanisms, such as switches, by which the respective microcomputer is advised of the total number of locomotives and of a unique number identifying the respective locomotive within the group. From the two signals from the trainline and the total locomotive and unique locomotive identification data, the respective microcomputer determines and outputs appropriate dynamic brake equipment control signals for the respective locomotive. These control signals are generated so that not all of the locomotives necessarily need to be placed in a dynamic braking mode for all levels of total dynamic braking required, thereby allowing any unneeded locomotive to be operated at a lower fuel consuming power level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.