Patent · US Expired

Efficient high density train operations

US6332107A · kind A · utility

11Cited by
11References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 14, 1999
Grant dateDec 18, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 14, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB61L15/0058
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for preventing low train voltages and managing interference, thereby improving the efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort associated with commuter trains. An algorithm implementing neural network technology is used to predict low voltages before they occur. Once voltages are predicted, then multiple trains can be controlled to prevent low voltage events. Further, algorithms for managing inference are presented in the present invention. Different types of interference problems are addressed in the present invention such as "Interference. During Acceleration", "Interference Near Station Stops", and "Interference During Delay Recovery." Managing such interference avoids unnecessary brake/acceleration cycles during acceleration, immediately before station stops, and after substantial delays. Algorithms are demonstrated to avoid oscillatory brake/acceleration cycles due to interference and to smooth the trajectories of closely following trains. This is achieved by maintaining sufficient following distances to avoid unnecessary braking/accelerating. These methods generate smooth train trajectories, making for a more comfortable ride, and imp…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.