Patent Application Number: 2006202620
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Discussion (2)
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2
Ben McEniery (about 1 year ago)
It seems the particular problem the patent applicant is trying to solve with this patent is that just monitoring one of either the head-of-train (HOT) or end-of-train (EOT) will not detect whether a ‘train separation’ has occurred - i.e. where sections of the train have become separated from one another.

The sensors track other data, such as direction and speed of the train, air and pressure.

The system also describes linkages with computer processors, memory, storage, etc, and a messaging system which communicates abnormal conditions upon a train to rail network. controllers and other trains, etc.

Surely there must be precedents for this, either in respect of monitoring whether trains have come apart, or monitoring whether other vehicles that comprise parts have come apart.
1
Mik Clarke (about 1 year ago)
Installing some mostly standard instrumentation packages at each end of a train and having them communicate wirelessly with each other. A central monitor works out where the head and tail of the train are, passing notification on to the overall train control system when it has exited specific parts of the track (identified via virtual fencing). Presumably also capable of receiving messages from the control system telling whether or not it is safe for it to enter the specific sections of track that it is approaching. Also aims to detect when the front of the train is no longer attached to the back of the train (presumably these trains aren't meant to be split during their journey).