Anti Collision Device (ACD)

Overview
The ACD Network is a Train Collision prevention system invented by Rajaram Bojji and patented by Konkan Railway Corporation. ACDs have knowledge embedded intelligence. They take inputs from GPS satellite system for position updates and network among themselves for exchanging information using their data radio modems to take decisions for timely autoapplication of brakes to prevent dangerous 'collisions', thus forming a 'Raksha Kavach' (meaning a '(Train Safety shield').

ACDs fitted (both in Locomotive and Guard's Van of a train) act as a watchdog in the dark as they constantly remain in lookout for other train bound ACDs, within the braking distance required for their relative speeds. They communicate through their radios and identify each other. If they happen to find themselves on the same track and coming closer to each other, they automatically restrain and stop each other, thereby preventing dangerous head-on and rear-end collisions.

Applications
ACDs can be implemented in railways to prevent collisions and to decrease the timing between two consecutive trains running one after another. It can be used in heavy vehicles like cranes, earthmovers etc to prevent accidents and for their safe working in public places. ACDs can be used as a tracking device.

Need of ACD
Anti Collision Device (ACD) is a fully integrated Electronic Control System designed to minimize collisions and increase safety on Railway system. It is a non signaling system and provides additional cover of safety in train operations to prevent dangerous train collisions caused due to human errors or limitations and equipment failure. ACD system does not interfere with normal working of train operations.

Features of ACD
The principal object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages and provide an anti-collision safety device for vehicles travelling on tracks, without any driving personnel, that is to say, a device which itself can estimate risks and react in consequence. According to another characteristic feature of the invention, the stopping distance is determined from the actual speed of the vehicle, which may be obtained by a tachometer (e.g., a phonic wheel) supplying speed signals to a function generator which is initialized by the position pulse and which furnishes an output signal as soon as the function generator has reached the actual vehicle speed, the vehicle being caused to stop if the signal from the function generator does not lie within the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle immediately preceding it (relative distance window).

Working Principle
In the ACD the radio single from the consolation of Global Positioning System (G.P.S) satellite or received by GPS receiver through by antenna. The GPS submits the data to the Command and Control Unit (CCU) to extract the parameters related to the movement of locomotive like Latitude. Longitude. Speed. Angle. Date and time. This is active with the help of the auto breaking unit of the loco on board mobile loco ACD and guard room acd have both a GPS receiver and radio trans receiver. The GPS receiver received the data from the satellite and radio trans receiver communicate with the other GPS. Within range of 3.Km. the tracks side and sates nary module. Such as :- station ACD, level crossing ACD, and loco side ACD. Both mobile and stationary ACD exchange information and take decision base on trans working rule. And embedded soft ware to a apply breaks automatic with art any input users. All the ACD work on the principle of distributed control system. Its very simply but it two ACD on locomotive within pre define distance and proceed and risks on collision system. Automatically active the breaking to the train and prevent collision relay in accident.

Accidents are prevented by ACD

Detection and Prevention of Head-on, Rear-end and Side Collisions: Only system in the world to provide these UNIQUE features even when a train is not protected by a signal, as in a block section. Detection of fouling and prevention of collision due to fouling:- Except when a Train on main line overshoots the Fouling Mark Detection & generation of Train parting / Jumbling: - Consequently bringing any approaching train on the adjoining line to a dead stop. Station Approach Warning to Drivers: - Can result in saving of Manpower for deployment of detonators during foggy weather, Provided 100% coverage of ACD fitted trains is available on the Concerned ACD route. Speed limit imposition:- Based on preset conditions in FRS of ACD Train Approach Warning for road users at Level Crossings both manned and unmanned :- In addition, at manned non-interlocked level crossings, reducing the train speed to 30 Kmph in case the gate is detected in open condition through Gate ACD. Manual SOS functionality available for Drivers, Guards and Station Masters: - To bring all trains to a halt within a radial distance of 3 Kms, in emergencies

The situations in which ACD network cant prevent a train collision:Various collisions/situations which are not preventable in any case, with or without ACD network, are enumerated below: Other train is a NON ACD Train ACD functions by reacting to another ACD, as such if one of the two trains is a non-ACD train, the protection against collision will be missing. Adequate braking distance at that speed is not available when a dangerous collision-like situation arises suddenly However, severity of the collision would be reduced as a function of the reaction time. Train derails and its wagons/coaches dash with another Train, already on adjacent track No reaction time situation

Failure of brake power of the Locomotive/train

Benefits of the ACD system

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Very economical and cost effective. Easily adaptable and expandable. Does not degrade the existing safety level. Employs state-of-art hardware and software technology. No way had side equipment required, hence no requirement of Power. 6. No cabling on the track required (which is more expensive and cumbersome) . 7. Less susceptible to Vandalism. 8. It does not require any inputs to be fed by the crew at the start of journey, thus human error is eliminated.

Maintenance Support System (MSS)

Daily Reports of incidences of Warning to the Driver due to Gate OPEN or Obstruction. Date wise Report of incidences of Warning to the Driver due to Obstruction. Daily Maintenance Report Failure of Loco Unit and Gate Unit. Date wise Maintenance Report Failure of Loco Unit and Gate Unit.