Train approaching early warning system
The train approach warning system, which utilizes ultrasonic radar and LORA wireless communication train detectors and audible and visual alarms, solves the problem of railway construction site safety personnel missing train approach warnings. It enables safety reminders and equipment fault detection at construction sites, improving construction safety and equipment endurance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423207522.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-31
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-25
AI Technical Summary
Due to a lack of responsibility, fatigue, or poor communication, safety personnel at railway construction sites are prone to missing train approach signals, leading to safety hazards.
A train approach warning system was designed, including a train detector and a fixed and wearable audible and visual alarm. The system uses an ultrasonic radar module to detect the train and transmits the alarm signal to the audible and visual alarm module via LORA wireless communication. It is equipped with lithium batteries and solar power, and an additional power adapter is added to extend the battery life. The system is also tested for equipment failure via an ASK wireless remote control.
It enables simultaneous audible and visual alarms at the construction site and in the dispatch room, ensuring timely evacuation for construction personnel, improving construction safety, and solving the problems of insufficient battery life during long-term operation and equipment failure testing.
Smart Images
Figure CN223494517U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of railway construction technology, and in particular to a train approach warning system. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, during railway construction operations, on-site safety personnel can only estimate the time and distance of a train's arrival at the construction site based on train operation information obtained from station liaisons. When safety personnel lack a strong sense of responsibility, are fatigued or distracted, or experience communication difficulties, they are prone to missing signals of approaching trains. This deficiency creates safety hazards for on-site construction. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address the above-mentioned problems by providing a train approach warning system that can monitor approaching trains and issue audible and visual alarms at the construction site, dispatching room, and inspector's location to remind workers to avoid the trains.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] The train approach warning system includes a train detector and a fixed audible and visual alarm. The train detector includes a lithium battery power supply module I, a solar charging module I, a microcontroller I, and a radar module and a LORA wireless transmission module connected to the microcontroller I. The solar charging module I is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module I. The fixed audible and visual alarm includes a lithium battery power supply module II, a solar charging module II, a microcontroller II, and an audible and visual alarm module I and a LORA wireless receiving module connected to the microcontroller II. The solar charging module II is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module II. The audible and visual alarm module I includes a warning light and a horn connected to the microcontroller II. The train detector is wirelessly connected to the LORA wireless receiving module of the fixed audible and visual alarm via the LORA wireless transmission module.
[0006] The system includes two train detectors, one for northbound and one for southbound trains. This allows for deployment at both ends of the construction site to detect trains traveling in either direction. The radar module is an ultrasonic radar module.
[0007] As mentioned above, the ultrasonic radar module detects the passing of a train. Microcontroller I receives the train passing signal and transmits the train passing signal through the LORA wireless transmitter module. Microcontroller II receives the train passing signal through the LORA wireless receiver module and then outputs a control signal to the audible and visual alarm module I to activate the warning lights and horn to issue an audible and visual alarm, thereby achieving the purpose of monitoring the approaching train and issuing an audible and visual alarm at the construction site.
[0008] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, to address the issue of insufficient battery life during long-term continuous operation, the train detector also includes a power adapter I for power supply. The power adapter I is compatible with the lithium battery power supply module I for charging and power supply. Thus, the power adapter is configured to allow for AC power connection for charging and power supply.
[0009] Based on the aforementioned solution, an improved version addresses the issue of synchronous alarm information reception in the dispatch room by using two fixed audible and visual alarms, one for the field and one for the indoor area. This allows for simultaneous alarm information reception (both the construction site and the dispatch room), enabling the dispatch room to issue a yielding order upon receiving a train's signal. This further enhances construction safety and prevents unsuitable tasks from being assigned due to the absence of alarms.
[0010] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, to address the issue of insufficient battery life during prolonged continuous operation, the fixed audible and visual alarm also includes a power adapter II for power supply. This power adapter II is compatible with the lithium battery power supply module II for charging and power supply. Thus, the power adapter is configured to allow for AC power connection for charging and power supply.
[0011] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, to address the issue of patrol personnel simultaneously receiving alarm information, the early warning system also includes a wearable audible and visual alarm. This wearable alarm includes a lithium battery power supply module III, a microcontroller III, and an audible and visual alarm module II and a LORA wireless receiver module connected to the microcontroller III. The audible and visual alarm module II includes an LED light and a buzzer connected to the microcontroller III. The train detector wirelessly connects to the LORA wireless receiver module of the wearable audible and visual alarm via the LORA wireless transmitter module. Thus, the microcontroller III receives the train passage signal via the LORA wireless receiver module and then outputs a control signal to the audible and visual alarm module II, activating the LED light and buzzer to issue an audible and visual alarm. Patrol personnel simultaneously receive the alarm information for timely avoidance.
[0012] Based on the aforementioned solution, in an improved version, to address the equipment fault testing issue, the early warning system also includes an ASK wireless remote control. The fixed audible and visual alarm also includes an ASK wireless receiving module, with the ASK wireless remote control wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiving module of the fixed audible and visual alarm. Similarly, the wearable audible and visual alarm also includes an ASK wireless receiving module, with the ASK wireless remote control wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiving module of the wearable audible and visual alarm. Thus, when an inspector is at a certain distance from both the fixed and wearable audible and visual alarms, they press the ASK wireless remote control to send a test signal. The fixed and wearable audible and visual alarms receive the test signal through their respective ASK wireless receiving modules, and then correspondingly activate audible and visual alarm modules I and II to issue an audible and visual alarm. If the equipment operates normally, it will function normally; otherwise, the equipment will not operate normally, thus achieving the fault testing objective.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0014] This utility model discloses a train approach warning system. An ultrasonic radar module detects a passing train, microcontroller I receives the train approach signal and transmits it via a LoRa wireless transmitter module. Microcontroller II receives the train approach signal via a LoRa wireless receiver module and then outputs a control signal to the audible and visual alarm module I, activating warning lights and a horn to issue an audible and visual alarm. This achieves the purpose of monitoring approaching trains and issuing audible and visual alarms at the construction site. It is powered by a lithium battery and equipped with solar charging, facilitating rapid outdoor deployment and improving battery life. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of the train approach warning system of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 System block diagram of the train detector.
[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 System block diagram of a fixed audible and visual alarm.
[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 System block diagram of a wearable sound and light alarm.
[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the train approach warning system of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Example 1
[0021] See Figures 1-5The train approach warning system of this embodiment 1 includes a train detector and a fixed audible and visual alarm. The train detector includes a lithium battery power supply module I, a solar charging module I, a microcontroller I, and a radar module and a LORA wireless transmission module connected to the microcontroller I. The solar charging module I is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module I. The fixed audible and visual alarm includes a lithium battery power supply module II, a solar charging module II, a microcontroller II, and an audible and visual alarm module I and a LORA wireless receiving module connected to the microcontroller II. The solar charging module II is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module II. The audible and visual alarm module I includes a warning light and a horn connected to the microcontroller II. The train detector is wirelessly connected to the LORA wireless receiving module of the fixed audible and visual alarm through the LORA wireless transmission module.
[0022] As mentioned above, the radar module is either an ultrasonic radar module or a millimeter-wave radar module. When the ultrasonic radar module detects a passing train, microcontroller I receives the train passing signal and transmits it via the LORA wireless transmitter module. Microcontroller II receives the train passing signal via the LORA wireless receiver module and then outputs a control signal to the audible and visual alarm module I, activating the warning lights and horn to issue an audible and visual alarm, thus achieving the purpose of monitoring approaching trains and issuing audible and visual alarms at the construction site. It is powered by a lithium battery and equipped with solar charging, facilitating rapid outdoor deployment and improving battery life.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, there are two train detectors, one for northbound trains and one for southbound trains. This allows them to be positioned at both ends of the construction site to detect northbound or southbound trains respectively.
[0024] Example 2
[0025] See Figures 1-5 Based on the aforementioned Embodiment 1, this Embodiment 2 adds a feature to the train detector configuration with a power adapter I, specifically as follows: To solve the problem of insufficient battery life during long-term continuous operation, the train detector also includes a power adapter I for power supply, and the power adapter I is adapted and connected to the lithium battery power supply module I to enable charging and power supply. Thus, a power adapter is configured to allow for AC charging and power supply.
[0026] Example 3
[0027] See Figures 1-5Based on the aforementioned Embodiment 1 or 2, this Embodiment 3 adds the features of a fixed on-site audible and visual alarm and an indoor fixed audible and visual alarm, specifically as follows: To solve the problem of synchronously receiving alarm information in the dispatch room, two fixed audible and visual alarms are used, one as the on-site fixed audible and visual alarm and the other as the indoor fixed audible and visual alarm. Thus, in addition to being deployed at the construction site, they are also deployed in the dispatch room, allowing the construction site and the dispatch room to synchronously receive alarm information (simultaneously issuing audible and visual alarms). Upon learning of a train passing, the dispatch room issues a urging to give way, further improving construction safety and preventing the assignment of unsuitable tasks due to the failure to hear the alarm.
[0028] Example 4
[0029] See Figures 1-5 Based on the aforementioned embodiments 1, 2, and 3, this embodiment 4 adds a feature to the fixed audible and visual alarm device: a power adapter II is configured. Specifically, to address the issue of insufficient battery life during prolonged continuous operation, the fixed audible and visual alarm device also includes a power adapter II for power supply. The power adapter II is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module II for charging and power supply. Thus, a power adapter is configured to allow for AC charging and power supply.
[0030] Example 5
[0031] See Figures 1-5 Based on the aforementioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4, this embodiment 5 adds a wearable audible and visual alarm feature, specifically as follows: To address the issue of patrol personnel simultaneously receiving alarm information, the early warning system also includes a wearable audible and visual alarm. This wearable audible and visual alarm includes a lithium battery power supply module III, a microcontroller III, and an audible and visual alarm module II and a LORA wireless receiving module connected to the microcontroller III. The audible and visual alarm module II includes an LED light and a buzzer connected to the microcontroller III. The train detector wirelessly connects to the LORA wireless receiving module of the wearable audible and visual alarm via the LORA wireless transmitting module. Thus, the microcontroller III receives the train passing signal via the LORA wireless receiving module and then outputs a control signal to the audible and visual alarm module II, activating the LED light and buzzer to issue an audible and visual alarm. The patrol personnel simultaneously receive the alarm information so they can take timely evasive action.
[0032] Example 6
[0033] See Figures 1-5Based on the aforementioned embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, this embodiment 6 adds an ASK wireless remote control feature to the fixed and / or wearable audible and visual alarm devices, specifically as follows: To address the equipment fault testing issue, the warning system also includes an ASK wireless remote control. The fixed audible and visual alarm device further includes an ASK wireless receiving module, and the ASK wireless remote control is wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiving module of the fixed audible and visual alarm device; the wearable audible and visual alarm device also includes an ASK wireless receiving module, and the ASK wireless remote control is wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiving module of the wearable audible and visual alarm device. Thus, when an inspector is at a certain distance from the fixed or wearable audible and visual alarm device, they press the ASK wireless remote control to send a test signal. The fixed and wearable audible and visual alarm devices receive the test signal through their respective ASK wireless receiving modules, and then correspondingly activate audible and visual alarm modules I and II to issue audible and visual alarms. If the device operates normally, it will function normally; otherwise, the device will not operate normally, thus achieving the fault testing objective.
[0034] As in Examples 1-6 above, the following further explains the best example of all its feature combinations.
[0035] To reinforce construction work on nearby existing lines and provide early warning, a safety lock is added to the construction operation by installing train detectors at a distance of more than 800 meters from the construction site. When a train approaches the construction site, the detectors will warn on-site workers to get off the track to avoid the train, thereby improving the safety of on-site workers.
[0036] See Figures 1-5 The early warning system of this utility model is mainly divided into two parts: a train detector and a receiving alarm. Each part consists of corresponding functional modules that start working when the triggering conditions are met. As mentioned above, the wearable audible and visual alarm needs to be lighter and uses different audible and visual alarm modules than the fixed audible and visual alarm, specifically LED lights and buzzers, as well as warning lights and horns. The microcontrollers I, II, and III are labeled with numbers only for easy differentiation; they can all use the same model of microcontroller, such as the 51 microcontroller. The parameters and functions of each module will be further explained below.
[0037] 1. Ultrasonic radar module
[0038] To fully utilize solar energy for long-term outdoor power supply, a low-power ultrasonic radar sensor is used, with a maximum power consumption of 0.2W and a 2V–5V power supply. The detection range is 2–5 meters, and an adjustable distance knob is provided. The equipment can be installed outside the track, maintaining a safe distance from trains.
[0039] 2. LoRa wireless transmission module
[0040] The detector and alarm use LORA wireless communication for transmission, specifically a LORA wireless transmitter module and a LORA wireless receiver module. The operating frequency band is 433MHz, and the communication distance in hilly and plain areas is 1.5 to 3km, with a transmission power of 20dBm.
[0041] 3. Solar power supply module
[0042] Both the train detector and the alarm receiver operate at 9V. The solar power supply module includes a lithium battery power supply module (Lithium Battery Power Supply Module I and II) and a solar charging module (Solar Charging Module I and II). These modules can use different parameters (such as battery capacity) or the same parameters. The solar charging module includes a solar panel and a solar charging controller. The lithium battery power supply module is also equipped with a power adapter, which allows for AC charging via the power adapter and DC charging via the solar panel and solar charging controller to the lithium battery (lithium battery power supply module) for storage. The lithium battery then powers the operation. The fixed and wearable types have significantly different operating voltages and battery capacities, so it is not recommended to use the same lithium battery pack. For example, the fixed lithium battery (Lithium Battery Power Supply Module II) has a capacity of 10000 mAh, while the wearable lithium battery (Lithium Battery Power Supply Module III) has a capacity of 1000 mAh.
[0043] 4. Audible and visual alarm module
[0044] This audible and visual alarm is available in fixed and wearable versions. The fixed version requires more power and has a wider range of propagation. It consists of a speaker with pre-set voice and an LED warning light (strobe light), with a broadcast volume exceeding 120 decibels. It can be charged via AC or solar power. The wearable version requires less power and has a smaller range of propagation. It can be directly modified from a conventional shoulder light, with a built-in buzzer and LED light (red or yellow). It is suitable for use in noisy environments and is powered by a lithium battery. It can be worn after being fully charged.
[0045] 5. ASK wireless remote control module
[0046] The audible and visual alarm devices of this early warning system are all equipped with an additional ASK wireless receiver module and an ASK wireless remote control. This facilitates routine testing of the alarms and allows for activation of the audible and visual alarm devices even when not triggered by a train. The wireless remote control has a range of 50 meters, which is sufficient for close-range detection and protection in the field.
[0047] The working principle of this early warning system is as follows: Train detectors are installed at a distance greater than 800m from the construction site. When a train is detected passing by, the remote detector emits a wireless signal. Both fixed and wearable alarms on site receive the signal and activate audible and visual alarms, alerting personnel to ditch the tracks. The audible and visual alarms can be activated by either the train detector or a wireless remote control.
[0048] Train detector trigger mode: Turn on the power and start the equipment; the train detector enters working state and begins monitoring trains; when a train passes and blocks the ultrasonic waves on the detector, the alarm mode is activated; the detector continuously sends signals to a radius of 3 kilometers around the detector through the LORA module; after receiving the signal through LORA, the alarm device at the construction site activates the audible and visual alarm program; the audible and visual alarm module (speaker and LED warning light, as well as buzzer and LED light) starts working, sending audible and visual alarm information to the workers, reminding them to leave the track and avoid the area; after the audible and visual alarm device (audible and visual alarm module) does not receive a signal, it continues to alarm for 20 seconds, then switches to standby signal receiving mode, and then returns to monitoring trains.
[0049] Wireless remote control activation mode: The on-site safety officer (inspector) presses the alarm button via the ASK remote control. The ASK remote control then transmits a signal to the receiver via its built-in ASK wireless transmitter module. Upon receiving the instruction from the ASK remote control, the receiving alarm device (fixed and wearable alarm devices) activates the audible and visual alarm program. The audible and visual alarm module (speaker, LED warning light, buzzer, and LED light) begins operation, sending audible and visual alarm information to the workers, reminding them to move away from the path. If the audible and visual alarm device (audible and visual alarm module) does not receive a signal, it will continue to alarm for 20 seconds before switching to standby signal receiving mode.
[0050] As mentioned above, all components of the early warning system of this utility model are mature products on the market. For example, the Texas Instruments AWRL1432 millimeter-wave radar sensor, the microcontroller using the 8051 or 8951 microcontroller, and the ASK remote control and wireless receiver module from Shenzhen Jingmeirun Company, etc., can be purchased separately and then assembled to form the early warning system. The microcontroller, lithium battery power supply module, and other components, as well as their connection and control technologies, are all existing technologies and can be implemented through the configured standard data and power cables; therefore, they will not be elaborated further. Using this train approach early warning system can effectively solve the following problems:
[0051] (I) Personnel Deficiencies: Personnel are a critical link in ensuring safety. During operations, there may be situations where personnel fail to fully concentrate on their duties. During long periods of protection, fatigue, inattention, and untimely or inaccurate information transmission may occur, resulting in failure to detect train approach signals in a timely manner, which may lead to missed train approach information.
[0052] (ii) Single protection system: If human protection fails, such as when the protection officer suddenly falls ill, becomes distracted, or is disturbed by other matters at the construction site and fails to issue an alarm in time, there are no other protection mechanisms to supplement it, which greatly increases the risk of collision between the train and the construction personnel or equipment.
[0053] (iii) Difficulty in judging train distance: In the existing protection system that relies on human eye monitoring, the time and distance of the train's arrival at the construction site can only be judged by the work experience of the on-site protection personnel, and the specific location of the train's operation cannot be accurately determined.
[0054] (iv) Lack of supplementary protection system: In fixed operations and station operations, the absence of protection personnel at both ends makes it impossible to determine whether a train has entered the construction area, and the commonly used operation protection mode poses a safety hazard.
[0055] It should be noted that the examples of the above embodiments can preferably be combined with one or more of each other according to actual needs, and the accompanying drawings of multiple examples adopt a set of combined technical features, which will not be described in detail here.
[0056] The above description is a detailed explanation and illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present utility model. However, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of protection claimed by the present utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made under the technical teachings of the present utility model shall fall within the patent protection scope covered by the present utility model.
Claims
1. A train approach warning system, characterized in that: The system includes a train detector and a fixed audible and visual alarm. The train detector includes a lithium battery power supply module I, a solar charging module I, a microcontroller I, and a radar module and a LoRa wireless transmission module connected to the microcontroller I. The solar charging module I is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module I. The fixed audible and visual alarm includes a lithium battery power supply module II, a solar charging module II, a microcontroller II, and an audible and visual alarm module I and a LoRa wireless receiving module connected to the microcontroller II. The solar charging module II is adapted to and connected to the lithium battery power supply module II. The audible and visual alarm module I includes a warning light and a horn connected to the microcontroller II. The train detector is wirelessly connected to the LoRa wireless receiving module of the fixed audible and visual alarm via the LoRa wireless transmission module.
2. The train approach warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of train detectors is two, serving as an up-line train detector and a down-line train detector respectively; the radar module is an ultrasonic radar module or a millimeter-wave radar module.
3. The train approach warning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The train detector also includes a power adapter I for power supply, and the power adapter I is adapted and connected to the lithium battery power supply module I.
4. The train approach warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of fixed audible and visual alarms is two, serving as a field fixed audible and visual alarm and an indoor fixed audible and visual alarm respectively.
5. The train approach warning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixed audible and visual alarm also includes a power adapter II for power supply, and the power adapter II is adapted and connected to the lithium battery power supply module II.
6. The train approach warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a wearable audible and visual alarm, which includes a lithium battery power supply module III, a microcontroller III, and an audible and visual alarm module II and a LORA wireless receiver module connected to the microcontroller III. The audible and visual alarm module II includes an LED light and a buzzer connected to the microcontroller III. The train detector is wirelessly connected to the LORA wireless receiver module of the wearable audible and visual alarm via the LORA wireless transmitter module.
7. The train approach warning system according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes an ASK wireless remote control; the fixed sound and light alarm also includes an ASK wireless receiver module, and the ASK wireless remote control is wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiver module of the fixed sound and light alarm; the wearable sound and light alarm also includes an ASK wireless receiver module, and the ASK wireless remote control is wirelessly connected to the ASK wireless receiver module of the wearable sound and light alarm.