Method and device for the technical configuration of a track-bound vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, a system and a determination device (30) for the technical configuration of a track-bound vehicle (1). The invention also relates to a production method for producing a track-bound vehicle (1). The invention also relates to a computer program, and to a device for providing the computer program. In order to improve the configuration of the track-bound vehicle, requirement information (AI), which represents requirements placed on a desired track-bound vehicle, is provided (B). Furthermore, platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3), which represents features of a vehicle platform (32, 34, 36), is provided (C2) and solution information (LI), which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially meeting the requirements, is determined (D), wherein the solution information (LI) is determined using the platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) on the basis of the requirement information (AI).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and system for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle

[0003] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

[0004] The invention relates to a method, a system, and a determination device for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle. The invention further relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a rail-bound vehicle. The invention further relates to a computer program and a device for providing the computer program.

[0005] It is generally known that tenders for the award of a contract for the development and manufacture of a rail-bound vehicle essentially consist, from a technical perspective, of a list of requirements. The requirements are drawn up by a vehicle customer, for example a transport system operator. A potential contractor responds to the tender with a tender. The tender essentially consists of a comment on the respective requirements, for example by stating for each of the requirements whether and, if so, how these are met by the tender.

[0006] Against this background, the object of the invention is to improve the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle, in which requirement information is provided, which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle. Platform information is provided, which represents features of a vehicle platform. Solution information, which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements, is determined. The solution information is determined using the platform information on the basis of the requirement information.

[0008] The invention is based on the realisation that tenders are often answered with an individual solution to meet the requirements by answering the respective requirements and developing a rail-bound vehicle to be offered on this basis. This entails a high level of effort and extensive human intellectual activity for the vehicle manufacturer (the tenderer). This procedure proves to be particularly disadvantageous if the vehicle manufacturer is not awarded the contract and the vehicle customer submitting the tender instead accepts an alternative offer from a competitor. The effort invested in the customer's own offer and the resulting solutions can then not be reused or can only be reused to a limited extent.

[0009] The inventive solution resolves these problems by responding to a tender based on existing vehicle platforms. This allows existing vehicle solutions to be used to determine the vehicle solution. Furthermore, the solution finding process can be automated, at least in part, because the requirements can be systematically and comprehensibly assigned to features of an existing vehicle platform.

[0010] A further significant advantage of the inventive solution is that specifications, implementations, and verifications for the features of the existing vehicle platform already exist, are discoverable, and reusable. Consequently, for example, the approval process for the offered vehicle can be significantly shortened. The inventive method is preferably a computer-implemented method.

[0011] The technical configuration preferably serves as the basis for the production of the rail-bound vehicle.

[0012] The request information is preferably provided by a first provision device. The first provision device comprises, for example, a computing device. The request information is transmitted, for example, via the World Wide Web, to a computing device of the vehicle manufacturer for processing there.

[0013] The term "desired rail-bound vehicle" is preferably to be understood as a rail-bound vehicle that is to be offered by a vehicle manufacturer as part of a tender for the award of a contract for the development of the desired rail-bound vehicle. The rail-bound vehicle is therefore desired by the vehicle customer. The requirement information is therefore a technical representation of the tender.

[0014] The platform information is preferably provided by a second provisioning device operated by a vehicle manufacturer. The second provisioning device comprises, for example, a computing device. The platform information is therefore a technical representation of the vehicle manufacturer's existing vehicle platform.

[0015] The solution information is determined, for example, by means of a determination device operated by the vehicle manufacturer. The determination device preferably further comprises a computing device.

[0016] The formulation that the solution information is determined using the platform information on the basis of the requirements information is preferably understood by a person skilled in the art to mean that the requirements information forms the basis for determining the solution information, and the platform information creates the boundary conditions for determining the solution information. The goal is to at least partially meet the requirements by utilizing the options provided by the vehicle platform. The solution information is therefore a technical representation, at least in a first iteration, of the offer submitted by the vehicle manufacturer as part of the tender.

[0017] One possible result of the investigation is that the vehicle solution fully meets the requirements.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the solution information is generated by configuring selectable and / or parameterizable features of the vehicle platform.

[0019] Furthermore, the requirement information is preferably mapped to the selection / de-selection and parameterization of one or more suitable features (feature assignment).

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of platform information items is provided, wherein one piece of platform information from the plurality of platform information items each represents a vehicle platform, wherein the solution information is determined from the plurality of platform information items on the basis of the request information.

[0021] This represents a particularly useful embodiment in the field of rail-bound vehicles, where a vehicle manufacturer typically has several vehicle platforms available. The vehicle platforms and their characteristics therefore span a solution space of possible solutions, in which the solution information lies (the solution information can, for example, be a vector whose entries are vehicle characteristics).

[0022] It is possible that all of the characteristics are met by the vehicle solution represented by the solution information. In this case, the vehicle solution can be submitted as an offer by the vehicle manufacturer as part of the tender. The solution information is therefore a technical representation of the offer submitted by the vehicle manufacturer as part of the tender.

[0023] In the event that a requirement is not met by the vehicle solution, the requirement information includes at least one requirement that is not met by the vehicle solution. This may be due, for example, to the fact that the vehicle solution does not have a suitable feature that could be selected to meet the requirement. According to a preferred embodiment of the method, in this case, a feature candidate is generated that is intended to meet the at least one unmet requirement.

[0024] Preferably, the feature candidate serves as the basis for a concrete feature to be developed in the further development of the vehicle solution, which fulfills the requirement. The determined solution information therefore represents a first iteration, in which feature candidates can be replaced by concrete features in a second iteration.

[0025] The feature candidate therefore offers the advantage of enabling targeted planning of the further development of the vehicle platform. In addition, the feature candidate can form a suitable basis for planning the development of future vehicle platforms of the vehicle manufacturer. In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the vehicle solution has at least one feature which must be changed in order to meet a requirement. In this case, identification information is generated which indicates that the feature must be changed in further development of the vehicle solution. The solution information therefore represents a first iteration, with the identified features being processed in a second iteration.

[0026] When the marked feature is changed, the feature is, for example, newly developed, expanded or adapted.

[0027] The difference between the requirement information and the solution information can be identified and evaluated using the feature candidates and labeling information described above.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the first provisioning device is operated by a vehicle customer who tenders for a configured rail-bound vehicle.

[0029] The vehicle customer is, for example, a vehicle operator and / or an operator of a transport system for rail-bound vehicles. The vehicle customer plans to purchase a configured rail-bound vehicle and therefore invites tenders for this.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the track-bound vehicle is a rail vehicle.

[0031] The rail vehicle is, for example, a high-speed train in long-distance public transport, a regional train, a light rail system, a tram, or a subway in local public transport. The rail vehicle is, for example, a multiple unit train. Alternatively, the rail vehicle is, for example, a freight train. The rail vehicle can be a locomotive, a single carriage, a consist (consisting of several permanently connected carriages), and / or a vehicle convoy (consisting of mechanically and / or virtually / data-linked vehicles).

[0032] The aforementioned object is further achieved by a manufacturing method for producing a rail-bound vehicle. In the manufacturing method, the vehicle to be manufactured is technically configured according to the method described above.

[0033] The object mentioned above is further achieved by a computer program. The computer program comprises instructions which, when executed by a computing device, cause the device to carry out the method of the type described above. The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising a computer program of this type. The computing device is preferably, at least in part, a computing device of a land-based facility.

[0034] The object stated at the outset is further achieved by a provision device for the computer program of the type described above, wherein the provision device stores and / or provides the computer program. The provision device is, for example, a storage unit which stores and / or provides the computer program. Alternatively and / or additionally, the provision device is, for example, a network service, a computer system, a server system, in particular a distributed, for example cloud-based computer system and / or virtual computer system, which stores and / or provides the computer program product preferably in the form of a data stream. The provision takes place in the form of a program data block as a file, in particular as a download file, or as a data stream, in particular as a download data stream, of the computer program.This provision can also be made, for example, as a partial download consisting of several parts. Such a computer program is, for example, read into a system using the provision device, so that the method according to the invention is executed on a computer.

[0035] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a determination device for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle. The determination device comprises a first receiving device which is set up to receive requirement information which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle. The determination device further comprises a second receiving device which is set up to receive platform information which represents features of a vehicle platform. The determination device further comprises a computing device which is set up to determine solution information which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements, wherein the computing device is set up to determine the solution information using the platform information on the basis of the requirement information.

[0036] The object mentioned at the outset is further achieved by a system for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle. The system comprises a first provision device which is set up to provide requirement information which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle. The system further comprises a second provision device which is set up to provide platform information which represents features of a vehicle platform. The system further comprises an determination device which is set up to determine solution information which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements, wherein the solution information can be determined on the basis of the platform information.

[0037] For advantages, embodiments and design details of the manufacturing method according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention, the provision device according to the invention, the determination device according to the invention and the system according to the invention, reference can be made to the above description of the corresponding method features of the method according to the invention.

[0038] Examples of the invention are explained with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0039] Figure 1 schematically shows the structure of a

[0040] From an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention and a detection device according to the invention and

[0041] Figure 2 schematically shows the process of a

[0042] From an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a system for configuring a track-bound vehicle 1 . The track-bound vehicle is a rail vehicle 2 .

[0044] The system comprises a first provisioning facility 10, which is operated by a vehicle customer 12. The vehicle customer 12 is, for example, the operator of a rail transport system. For this purpose, the vehicle customer 12 desires the rail-bound vehicle 1, which is to be offered by a vehicle manufacturer 16 within the framework of a tender for the award of a contract for the development of the desired rail-bound vehicle 1.

[0045] The system further comprises a second provision device 20 and a determination device 30, which are operated by the vehicle manufacturer 16. The determination device 30 comprises a computing device 31, which is configured to execute a computer program.

[0046] Figure 2 shows schematically the sequence of an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0047] In a method step A, a request information AI is generated by the first provision device 10. The request information AI represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle. In particular, the request information AI relates to requirements specified by the vehicle customer 12 within the framework of a tender for awarding a contract. In response to the tender, the vehicle manufacturer 16 can prepare an offer based on the requirements.

[0048] The request information AI is provided in a method step B1 by sending it via the World Wide Web 6 to the determination device 30 of the vehicle manufacturer 16. In a method step B2, the request information AI is received by a first receiving device 38 of the determination device 30.

[0049] In a method step CI, a plurality of platform information items PI 1, PI 2, PI 3 are generated based on a plurality of existing vehicle platforms 32, 34, 36 of the vehicle manufacturer 16 and, in a method step C2, are provided to the determination device 30 by means of the second provision device 20. The plurality of platform information items PI 1, PI 2, PI 3 are received in a method step C3 by means of a second receiving device 39 of the determination device 30. Each platform information item PI 1, PI 2 or PI 3 of the plurality of platform information items PI 1, PI 2, PI 3 represents features of a respective vehicle platform 32, 34 or 36 of the plurality of vehicle platforms 32, 34, 36.

[0050] The plurality of platform information PI 1 , PI2 , PI 3 is received in a method step C3 by means of a second receiving device 39 of the determination device 30.

[0051] In a method step D, solution information LI is determined by means of the determination device 30, which represents a vehicle solution that at least partially meets the requirements. The solution information LI is generated, for example, in a method step D1 by configuring selectable and / or parameterizable features of one of the vehicle platforms 32, 34, or 36.

[0052] Different cases can occur:

[0053] It is possible that all characteristics are met by the vehicle solution represented by the solution information LI. In this case, the vehicle solution can be submitted as an offer within the framework of the tender by the vehicle manufacturer 16. The solution information is therefore a technical representation of the offer that the vehicle manufacturer 16 submits within the framework of the tender.

[0054] It is also possible that a requirement is not met by the vehicle solution. In this case, a feature candidate is generated in a process step E that is intended to meet the requirement. In further development, the feature candidate serves as the basis for a concrete feature to be developed that fulfills the requirement. The determined solution information therefore represents a first iteration, in which feature candidates can be replaced by concrete features in a second iteration in a process step G.

[0055] Furthermore, it is possible that the vehicle solution has at least one feature that must be changed in order to fulfill a requirement. In this case, in a method step F, identification information is generated and assigned to the feature. The identification information indicates that the feature must be changed in further development of the vehicle solution. During further development, a decision is made as to whether and, if so, how this change is to be implemented. The solution information therefore represents a first iteration, with the identified features being processed in a second iteration in a method step G.

[0056] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle (1), in which requirement information (AI) which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle is provided (B), platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) which represents features of a vehicle platform (32, 34, 36) is provided (C2) and solution information (LI) which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements is determined (D), wherein the solution information (LI) is determined using the platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) on the basis of the requirement information (AI).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the solution information (LI) is generated by configuring selectable and / or parameterizable features of the vehicle platform (32, 34, 36) (Dl).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of platform information items (PI1, PI2, PI3) is provided, wherein a platform information item (PI1, PI2, PI3) of the plurality of platform information items each represents features of a vehicle platform (32, 34, 36), wherein the solution information item (LI) is determined from the plurality of platform information items (PI1, PI2, PI3) on the basis of the request information item (AI). . Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, if the requirement information (AI) represents at least one requirement that is not met by the vehicle solution, a feature candidate is generated which is intended to meet the at least one unmet requirement.

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein, if the vehicle solution has at least one feature that must be changed in order to meet a requirement, an identification information is generated which indicates that the feature must be changed in a further determination of a vehicle solution.

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the first provision device (10) is operated by a vehicle customer (12) who tenders a configured rail-bound vehicle (1).

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the track-bound vehicle (1) is a rail vehicle (2), in particular a multiple unit.

8. Manufacturing method for producing a rail-bound vehicle (1), in which the vehicle to be manufactured is technically configured according to the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computing device (31), cause the computing device (31) to carry out the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Provision device for the computer program according to claim 9, wherein the provision device stores and / or provides the computer program.

11. Determination device for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle (1), comprising: a first receiving device (38) which is set up to receive requirement information (AI) which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle, a second receiving device (39) which is set up to receive platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) which represents features of a vehicle platform (32, 34, 36), and a computing device (31) which is set up to determine (D) solution information (LI) which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements, wherein the computing device is set up to determine the solution information (LI) using the platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) on the basis of the requirement information (AI).

12. System for the technical configuration of a rail-bound vehicle (1), comprising: a first provision device (10) which is set up to provide requirement information (AI) which represents requirements for a desired rail-bound vehicle, a second provision device (20) which is set up to provide platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) which represents features of a vehicle platform (32, 34, 36), and a determination device (30) which is set up to determine solution information (LI) which represents a vehicle solution for at least partially fulfilling the requirements, wherein the solution information (LI) can be determined using the platform information (PI1, PI2, PI3) on the basis of the requirement information (AI).

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