Anti-skid Control Device Position Change Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting changes in position of vehicles that are at least partially switched off is challenging due to the need to maintain energy-consuming position determination devices, which increases operational costs and safety risks, especially in track-bound vehicles where components like satellite-based location devices and radar systems need to be switched off during breaks.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an anti-skid control device already present in rail vehicles to detect changes in position by generating a rotation signal from axle detection, allowing the device to enter a low-energy standby mode during breaks and resume operation when movement is detected, thereby confirming or invalidating stored location information without additional effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If position determination devices (satellite-based location tracking systems, radar) are kept on during vehicle downtime, then location information remains available for rapid reactivation, but energy consumption increases and operating costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores the last known valid position information in memory before the vehicle is switched off. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly retrieve and use the stored position data upon reactivation without needing to continuously maintain active position determination devices, thus resolving the contradiction between immediate position availability and energy conservation during downtime.
2Use of energy by moving object
If position determination devices are switched off during vehicle downtime to save energy, then operating costs are reduced, but the system cannot detect whether the vehicle has moved during shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary axle sensor that detects wheel rotation to determine if the vehicle has moved during shutdown. This intermediary detection method allows the system to monitor position changes using minimal energy (only detecting movement events rather than continuously tracking position) while maintaining the ability to detect unauthorized or unexpected vehicle movement during downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary check using the axle sensor to detect any wheel rotation during the shutdown period. This preliminary detection action determines whether the stored position information remains valid or needs to be updated/rejected, enabling energy-efficient operation while maintaining reliability in position data validity.
3Reliability
If additional position detection components are added to detect vehicle movement during shutdown, then position change detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing axle sensor, which is already part of the anti-skid control system, for the additional function of detecting vehicle movement during shutdown. By making this existing component multi-functional, the system achieves position change detection capability without adding new components, thus resolving the contradiction between improved detection reliability and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing anti-skid control system with its axle sensor serves itself by also performing the position change detection function during shutdown. This self-service approach allows the system to gain additional functionality (movement detection during downtime) without requiring external additions or increased complexity, as the existing infrastructure is leveraged for multiple purposes.
4Reliability
If the anti-skid control device remains in operating mode during vehicle downtime, then position change detection is continuous, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the operational state of the anti-skid control device based on vehicle status. During normal operation, the device functions fully for position change detection. During planned downtime, it transitions to a low-energy state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy consumption while maintaining detection capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by activating the anti-skid control device only during specific periods (normal operation) and deactivating it during other periods (planned downtime). This periodic on/off operation based on vehicle usage patterns enables the system to maintain detection reliability when required while minimizing energy consumption during periods when detection is less critical.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and energy-saving detection of position changes without additional components, ensuring valid location information upon restart and reducing manual intervention in safety-critical systems like the European Train Control System (ETCS).
Implementation Method 1
a first rotation signal is generated by detecting a rotation of a vehicle axle by means of an axle detection device
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting a change in position of a vehicle (1) that is at least partly turned off. The method is characterized by detecting (G) the change in position by means of an anti-skid control device (12) of the vehicle (1).