Onboard ATC Standby Mode Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic train control systems require a time-consuming initialization phase to determine the instantaneous position of a train, which is detrimental for unmanned autonomous metros, and previous solutions like radar devices are costly and prone to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
The on-board ATC system is designed to operate in a standby mode, where only essential components are powered, using odometry means like phonic wheels and antennas to determine and periodically report the train's position, allowing immediate transition to active mode upon restart without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the on-board ATC system performs a complete initialization phase to determine the instantaneous position of the train, then the position determination is accurate and safe, but the time required for initialization is long and detrimental for autonomous metros
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the on-board ATC system maintain position information in memory during standby mode, so that when the system restarts, the instantaneous position is already known and can be immediately transmitted to the ground ATC without requiring a complete re-initialization phase. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the necessary data in advance, eliminating the time-consuming visual piloting requirement while maintaining position accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If radar devices are used to determine train position, then the position can be determined without manual intervention, but the cost is high and false alarms occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the on-board ATC system to determine and report its own position using its existing odometry means and stored position information, without requiring external radar devices. The system serves itself by utilizing its own resources (memory, odometry sensors) to maintain and communicate position data, thereby eliminating the need for costly radar infrastructure while avoiding false alarms associated with radar-based systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the on-board ATC system operates in standby mode with minimal components powered, then electrical consumption is reduced, but the system cannot determine position without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining essential position determination components (odometry means and memory) in a ready state during standby mode, allowing the system to immediately determine and report position without manual intervention when restarted. This resolves the contradiction by keeping minimal necessary components active or pre-configured, enabling automatic position determination while maintaining low electrical consumption.
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
This approach enables the train to quickly and safely determine its position upon restart, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing electrical consumption, while maintaining accurate position reporting and ensuring train integrity.
Implementation Method 1
odometry means, in particular comprising a phonic wheel and an antenna for receiving signals from positioning beacons
Implementation Method 2
an antenna for receiving signals from positioning beacons installed on the ground
Data Source
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AI summary
This system comprises a ground ATC (9) and an onboard ATC (10), which is switched from an "active" mode to a "standby" mode and vice versa by a wake-up unit (21). In "standby" mode, only the following components remain powered: odometry devices (23, 17); a main computer (18); a radio communication device (20) between the onboard and ground ATC; and the wake-up unit (21). The main computer (18) is programmed to, in "standby" mode, verify that the train's displacement measured by the odometry devices since switching from "active" to "standby" mode is zero and, if so, transmit an instantaneous train position to ground ATC using the radio communication device.