Auxiliary Communication Path for Train Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered systems, such as trains with multiple locomotives, face communication failures when primary communication paths become inoperable, leading to potential system non-functionality due to lack of redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provide at least one auxiliary communication path for a specific subsystem to ensure data transmission when the primary path is unavailable, using computer software code to determine path availability, identify and configure messages for auxiliary paths, and transmit data through them, allowing for continued system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary communication path is used for subsystem communication, then communication reliability is improved, but system vulnerability to single-point failures worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple communication paths (primary and auxiliary) before failures occur. The auxiliary communication path is established in advance as a backup route, allowing immediate switching when the primary path fails, thus resolving the contradiction between relying on a single reliable path and tolerating path failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the communication path parameter from primary to auxiliary when failure is detected. This parameter switching enables the system to adapt to failure conditions while maintaining communication reliability, effectively resolving the contradiction between path specialization and failure tolerance.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are provided for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional modules: primary path handling, auxiliary path handling, and path selection logic. This segmentation allows each component to be independently managed and tested, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining redundancy benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary communication path is designed to be universally applicable across different subsystems and failure scenarios. Rather than creating specialized backup paths for each subsystem, a single auxiliary path structure serves multiple purposes, reducing the overall complexity of the redundant communication system.
3Measurement precision
If communication paths are dedicated to specific subsystems, then communication precision is improved, but path failure impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary path selection mechanism that mediates between dedicated subsystem communication requirements and overall path availability. When a dedicated path fails, the intermediary selects an appropriate auxiliary path that can carry the subsystem communication, maintaining both precision and availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating on a train that has at least two locomotives, the method including determining when a primary communication path ceases to be available for a specific subsystem of the train, identifying at least one auxiliary communication path to transmit information for the specific subsystem, configuring a message for the specific subsystem which complies with a message format of the at least one auxiliary communication path, and transmitting the message on the at least one auxiliary communication path. A system and a computer software code are further disclosed for providing a communication system for a powered system.