Balise Direction Detection Using Dual-Polarized Antennas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the direction of travel of a rail vehicle, such as those using balises or navigation systems, are either complex, unreliable, or limited in functionality, particularly in tunnels or when a train has lost its position, leading to delays and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method where the vehicle-side device receives electromagnetic waves with distinct properties (e.g., different polarizations) emitted by track-side devices in specific directions, allowing immediate determination of the direction of travel and position by analyzing these properties using a dual-polarized antenna system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second balise is used to determine direction of travel, then the direction can be unambiguously determined, but the train must operate in manual mode between balises causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic signal transmission by direction, with each balise transmitting different signal properties (e.g., polarization, frequency) for different directions of travel. This allows the onboard device to determine direction from a single balise by analyzing the signal properties, eliminating the need for manual operation between balises.
Solution Approach 2:
The balise pre-encodes directional information in the electromagnetic signal properties before transmission. The onboard device receives and analyzes these pre-prepared signal characteristics to immediately determine direction of travel without requiring additional manual intervention or waiting for the next balise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If navigation systems like GPS are used to determine direction, then direction can be determined without balises, but the system is not applicable in tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the balise system multi-functional by enabling it to provide both position information and direction of travel information through encoded electromagnetic signals. This single system works reliably both in open areas and in tunnels where GPS is unavailable, eliminating the need for alternative navigation systems.
3Measurement precision
If RFID transmitters are used to determine direction, then direction can be determined, but the implementation is quite complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the electromagnetic signal (such as polarization, frequency, or phase) based on the direction of travel. By encoding directional information in these signal parameters rather than using complex RFID transmitters, the system achieves accurate direction determination with simpler, more cost-effective equipment.
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 quick and reliable determination of the direction of travel and position, even when passing a single track-side device, enhancing safety and efficiency by reducing the need for manual operation and improving positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
When a train passes or approaches a balise, the emitted magnetic field induces a voltage in the balise, activating it
Implementation Method 2
the balise begins to transmit an information signal in the form of electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 3
A method where the vehicle-side device receives electromagnetic waves with distinct properties (e.g., different polarizations) emitted by track-side devices in specific directions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a direction of travel and/or position of a vehicle travelling on a route, in particular a rail vehicle, in which at least one information signal is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves by a track-side device, in particular a balise, and is received by a device in the vehicle. In order to determine the direction of travel and/or position of the vehicle in a simple and nevertheless safe manner, the invention provides for the electromagnetic waves to be emitted in a first transmission direction with a first property and in a second transmission direction with a second property which can be distinguished from the first property, and for both the electromagnetic waves with the first property and the electromagnetic waves with the second property to be received and for the direction of travel and/or position to be determined therefrom, wherein the first transmission direction runs at least partially in a first direction of travel and the second transmission direction runs at least partially in a second direction of travel.