Train Control Balise Power Consumption Reduction via Request-Driven Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing train control systems face high power consumption and the need for external energy supplies, leading to increased costs and complexity, especially when continuous data signal transmission is required without an external power source.
Innovation Solution
A method where the data signal from the trackside electronic unit is transmitted only when requested by the balise, using a request signal to activate the transmission, reducing power requirements and allowing for alternative energy sources, such as autonomous or energy-harvested power, and decoupling energy from the signal stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data signal is continuously transmitted from the trackside electronic unit to the balise, then the data transmission reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by transmitting the data signal only during specific time intervals when a vehicle antenna is detected and activates the balise, rather than continuous transmission. The trackside electronic unit receives an activation signal from the vehicle antenna, which triggers the balise to request data, and only then transmits the data signal periodically during these activation events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the balise automatically requests data from the trackside electronic unit when activated by a vehicle antenna, and the trackside unit responds only when needed. This eliminates the need for continuous monitoring and transmission control, allowing the system to operate efficiently with minimal power consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external power supply and cable installations are provided for the trackside electronic unit, then the power requirement is satisfied, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trackside electronic unit is designed to operate autonomously using energy harvested from the electromagnetic field generated by passing trains. The unit contains an energy harvesting device that converts electromagnetic energy from train antennas into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external power supplies, cables, or complex installation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical power supply system (cables, external power sources) with an electromagnetic energy harvesting system. The trackside electronic unit captures energy wirelessly from the electromagnetic field of passing trains through electromagnetic induction, substituting physical cable installations with a contactless energy transfer mechanism.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the data signal is transmitted only when requested, then the power consumption is reduced, but the data transmission response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring for vehicle antennas and activation signals. When a vehicle approaches and its antenna is detected, the system is already in a ready state to immediately transmit data upon balise request, eliminating cold-start delays. The trackside electronic unit maintains readiness for data transmission by detecting approaching vehicles in advance.
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
Significantly reduces the power consumption of the train control device, enabling the use of alternative energy sources and eliminating the need for costly cable installations, while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The activation signal is preferably the so-called 'tele-powering signal' which is defined in the previously mentioned specification of the Eurobalise and is transmitted via the so-called 'A' interface ('A' interface). According to the specification, this is transmitted at a frequency of around 27.095 MHz and is used to activate and supply power to the balise for transmission of the data signal to the on-board antenna.
Implementation Method 2
the request signal is transmitted to the trackside electronic unit in the form of a periodic load modulation of the energy supply signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a particularly flexible and simultaneously cost-effective method for operating a train control device, wherein a data signal (DS) is selected by a trackside electronic unit (LEU) in dependence on a signal aspect and transferred to a balise (B) arranged in the track, a request signal (AS) is transferred to the trackside electronic unit (LEU) from the balise (B) during receiving of an activation signal emitted from a vehicle-side antenna and the data signal (DS) is transferred from the trackside electronic unit (LEU) for the duration of the receiving of the request signal (AS) to the balise (B). The invention further relates to a trackside electronic unit (LEU) and a balise (B) for a train control device and to a train control device.