CBTC Signaling Pseudo-Route for Reverse Train Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, when a train breaks down or encounters an operational deviation, it must wait for nominal operation to resume, affecting multiple trains that have entered the section and preventing them from continuing their journey, as they are restricted to travel only in the nominal direction.
Innovation Solution
A method and signaling system that allows trains to change direction and exit a section by selecting an origin zone and exit signal, tracing a pseudo-route, opening sub-routes for opposite direction travel, and updating movement authorizations to ensure safe passage, even in degraded mode, considering obstacles and safety envelopes for other trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trains are restricted to travel only in the nominal direction on a section, then route safety and control are maintained, but trains cannot exit the section during breakdowns or deviations, causing congestion and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by allowing trains to travel in the opposite direction to the nominal direction when needed. The system enables a train to change its direction of travel from the nominal direction to the opposite direction by defining a pseudo-route with sub-routes that reserve zones for opposite direction travel, thus resolving the contradiction between direction flexibility and safety control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the route into zones and sub-routes. Each zone between the train's current position and the exit signal is associated with a sub-route that reserves the zone for opposite direction travel. This segmentation allows the system to maintain safety control while enabling flexible direction changes by managing each zone independently
2Productivity
If multiple trains run simultaneously on the same section, then traffic efficiency is improved, but a breakdown on the section prevents all subsequent trains from continuing, increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables trains to exit a section by traveling in the opposite direction when a breakdown occurs. By allowing reverse direction travel through pseudo-routes and sub-routes, affected trains can bypass the blocked section and continue their journey, significantly reducing waiting time while maintaining high traffic throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic route management where the system can switch from nominal direction travel to opposite direction travel based on operational conditions. The zone controller dynamically determines movement authorizations considering the train's current direction and obstacles, allowing flexible adaptation to breakdown situations while maintaining efficient traffic flow
Data Source
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AI summary
When an event prevents a train from moving along a route in a nominal direction, this method allows it to travel in the opposite direction by: selecting (120) an origin zone and an exit signal; tracing (130) a pseudo-route over successive zones between the origin zone and the exit signal; opening (140) the pseudo-route by associating each zone with a sub-route, corresponding to the reservation of said zone for said train; informing (150) the train that it must travel in the opposite direction; determining (160) a movement authorization for the train from the sub-routes that are open to it and from a regularly updated list of obstacles; transmitting (180) the movement authorization to the train, the determination (160) and transmission (170) steps being iterated until the train passes the exit signal.