CBTC Route Device Blocking Command for Link Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CBTC systems experience disruptions in rail traffic when the communication link between the CBTC vehicle device and the CBTC route device is interrupted, leading to emergency braking and potential passenger evacuation, as existing methods assume an invalid driver's license and require manual intervention for continued operation.

Innovation Solution

The CBTC route device generates a blocking command upon communication link interruption, allowing it to maintain existing routes and prevent clearance, enabling safe continuation of the rail vehicle's journey without forced braking, and potentially extending routes to the next platform for flexible operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication link between CBTC vehicle device and CBTC route device is interrupted, then the driver's license is considered invalid and emergency braking is triggered, but this disrupts all rail traffic on the relevant route

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication link reliabilityVSAvoidrail traffic continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The CBTC route device generates a blocking command in advance when communication interruption is detected, preventing route clearance before it can cause disruption. This preliminary protective action maintains route protection while avoiding emergency braking, allowing traffic to continue with minimal disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking command acts as an intermediary mechanism between the communication failure and the rail traffic disruption. It mediates by preventing the clearance of routes while maintaining existing route protection, thus avoiding the need for emergency braking and passenger evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If emergency braking is applied when communication link fails, then safety is maintained, but rail traffic is disrupted and passengers may need to be evacuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain operation safetyVSAvoidpassenger evacuation need
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication failure, which would normally trigger emergency braking and passenger evacuation, is converted into a beneficial situation by generating a blocking command. This blocking command prevents route clearance and maintains route protection, allowing the train to continue operating safely without emergency braking or passenger evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If routes are cleared after communication failure, then the system recovers, but this causes disruption to the timetable and reduces vehicle availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem recoveryVSAvoidtimetable disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking command is generated immediately when communication interruption is detected, preventing route clearance in advance. This preliminary action avoids the need for subsequent route clearance and system recovery operations, maintaining timetable punctuality and vehicle availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3092162B1Method for controlling a rail vehicle connected to a cbtc system and cbtc system with at least one rail vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP3092162B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a rail vehicle which is connected to a CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control) system and has a communication link to a CBTC track-side device via its CBTC vehicle-mounted device which is itself connected communicatively to a CBTC railway control centre. In order to configure such a method in such a way that even in the event of a break in the communication link between the CBTC vehicle-mounted device and the CBTC track-side device the rail traffic can run largely without disruption, in the event of a break in the communication link (3) a blocking command (BK) is generated by the CBTC track-side device (2) and output, and clearance of the routes (FS), present at the time of the breaking of the communication link (3), for the rail vehicle (1) is blocked by the CBTC railway control centre (11) in response to the received blocking command (BK). The invention also relates to a CBTC system with at least one rail vehicle.