Consist Data Communication Redundancy and Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication systems in a consist, such as railcars, are prone to failures due to exposure to weather and mechanical stress, and they do not effectively handle erroneous, corrupted, or incomplete data, especially when high-bandwidth transmissions like video data exceed capacity, potentially delaying operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two communication lines with transceivers and a processor to compare and determine the accuracy of data signals transmitted over each line, ensuring reliable data transmission by prioritizing critical data and isolating noncritical data, and employing a failover system with heartbeat signals to monitor transceiver functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant communication lines are used to improve reliability, then data transmission reliability is improved, but bandwidth capacity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data into critical and non-critical categories, transmitting critical data over redundant communication lines while non-critical data uses a single line. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability for essential data without consuming excessive bandwidth capacity across all transmission channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different transmission qualities to different data types: critical data receives high-quality redundant transmission while non-critical data uses standard single-line transmission. This local quality differentiation optimizes bandwidth allocation by concentrating redundant transmission resources only where they are most needed.
2Ease of operation
If data is transmitted over exposed cables between railcars, then communication between vehicles is enabled, but the system becomes susceptible to weather and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing redundant communication paths in advance. When the primary exposed cable fails due to weather or mechanical stress, the system can immediately switch to backup communication lines, cushioning against the harmful effects of environmental factors on data transmission.
3Loss of information
If large data transmissions such as video data are sent, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but bandwidth capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video and other large data transmissions into critical and non-critical portions. Critical data essential for safety and operation is transmitted with higher priority and redundancy, while non-critical video data is transmitted with lower priority or compressed, thereby managing bandwidth capacity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communicating a dataset may include at least a first and a second communication line. The system may also include a first transceiver configured to communicate a first data signal indicative of the dataset over the first communication line and a second transceiver configured to communicate a second data signal indicative of the dataset over the second communication line. The system may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to receive the first data signal and the second data signal and compare the first data signal and the second data signal to determine whether the first data signal or the second data signal comprises a more accurate signal. The processor may also be configured to determine the dataset based upon the more accurate signal.