On-Board Convoy Integrity Verification via Wireless Controller Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for verifying the integrity of vehicle convoys, such as railway convoys, are inflexible, costly to install and maintain, and lack effective control over disconnected sections, posing safety risks due to uncontrolled movement.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising on-board controllers that communicate to verify the integrity of the convoy by sending and receiving messages, with controllers implemented in leading, tail, and intermediate vehicles to detect disconnections and initiate safety actions, such as braking, using a communication network with redundant channels and safety protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed track-side systems (e.g., axle counting systems) are used to verify convoy integrity, then verification capability is provided, but installation and maintenance costs increase and system flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrity verification function is extracted from the fixed track-side infrastructure and relocated to mobile on-board units that travel with the convoy. This eliminates the need for expensive fixed installation while maintaining verification capability through wireless communication between on-board units and track-side controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The convoy vehicles themselves perform the integrity verification by exchanging messages between their on-board units. The system is self-verified by the convoy members rather than requiring external track-side monitoring, reducing dependency on complex fixed infrastructure.
2Reliability
If a disconnected section of the convoy is detected, then safety risk is identified, but control over the disconnected section is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board units continuously exchange integrity verification messages before a disconnection occurs. When disconnection is detected, the system has already established the baseline communication pattern and can immediately identify the breach, enabling faster response and potential preventive braking actions before the disconnected section becomes uncontrolled.
3Reliability
If on-board controllers with communication means are installed in each vehicle, then integrity verification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the vehicle's braking system, manages communication with adjacent vehicles, and verifies convoy integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated integrity verification hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving verification capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for verifying the integrity of a convoy, particularly a railway convoy, comprising at least a first vehicle and a second vehicle, is described, in which the system for verifying the integrity of a convoy includes a first controller arranged to be coupled to the first vehicle, a second controller arranged to be coupled to the second vehicle, and at least one communication means arranged to allow communication between the first controller and the second controller. The first controller and/or the second controller is/are arranged to determine that the integrity of the convoy is compromised, when the first controller and the second controller are no longer able to communicate with each other via the at least one communication means.