Dynamic Rail Shunting Boundaries With Transparent Data Balises
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail systems face limitations in shunting operations due to fixed and unchangeable shunting yard boundaries, leading to safety concerns, inefficient use of track sections, high installation costs, and the inability to perform parallel shunting operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with controllable transparent data balises that can switch between boundary and crossing modes, allowing dynamic adjustment of shunting track areas based on real-time instruction data sets, enabling multiple shunting units to operate simultaneously and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed and unchangeable shunting yard boundaries are used, then safety is ensured through permanent demarcation, but the rail area cannot be efficiently utilized and parallel shunting operations are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shunting yard boundaries changeable rather than fixed. The boundary elements can be dynamically repositioned along the rail tracks, allowing the shunting yard area to be adjusted based on operational requirements. This enables the same rail area to serve multiple purposes and allows parallel shunting operations in different sections, thereby improving productivity while maintaining safety through controlled boundary definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rail area into multiple potential shunting yard sections by placing multiple boundary elements at different positions. This segmentation allows different portions of the rail area to be designated as active shunting yards simultaneously or sequentially, enabling parallel operations and more efficient utilization of the overall rail infrastructure while maintaining clear safety boundaries in each segment.
2Ease of operation
If permanently installed shunting boundary elements are used, then clear demarcation is provided, but installation costs are high and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The boundary elements are designed to be movable rather than permanently fixed, allowing them to be repositioned as needed. This reduces installation complexity and cost while maintaining clear demarcation when in use. The elements can be easily installed at different locations along the rail tracks and repositioned to create different shunting yard configurations based on operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If fixed-data balises are used to mark boundaries, then the shunting yard area is clearly defined, but the shunting unit is forced to brake and the area cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed-data balises with movable boundary elements that can be repositioned. These boundary elements provide clear visual and physical demarcation of the shunting yard area while allowing the area to be adjusted in size and position. The transparency of the boundary elements allows the shunting unit to see through them, preventing forced braking while still providing clear boundary definition for operational safety.
4Ease of operation
If large track sections are designated as shunting yards, then shunting operations can be performed, but significant portions of the track are closed to other rail vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rail area into multiple potential shunting yard sections that can be activated independently. This allows shunting operations to be confined to smaller, specific sections when needed, rather than closing off large track sections. Other portions of the rail area remain available for through traffic and other rail vehicle operations, thereby improving overall track availability and productivity while maintaining adequate space for shunting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable boundary elements allow the shunting yard area to be dynamically adjusted to the minimum necessary size for each shunting operation. This prevents unnecessary closure of track sections and allows the rail area to be optimized for each specific operation, maintaining maximum availability for other rail vehicles while still providing adequate space for safe shunting operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for dynamically setting shunting track areas (354, 356) in a rail area (242, 342) of a rail system (220, 320), comprising providing a plurality of transparent data balises (234, 334) arranged in the rail area (242, 342), wherein the transparent data balises (234, 334) are each operable in at least one boundary balise mode and an overrun mode, obtaining at least one shunting instruction data set, defining at least one first shunting track area (354, 356) located in the rail area (242, 342) by defining a boundary of the first shunting track area (354, 356) based on the obtained shunting instruction data set, wherein the defining of the first shunting track area (354, 356) is a Determining transparent data balises (234, 334) from the plurality of transparent data balises (234, 334),which form the boundary of the first shunting section (354, 356), and setting the first shunting section (354, 356) by setting the transparent data balises (234, 334) forming the boundary of the first shunting section (354, 356) to the boundary balise mode.,