Ghost Train Detection Mode Switching for Short Rail Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle systems face inefficiencies in ghost train detection due to the presence of short, undetected vehicles, necessitating reduced speeds for reliable detection, especially when short maintenance vehicles are present, impacting overall system efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control device that switches between normal and high-speed ghost train detection modes based on operational criteria, such as time and location, allowing efficient detection without slowing down all vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rail vehicle travels at normal speed, then system productivity is maintained, but ghost train detection reliability deteriorates when short vehicles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment by switching between normal operation mode and ghost train detection mode. The control device dynamically changes the travel speed based on operational conditions - traveling at normal speed during routine operation and at reduced speed when performing ghost train detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and ensuring detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter conditionally based on operational mode. During normal operation, the vehicle travels at standard speed to maintain productivity. When ghost train detection is required, the speed parameter is reduced to ensure reliable detection. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and resolve the contradiction between speed and detection reliability
2Reliability
If the rail vehicle reduces speed for ghost train detection, then detection reliability improves, but system productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ghost train detection where the vehicle alternates between normal operation and detection phases. During normal operation, the vehicle travels at full speed to maintain productivity. At scheduled intervals or under specific conditions, the vehicle performs ghost train detection at reduced speed. This periodic action ensures detection reliability while minimizing the impact on overall system productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between operational modes based on conditions. The control device determines when ghost train detection is necessary and adjusts speed accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while ensuring detection reliability when required, resolving the contradiction between the two parameters
3Measurement precision
If the shortest vehicle length is used for detection calculations, then detection precision improves, but the required detection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vehicle length parameter based on operational mode. During normal operation, the system uses the actual vehicle length. During ghost train detection mode, the system uses the shortest vehicle length parameter for calculations to ensure detection precision. This parameter change allows the system to maintain accurate detection while managing speed requirements through dynamic mode switching
Data Source
AI summary
A rail vehicle system is described which comprises: i) a track section which has a monitoring device, in particular an axle counter, which is configured to monitor the state of the track section; ii) a rail vehicle which passes the track section forwards and/or backwards; and iii) a control device which is coupled to the rail vehicle and which is configured to perform ghost train detection using the rail vehicle and the state of the monitoring device; characterized in that iv) the control device is further configured to determine whether a short vehicle whose position is not recorded in the rail vehicle system meets an activation criterion, and, if the activation criterion is met, to perform ghost train detection in a high-speed mode at increased speed.