Gradient Information Acquisition Using Speed Difference Minimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting gradient information in digital automatic train control systems are costly and time-consuming, especially for small transportation systems, and require dedicated inspection cars or manual measurement, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that acquire gradient information using a railroad vehicle equipped with a speedometer and communication unit, which calculates the gradient by minimizing the difference between measured and calculated speed values through an equation of motion, allowing for gradient information acquisition without a dedicated inspection car and reducing measurement time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated inspection car is used to measure gradient information, then measurement accuracy is improved, but development costs, manufacturing costs, and transportation costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient information accuracyVSAvoidinspection car system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling ordinary railroad vehicles to perform gradient measurement functions in addition to their regular transportation function. The control device in the railroad vehicle uses existing sensors (speedometer, acceleration detector) and the equation of motion to calculate gradient information, eliminating the need for dedicated inspection cars while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The railroad vehicle performs self-measurement of gradient information using its own onboard equipment (speedometer, acceleration detector, control device) without requiring external inspection vehicles. The control device calculates gradient based on data from the vehicle's own sensors, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual measurement methods are used to acquire gradient information, then equipment costs are reduced, but measurement time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement equipment simplicityVSAvoidgradient information acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated calculation system. The control device uses the equation of motion (F=ma) and processes data from electronic sensors (speedometer, acceleration detector) to automatically calculate gradient information, substituting human labor with computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously collects speed and acceleration data from sensors and feeds this information to the control device, which calculates gradient information in real-time. The feedback loop between sensor data collection and gradient calculation enables rapid, automated measurement without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If actual measurement is performed after track construction to obtain accurate gradient data, then gradient information accuracy is improved, but time and effort are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactual gradient measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime after track construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables gradient measurement to be performed during regular railroad vehicle operations rather than requiring separate post-construction inspection phases. By utilizing the equation of motion and onboard sensors during normal vehicle movement, gradient information is acquired as a byproduct of regular operations, eliminating dedicated measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid acquisition of accurate gradient information using existing railroad vehicles, reducing costs and time, and improving data reliability without the need for a dedicated inspection car.

Implementation Method 1

a speed measurement value acquiring step of acquiring a measurement value of a speed of a railroad vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpeed measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a speed calculating step of obtaining a calculation value of the speed of the railroad vehicle using an equation of motion including a function representing a gradient of a travel route of the railroad vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEquation of motion:

Implementation Method 3

a parameter value acquiring step of obtaining a parameter value of the function representing the gradient, the parameter value minimizing a difference between the calculation value of the speed and the measurement value of the speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParameter optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS9778065B2Gradient information acquisition method, storage medium, gradient information acquisition device and program

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a gradient information acquisition method comprising: a speed measured value acquisition step in which a measured value of the speed of a rail vehicle is acquired; a speed calculation step in which a calculated value of the speed of said vehicle is found using an equation of movement including a parameter indicating the gradient of the path of travel of said rail vehicle; a parameter value acquisition step in which a parameter value is found of a function indicating said gradient, for which parameter the difference of said measured value of the speed and said calculated value of the speed is a minimum; and a gradient information acquisition step of finding the gradient of said path of travel, based on the parameter value of the function indicating said gradient that was acquired in said parameter value acquisition step.