Inductive Current Sensor for Rail Vehicle Balise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the European Train Control System (ETCS), the transmission of ETCS telegrams via balises can be inconsistent due to spatial distribution, leading to changes in signal terms during train crossings, and there is a need to obtain precise location and speed information of rail vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that use an inductive current sensor to scan the current flow on an electrical connecting line between a track-side control unit and balise, evaluating voltage signals to provide an indication signal for the control unit, which temporarily blocks signal term changes and determines the rail vehicle's location or speed using multiple balises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If balises are arranged in pairs and spatially distributed for direction detection, then the system can obtain location and speed information, but the signal aspect transmitted by the balises may change during train crossing, leading to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to block signal aspect changes in advance when a train crossing is detected. The detection of the telepowering signal triggers a blocking mechanism that prevents inconsistent signal aspect changes before they can occur, ensuring signal consistency during the crossing event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the telepowering signal detection as feedback to control the signal aspect transmission. When the inductive sensor detects the telepowering signal from the train, the control unit receives feedback and accordingly blocks signal aspect changes to maintain consistency throughout the crossing event.
2Loss of information
If the control unit monitors and controls multiple balises, then location and speed information can be obtained, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls and monitors multiple balises, detects the telepowering signal through the inductive sensor, blocks signal aspect changes, and determines train location and speed. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system obtains comprehensive train crossing information without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
Prevents signal term changes during train crossings, allowing for accurate determination of the rail vehicle's location and speed, ensuring consistent ETCS telegram transmission and precise information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
non-reactive sensing of the current flow on the connecting line by means of an inductively acting current sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a method and a device for detecting the passage of a rail vehicle emitting a tele-powering signal over at least one balise, comprising: a) at least one trackside balise (6); b) a trackside control unit (8) controlling and/or monitoring the at least one balise (6); c) an electrical connecting line (4) between the control unit (8) and the balise (6), wherein the control unit (8) and/or the balise (6) are equipped to receive control signals, e.g. ETCS telegrams, alternating voltages with a predetermined frequency, etc., to transmit via the electrical connecting line (4), d) an inductive current sensor (12) for non-reactively sensing the current flow on the connecting line (4); e) an evaluation circuit (14, 16, 18) for evaluating the voltage signal (Uc) induced in the current sensor (12) by comparing the voltage signal (Uc) with voltage limit values and, in the event of a voltage value being exceeded, providing a warning signal (20) to the control unit (8); and f) wherein the control unit (8) is further enabled, in response to the presence of the warning signal (20): f1) to temporarily block a signal aspect change for all balises (6) controlled by the control unit (8); and/or f2) to determine the position and/or speed of the rail vehicle using the warning signals (20) of several balises (6) controlled by the control unit (8).In this way, the procedure and the setup can temporarily prevent the signal aspect transmitted by the balises as an ETCS telegram from changing. Likewise, the control unit can derive information from the train's passage and the timing of the arrival of the warning signals, such as the exact location of the train at a specific time or its speed.