Level Crossing Controller with Dual-Channel Track Circuit and Wheel Sensor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level crossing safety systems face challenges in achieving high reliability and security while minimizing cabling efforts, particularly due to weather conditions affecting track circuits and the high cabling requirements of axle counting systems.
Innovation Solution
A two-channel diverse information system using audio-frequency track circuits and wheel sensors, where the track circuit serves as a transmission medium for the wheel sensor signals, reducing the need for additional cabling and enabling independent control signals, with additional features like time difference measurement for speed determination and reverse data transmission for enhanced safety and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If track circuits are used to switch level crossings, then switching function is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to weather conditions affecting track circuits and vehicle axles
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into two independent channels: track circuits for occupancy detection and wheel sensors for vehicle passage detection. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently, reducing the impact of weather conditions on overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using wheel sensors that detect vehicle passages through wheel profile changes rather than relying on electrical properties of track circuits that are sensitive to weather. This parameter change makes the detection system more reliable under varying weather conditions.
2Reliability
If axle counting systems are used to improve reliability, then safety level increases, but cabling effort increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The track circuit serves multiple functions: it detects vehicle occupancy and simultaneously acts as a transmission medium for wheel sensor signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cabling for wheel sensors, reducing overall cabling effort while maintaining high safety levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal transmission function into the existing track circuit infrastructure. By combining the wheel sensor signal transmission with the track circuit's electrical path, the system achieves high reliability without requiring additional dedicated cabling.
3Ease of operation
If wheel sensors are connected directly to level crossing controller, then control signals are provided, but cabling effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track circuit acts as an intermediary medium that carries wheel sensor signals from the sensors to the level crossing controller. This eliminates the need for direct cabling between wheel sensors and the controller, reducing cabling effort while maintaining full control functionality.
4Ease of operation
If radio acknowledgment devices based on GSM-R are used, then communication is provided, but security level remains very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio-based GSM-R communication with electrical signal transmission through track circuits. This substitution provides authenticated, controlled signal transmission with higher security levels while maintaining communication functionality between detection devices and the level crossing controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a level crossing safety system comprising a level crossing controller (4) for controlling any safety devices (2, 3), and to a method for controlling such a level crossing safety system. In order to achieve with little effort, in particular with little cable wiring, a higher safety level, it is provided that the level crossing controller (4) can be switched on by at least one current track circuit (5) and at least one wheel sensor (6, 14).