MU Cable Bus Data Communication for Vehicle Consists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data communication in vehicle consists, such as trains, face challenges including high costs, interference issues with wireless communications, and the need for costly and labor-intensive installation of dedicated network cables, which can be prone to failure in harsh environments, leading to reduced reliability and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes existing MU cable buses for transmitting network data, converting it into modulated data orthogonal to non-network control information to avoid interference, allowing for efficient communication between vehicles without the need for additional cabling, and enabling the integration of higher-level functions like positive train control and passenger information systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless communication methods are used for data communication in vehicle consists, then installation cost and labor are reduced, but interference issues and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing MU cable bus as an intermediary medium to transmit data signals between vehicles. By modulating data onto the power transmission cables that already connect vehicles, the system avoids both wireless interference and the need for new dedicated communication cables. The MU cable bus serves as a dual-purpose intermediary for both power delivery and data communication.
2Reliability
If dedicated network cables are installed for data communication, then communication reliability improves, but installation cost and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing MU cable bus universal by enabling it to perform both its original power transmission function and a new data communication function. By modulating data signals onto the power cables, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication cables, reducing installation costs while maintaining reliable wired communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power transmission and data communication functions into a single cable system. The MU cable bus that originally carried only electrical power now simultaneously carries both power and modulated data signals, consolidating infrastructure requirements and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional cabling is installed for data communication, then communication capability improves, but system complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the existing MU cable bus to serve multiple functions simultaneously - power transmission and data communication. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated communication cabling infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining full data communication capability across the vehicle consist.
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
This solution enhances data communication reliability and reduces costs by leveraging existing infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and flexibility while minimizing downtime and labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
converting it into modulated data orthogonal to non-network control information to avoid interference
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication system is configured to obtain operational data associated with a control system of a vehicle consist. The operational data is obtained at a first vehicle of the consist. The operational data is communicated from the first vehicle to one or more second vehicles in the consist. Responsive to a loss of the operational data at the first vehicle, at least the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle can be communicated from one or more of the second vehicles to the first vehicle. Onboard the first vehicle, an operational capability of the consist to perform a movement event can be determined using the operational data that was lost at the first vehicle and that was communicated from the at least one of the one or more second vehicles to the first vehicle.