OBU Virtual RBC Message Handling for Railway Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-density railway lines, the disconnection between the On-Board Unit (OBU) and the Radio Block Center (RBC) subsystems due to wireless telecommunication network unavailability forces railway vehicles to operate at low speeds, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs, as existing solutions do not adequately address the need for safe and optimized vehicle control in degraded communication conditions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating and utilizing virtual RBC messages stored in the OBU, which include static speed profiles and level crossing information, allowing the vehicle to operate at higher speeds by using a route map database and odometry, ensuring safe navigation and protection from over-speeding and collisions, even in the absence of a direct RBC-OBU connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the railway vehicle operates in disconnected mode using manual procedures and limited protection, then safety is maintained through manual monitoring, but the operational speed is kept very low (5-15 km/h)
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores optimal speed profiles and movement authorizations before disconnection occurs. The OBU maintains a buffer of pre-computed control data that can be executed autonomously when RBC communication is lost, allowing the vehicle to operate at higher speeds without real-time RBC supervision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary autonomous control mechanism that bridges the gap between RBC supervision and manual operation. This intermediary system automatically monitors track conditions, enforces speed limits, and manages movement authority locally on the OBU, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while enabling higher speeds.
2Reliability
If private radio communication infrastructure is deployed to ensure adequate network coverage and availability, then quality of service is improved, but the overall life cycle cost of the railway system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the railway vehicle to serve itself by autonomously managing movement and speed control during disconnection events. The OBU independently executes pre-calculated profiles and monitors track conditions without requiring expensive dedicated RBC infrastructure or manual intervention, reducing both infrastructure costs and operational expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from requiring continuous RBC communication to operating with autonomous pre-calculated profiles. This parameter shift allows the system to function reliably with minimal infrastructure, reducing the need for expensive private radio networks while maintaining safety and service quality.
3Productivity
If the railway vehicle proceeds at higher speeds in disconnected mode, then productivity is improved, but the risk of over-speeding and collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the OBU monitors actual vehicle position, speed, and track conditions against the pre-calculated autonomous profiles. Sensors provide real-time feedback on track occupancy, level crossing status, and vehicle telemetry, allowing the system to dynamically adjust and enforce speed limits to prevent over-speeding and collisions while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for controlling a railway vehicle running on a railway track in case of disconnection between an on board module OBU (2) controlling the movement of the railway vehicle and a radio block centre module RBC (14) of an ERTMS/ETCS system, the method comprising : - elaborating a virtual RBC message, comprising a description of the railway track and/or predetermined travel information for the railway vehicle, - memorizing said virtual RBC message on board of the railway vehicle, and - in case of detection of disconnection between the on board module OBU (2) and the radio block centre module RBC (14), processing of the virtual RBC message by the on board module OBU (2) to control the railway vehicle movement following said disconnection.