Open Defined Interface Unit for Locomotive Subsystem Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems in locomotives lack a seamless integration mechanism for sharing data between subsystems, preventing efficient operation and coordination of various functions such as motive power, brake control, energy management, and train control.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with an open defined interface unit that allows multiple applications to access locomotive control system data in a common manner, enabling autonomous data transmission and management between subsystems, sensors, and off-board sources, using a publish-subscribe concept and a data-distribution service standard like DDS for real-time data sharing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a communication management unit (CMU) is used to communicate information off-board and onboard the locomotive, then communication capability is provided, but the CMU is unable to communicate information provided from one subsystem between the other subsystems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation sharing between subsystemsVSAvoidsubsystem integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an open defined interface unit as an intermediary component that sits between the CMU and various subsystems. This interface unit enables information to be shared between subsystems by providing a standardized communication layer that translates and routes data between different subsystem protocols and the CMU, thereby resolving the CMU's inability to directly communicate between subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The open defined interface unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of data communications between different subsystems (motive power, brake control, energy management, train control, etc.). It provides a common interface standard that can accommodate various subsystem protocols, making the system adaptable to multiple applications and enhancing overall subsystem integration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If no system/process exists to allow for seamless integration of subsystems, then subsystem independence is maintained, but efficient operation and coordination of various functions is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficient operation of subsystemsVSAvoidsubsystem integration structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integration function into a dedicated open defined interface unit separate from the CMU and individual subsystems. This segmentation allows each subsystem to maintain its independence while the interface unit handles the coordination and data routing between them, enabling efficient operation without requiring complex point-to-point connections between all subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The open defined interface unit serves as a mediator that simplifies subsystem integration by providing standardized connection points and data routing capabilities. Instead of creating a complex mesh network of connections between all subsystems, the interface unit acts as a central hub that manages data flow, reducing overall system complexity while enabling efficient coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple applications need to access locomotive control system data, then data availability is improved, but data access coordination and conflict resolution becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibility to applicationsVSAvoiddata management structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The open defined interface unit acts as an intermediary data management layer that handles access requests from multiple applications. It provides standardized data access interfaces and implements coordination logic to manage concurrent access, prioritize critical data flows, and resolve conflicts between competing application requests, thereby improving data availability without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination between applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface unit provides universal data access capabilities that serve multiple applications simultaneously through standardized interfaces. It implements a common data distribution mechanism that can handle various data types and access patterns, reducing the need for application-specific data management code and simplifying the overall data access architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11292497B2System, method, and computer software code for distributing and managing data for use by a plurality of subsystems on a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECH CORP

AI summary

A communication system includes a data manager unit, a private interface, and an open interface. The data manager unit is configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle and to manage a transmission of data from a control system of the vehicle to a plurality of applications. The private interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit to the control system of the vehicle, and to limit communication with the control system via a connection protocol, wherein the connection protocol is configured to prevent direct communication between the data manager unit and an application that does not use the connection protocol. The open interface is configured to communicably couple the data manager unit and the plurality of applications.