Parallel Data Transfer in Locomotive Consists
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transfer systems in locomotive consists are inefficient for rapid transfer of large data files, especially during complex operations or when using positive train control, as they often rely on serial transmission methods and lack the capability for parallel data transfer between locomotives and offboard servers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize wireless devices and routers on each locomotive to establish multiple parallel communication pathways, allowing client processors to divide data into subsets and transfer them simultaneously over these pathways, expediting data transfer between offboard servers and locomotives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If serial transmission methods are used for data transfer between locomotives and offboard servers, then device complexity is reduced, but data transfer speed becomes insufficient for large data files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer function by dividing data into multiple packets and establishing multiple parallel communication pathways between locomotives and offboard servers. This allows simultaneous transmission of multiple data packets through different routes, significantly increasing overall data transfer speed while maintaining manageable complexity at each individual node through standardized routing protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-path serial transmission to multi-path parallel transmission by adding the dimension of multiple communication routes. This enables data to flow through multiple simultaneous channels rather than sequentially, effectively multiplying the data transfer capacity without requiring each individual communication device to become more complex
2Loss of time
If multiple parallel communication pathways are established for rapid data transfer, then data transfer time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary routing setup where communication pathways are pre-established and configured before data transfer begins. Routing tables and communication protocols are prepared in advance, allowing data packets to be immediately routed through multiple parallel paths without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus reducing transfer time while keeping system complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary routing devices and protocols that mediate between the need for multiple parallel pathways and system complexity. These intermediaries handle the complexity of path management, packet routing, and data reassembly, allowing the overall system to achieve rapid parallel data transfer without each component needing to be overly complex
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided to expedite the transfer of data between an offboard server and a a locomotive in a consist. A wireless device may be located on each of a plurality of locomotives in the consist. A router may be located on each of the locomotives in the consist, with each router being communicatively coupled to an associated wireless device. A client processor may be located onboard each of the locomotives in the consist, with each client processor being configured to divide data to be transferred between the offboard server and the client processor into a plurality of subsets of data packets, and request transfer of each of the plurality of subsets of data packets in parallel between the offboard server and a different one of the routers on a different one of the plurality of locomotives.