Portable CBTC Computer for Train Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Trains without functioning on-board communication-based train control (CBTC) systems or those entering CBTC system territories face inefficiencies due to manual control requirements, leading to increased distances between trains, slower speeds, and reduced frequency, as the CBTC system becomes 'dark' and unaware of these trains.
Innovation Solution
A portable computer system with sensors and a transceiver is removably coupled to the train, enabling communication with the CBTC system, collecting data on train location, speed, and other parameters, and transmitting movement orders to maintain efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control is used for trains without CBTC systems, then safety is maintained, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to increased distances between trains, slower speeds, and reduced frequency
Solution Approach 1:
A portable CBTC computer system acts as an intermediary device that connects trains without onboard CBTC systems to the CBTC control network. This portable system includes a transceiver that communicates with the CBTC wayside infrastructure, enabling automatic control and tracking of manually controlled trains, thereby maintaining both safety and operational efficiency
2Reliability
If CBTC system becomes 'dark' due to non-compatible or non-functioning onboard systems, then manual control ensures safety, but system awareness and automation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The portable CBTC computer system serves as a mediator that restores communication between the CBTC system and trains with non-compatible or failed onboard systems. The portable system's transceiver communicates with wayside equipment, allowing the CBTC system to maintain awareness of train locations and status, thereby preserving automation capabilities even when onboard systems are non-functional
Solution Approach 2:
The portable CBTC computer system essentially creates a temporary copy or substitute for the missing or failed onboard CBTC system. By providing the necessary computing and communication functions in a portable format, it replicates the capabilities of a full onboard system for the duration needed to maintain CBTC operation in the territory
3Adaptability or versatility
If portable computer system is removably coupled to vehicle, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CBTC functionality is segmented into a separate portable computer system that can be independently coupled to or removed from the train. This segmentation allows the portable system to be adapted to different trains as needed without permanently modifying each vehicle, and the coupling mechanism is designed to be relatively simple despite the complexity of the computing system itself
Data Source
AI summary
A portable computer system and method of operating a vehicle using the portable computer system in a communication-based train control (CBTC) system territory is provided. The portable computer system includes a sensor and a transceiver that is communicatively coupled to the sensor and to the CBTC system, wherein the portable computer system configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle. The method includes verifying that the vehicle is operating with one of a non-operational CBTC computer system and a non-CBTC computer system, and removably coupling a portable computer system including at least one sensor and a transceiver that is communicatively coupled to the sensor to the vehicle such that the transceiver is coupled in communication with the CBTC system.