Portable Positioning System for Rail Vehicle Odometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle positioning and speed determination systems are cumbersome and difficult to install on maintenance vehicles due to space constraints, and they require a full implementation of the Vehicle Onboard Controller (VOBC) system, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A portable positioning and odometry system (PPOS) that separates the positioning and speed determination functions from the VOBC, allowing for a lightweight, easier-to-install system that can be deployed on maintenance vehicles without the need for a full VOBC setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional VOBC system is installed on maintenance vehicles, then positioning and speed determination functions are provided, but the system size and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VOBC system into two independent parts: a fixed wayside infrastructure (including RFID tags, tachometers, and processing equipment) and a portable onboard unit (PPOS). The wayside infrastructure provides positioning and speed data, while the PPOS receives and processes this data. This segmentation eliminates the need to install complex equipment on maintenance vehicles, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable positioning functions and reducing installation complexity.
2Reliability
If Hall Effect sensors and tachometers are installed on bogies, then speed and positioning functions are achieved, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed and positioning measurement functions from the vehicle bogie and relocates them to the fixed wayside infrastructure. RFID tags are installed on the guideway and tachometers are mounted on fixed structures, eliminating the need for time-consuming bogie disassembly and sensor installation. The PPOS onboard unit simply receives data from this fixed infrastructure, dramatically reducing installation time and labor while maintaining speed and positioning function reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full VOBC system is deployed, then comprehensive train control capability is provided, but cost and deployment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal wayside infrastructure that serves multiple functions: it provides positioning data for CBTC operations, speed measurement for safety monitoring, and tracking capabilities for maintenance vehicle management. This single fixed infrastructure supports various vehicle types and CBTC functions without requiring separate systems, achieving comprehensive train control capability while improving deployment efficiency through standardized installation.
4Reliability
If maintenance vehicles are tracked in CBTC territory, then safety of all vehicles is improved, but tracking and location capability must be added to vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the PPOS as an intermediary device that enables maintenance vehicle tracking in CBTC territory. The PPOS receives positioning and speed data from the fixed wayside infrastructure and communicates this information to the CBTC control system. This intermediary approach allows tracking and location capability without adding complex sensors or equipment to maintenance vehicles, improving safety while minimizing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning and odometry system (POS) includes one or more sensors configured to collect sensor data. The one or more sensors are operably coupled to a portable housing configured to be coupled to a vehicle body. POS has processing circuitry operably coupled to the one or more sensors. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, in response to the collected sensor data from the one or more sensors, vehicle position and odometry data.