Data Collection Module for Rail Vehicle Device Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data collection methods in rail transport vehicles are either costly and invasive, requiring new networks and component replacements, or limited and unreliable, relying on additional sensors that are redundant and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A data collection module that connects to the maintenance port of a device controller to retrieve data without altering existing components, using serial communication and checking mechanisms for security and adaptability to different device controllers, allowing for high-quality, real-time data collection without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new generation wired networks (Ethernet) are installed to increase data exchange quality, then data exchange performance is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase due to removal of partitions, trimming for cables, and replacement of controllers and couplers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (data collection module with serial communication interface) that connects to the maintenance port of existing device controllers. This intermediary enables high-quality data collection without requiring modification of the existing network infrastructure, thus avoiding the complexity of installing new Ethernet networks while still achieving reliable data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages the existing maintenance port and communication capabilities of the device controllers themselves to collect data. The device controllers already have the necessary communication interfaces and data processing capabilities, so no additional controllers or network equipment need to be installed or replaced.
2Loss of information
If sensors are installed to collect data from devices, then data collection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to addition of active components that are liable to fail, and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the existing device controllers serve the dual purpose of both controlling their respective devices and providing data for monitoring and analysis. The device controllers already contain the necessary sensors and data processing capabilities to generate the required information, eliminating the need for additional external sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection module is designed to work with multiple types of device controllers through the standard maintenance port interface. A single module can collect data from various devices (air conditioning, doors, brakes, etc.) by connecting to their respective controllers, providing a universal solution that avoids adding device-specific components.
3Loss of information
If sensors are installed to collect data, then data collection is enabled, but cost increases and redundancy occurs since device controllers already have access to the information
Solution Approach 1:
The device controllers already possess the data collection capability through their existing sensors and processing units. The invention simply interfaces with these existing resources through the maintenance port, eliminating the need for duplicate sensors and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically duplicating sensors, the invention creates a logical copy of the data collection function by interfacing with the existing device controllers. The data collection module accesses and copies the information already present in the controllers without requiring physical duplication of sensing elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A data collection module for collecting data relating to at least one device of a vehicle is provided. The module includes connection means configured to be connected to a maintenance port of a device controller that manages operation of the at least one device. The connection means also is configured to establish communication with the device controller through the maintenance port. The module also includes data retrieval means configured to collect, during the operation of the at least one device at predefined instants, data relating to the at least one device via the communication that is established.