Rail Vehicle Data Communication System Reducing Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in powered vehicles, such as locomotives, face frequent reconfiguration issues when software applications request new or different data parameters, leading to interruptions in the flow of necessary data parameters, potentially affecting critical operations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system comprising an input module, a selection module, and a publisher module that receives data parameters and selects a subset based on request frequency and filters, reducing the need for reconfiguration by prioritizing and dynamically updating the data parameters communicated to applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system communicates updated values of all data parameters in the master list periodically, then the completeness of data parameter communication is improved, but the system complexity and reconfiguration frequency increase when new parameters are requested
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the master list of data parameters into multiple groups or categories. Instead of communicating all parameters uniformly, the system selectively communicates specific groups based on application requests and priority levels. This segmentation allows the system to maintain completeness for critical parameters while reducing overall communication overhead and reconfiguration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter group configuration where the system can adaptively adjust which data parameter groups are communicated based on real-time application requests, operational conditions, and priority assignments. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to new parameter requests without complete reconfiguration, maintaining stability while providing necessary data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system reconfigures to include newly requested data parameters, then the adaptability to application needs is improved, but the frequency of reconfiguration increases causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predefined parameter groups and communication patterns before runtime. When applications request data parameters, the system checks whether these parameters belong to existing predefined groups. This preliminary structuring allows the system to accommodate new requests by selecting from pre-configured groups rather than creating new configurations, thereby maintaining reliability while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a priority-based parameter selection mechanism where data parameters are assigned priority levels. When reconfiguration is needed, the system prioritizes high-priority parameters and maintains their communication continuity. This parameter prioritization allows the system to adapt to new requests while minimizing interruptions to critical data flows.
3Productivity
If the system communicates a limited subset of data parameters, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the availability of requested data parameters may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal parameter groups that can serve multiple applications simultaneously. Each parameter group is designed to be multi-functional, containing data parameters that can be utilized by different applications for their respective operations. This universality allows the system to communicate efficient subsets while ensuring broad availability and adaptability to various application needs.
4Reliability
If critical data parameters are prioritized for communication, then the operational safety is improved, but the frequency of communication for non-critical parameters decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different communication qualities to different parameter groups based on their criticality. Critical parameters receive higher communication frequency and priority assurance to ensure operational safety, while non-critical parameters are communicated at lower frequencies. This local differentiation of communication quality allows the system to maintain safety while efficiently managing overall communication resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system for a vehicle includes an input module, a selection module, and a publisher module. The input module is configured to receive data parameters associated with one or more conditions (e.g., states, current operational aspects or modes, operational environmental conditions) of the vehicle. The selection module is configured to select a subset of the data parameters. The publisher module is configured to communicate the data parameters in the subset to one or more applications of the vehicle that use the data parameters to perform one or more operations.