Rail Transport Unit Fault Localization Using Onboard Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In rail vehicles, component failures during operation lead to time-consuming error localization and prolonged downtimes, necessitating a method for quick and precise fault detection.

Innovation Solution

A simulation device on board the transport unit dynamically generates simulated status data based on current status data and simulation data, allowing for rapid error detection and minimization of downtimes by comparing actual and target system states through a diagnostic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a static model comparison method is used for error detection, then the system structure is simpler, but the error localization speed and precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror localization timeVSAvoidsimulation device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating simulation data during the development phase that represents all possible system states. This pre-computed data is stored and later used for rapid comparison during operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time dynamic simulations while achieving fast error localization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual copy of the system's behavior through simulation data that mirrors actual system states. This virtual model is generated offline and copied into the system for quick reference during operation, enabling fast comparison without requiring the full complexity of the original dynamic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If dynamic simulation is performed in real-time, then error detection precision improves, but the computational load and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection precisionVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the computationally intensive dynamic simulation work in advance during system development and testing phases. The results are stored as simulation data that can be quickly retrieved and compared during operation, achieving high precision error detection without real-time computational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pre-generated simulation data as a disposable resource that can be quickly created offline and then rapidly accessed during operation. This approach trades offline computational effort for online efficiency, making the operational phase energy-efficient while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If extensive static model generation is performed, then the diagnostic accuracy improves, but the system setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic reliabilityVSAvoidmodel generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the system's diagnostic capabilities through pre-generated simulation data that captures essential system behaviors. This virtual representation provides sufficient diagnostic reliability without requiring the full complexity of exhaustive static model generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from generating comprehensive static models to using dynamically generated simulation data with varying parameters. This allows the system to achieve high diagnostic reliability by comparing against multiple simulated scenarios rather than relying on a single extensive static model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3400452B1Transport unit having at least one installation
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP3400452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3400452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The aim of the invention is to provide a transport unit, in which a rapid and precise fault localization can be achieved. To achieve said aim, it is proposed that the transport unit comprises a simulation device (28) with an interface (30), via which current status data (AZD) of the installation (16) can be received, and a computing unit (32) which is intended to determine simulated status data (SZD) on the basis of simulation data (SD1) and the current status data (AZD), which are representative for a status of at least a part of the installation (16).