Decentralized Rail Vehicle Lighting Control Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rail vehicle lighting systems require extensive installation space and are prone to errors due to complex wiring and a central control unit, leading to high assembly costs and limited maintenance efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An arrangement with integrally designed control units and light sources, reducing the need for complex wiring and allowing decentralized control, using wireless or wired communication for information transmission, and incorporating redundant light sources for increased reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a central control unit is used to control all lighting lamps, then centralized control capability is achieved, but installation space requirements increase and wiring complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple decentralized control units, each responsible for controlling a specific lamp. This segmentation eliminates the need for a large central control unit and reduces the overall wiring complexity by localizing control functions to individual lamp locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a centralized control architecture to a distributed control architecture, fundamentally changing the system dimension from single-point control to multi-point control. This dimensional shift allows control functions to be distributed throughout the lighting system rather than concentrated in one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If extensive wiring is laid over long distances to connect each lamp to the central control unit, then control coverage is improved, but assembly costs increase and error susceptibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol coverageVSAvoidassembly cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control system into distributed control units located at each lamp, the patent eliminates the need for extensive wiring to a central location. Each control unit is locally positioned, dramatically reducing cable length and assembly complexity while maintaining full control coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each lamp assembly becomes self-contained with its own control unit, allowing the lighting system to function autonomously without requiring complex interconnections. This self-service approach reduces assembly costs and minimizes wiring-related error susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a central control unit controls all lighting functions, then system integration is achieved, but the system becomes more susceptible to complete failure and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidfailure susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into independent control units, each managing a specific lamp. This segmentation creates functional independence, so that a failure in one control unit does not affect other lamps, thereby reducing overall system failure susceptibility while maintaining system integration through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decentralized architecture acts as a preventive measure against complete system failure. By distributing control functions, the system inherently cushions against total collapse, ensuring that partial failures do not lead to complete lighting system failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If complex wiring and numerous terminals are used to connect each light source to the central control unit, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control functionality into distributed control units, eliminating the need for complex wiring networks and numerous terminals. Each control unit is locally integrated with its associated lamp, dramatically simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control unit and light source into integrated assemblies, combining previously separate functions into unified modules. This merging eliminates the need for extensive external wiring and terminals, reducing device complexity while preserving control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3571106B1System for illuminating a rail vehicle and rail vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.12.09 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a system for illuminating a rail vehicle comprising at least one energy source, at least one control device, at least one illuminating means, at least one electric line for joining the energy source to the at least one control device and electric line for joining the control device to the at least one illuminating means. Each illuminating means comprises at least one adjacent control device. The invention further relates to a rail vehicle with said type of system.