Rail-Powered Programmable Frequency Shunt for Track Circuits

Solution Overview

Problem

Current crossing predictors face challenges in efficiently changing the termination frequency of termination shunts, which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, disrupting rail and vehicle traffic and requiring significant manpower.

Innovation Solution

A rail-powered programmable frequency shunt with a switch circuit and multi-frequency shunt circuit, powered by the rail, allowing for easy frequency changes using programmable signals transmitted over the rails or wireless communications, eliminating the need for manual adjustments at distant locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching and jumpers are used to change termination frequency, then frequency adjustment is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustabilityVSAvoidtime to change frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical switching and jumper system with an automated electronic control system. A microprocessor receives frequency adjustment commands and automatically configures the termination shunt frequency through electronic switching, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustments and significantly reducing the time required to change frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The termination shunt system performs self-configuration through automated control. The microprocessor monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts the termination frequency without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself and reduce operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching and jumpers are used to change termination frequency, then frequency adjustment is possible, but excessive manpower is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustabilityVSAvoidmanpower required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical switching and jumper system with an automated electronic control system. A microprocessor receives frequency adjustment commands and automatically configures the termination shunt frequency through electronic switching, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustments and significantly reducing the time required to change frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The termination shunt system performs self-configuration through automated control. The microprocessor monitors system conditions and automatically adjusts the termination frequency without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself and reduce operational downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If termination shunts are buried or located in wayside enclosures distant from crossing predictor, then signal interference is prevented, but frequency changing becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal interference preventionVSAvoidfrequency changing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical switching and jumper system with an automated electronic control system. A microprocessor receives frequency adjustment commands and automatically configures the termination shunt frequency through electronic switching, eliminating the need for manual physical adjustments and significantly reducing the time required to change frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microprocessor and wireless communication system as intermediaries between the remote termination shunt and the operator. The microprocessor receives wireless frequency adjustment commands and automatically configures the shunt, acting as an intelligent mediator that enables easy remote reconfiguration without requiring physical access to the buried or distant shunt location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and efficient frequency changes without disrupting traffic or requiring excessive manpower, improving the operational efficiency of crossing predictors and allowing for dynamic frequency adjustments based on conditions like weather or stray capacitance changes.

Implementation Method 1

A rail-powered programmable frequency shunt with a switch circuit and multi-frequency shunt circuit, powered by the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the crossing predictor detects a train and determines its distance and speed by measuring impedance changes caused by the train's wheels and axles acting as a shunt across the rails

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9248848B2Wireless and/or wired frequency programmable termination shunts

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 SIEMENS MOBILITY INC

AI summary

A programmable frequency termination shunt suitable to terminate a portion of a railroad track circuit. The programmable frequency termination shunt includes a multi-frequency shunt circuit having a plurality of selectable shunt frequencies and a processor coupled to the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The processor is adapted to set the termination frequency of the shunt by selecting one of the shunt frequencies of the multi-frequency shunt circuit. The shunt is powered by signals transmitted along the rails of the railroad track and can be programmed in response to signals from a rail-based communication link or a wireless communication link.