Rail Vehicle RFID Braking Control for Precise Stopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for rail vehicles, particularly trams, lack the capability for controlled braking and position-defined stopping, especially in autonomous or semi-autonomous operations, as existing solutions are not effectively designed for rail vehicles and often rely on GPS which is unreliable in tunnels and urban areas, and infrastructure-based solutions are not suited for precise stopping at predefined points.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing RFID transponders and readers installed along the rail track, with a first transponder ahead of the target position and a second within the target area, communicates with a control device to initiate and adjust braking, ensuring the tram stops accurately at a predefined location by encoding distance information and adjusting braking deceleration based on speed and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for position determination, then navigation capability is provided, but position determination fails in tunnels and urban areas with building disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID transponders as intermediary reference objects placed at specific locations along the track. These transponders serve as mediators between the vehicle's positioning system and the infrastructure, providing reliable position determination in environments where GPS fails (tunnels, urban areas). The RFID reader on the vehicle detects these transponders to determine precise position and initiate controlled braking sequences.
2Extent of automation
If vehicle-based sensors are used for obstacle detection, then autonomous operation is enabled, but precise stopping at predefined points cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely vehicle-based mechanical sensing systems with an infrastructure-based RFID detection system. Instead of relying on vehicle-mounted sensors to detect obstacles and calculate stopping points, the system uses stationary RFID transponders at known locations to provide precise position reference, enabling the control device to initiate braking at exactly the right moment for accurate stopping at predefined points.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID transponders act as intermediaries that provide precise position reference to the vehicle's control system. By detecting these transponder signals at known locations along the track, the control device can determine the vehicle's position with high precision and initiate controlled braking to achieve accurate stopping at target positions, enabling autonomous operation with precise positioning.
3Measurement precision
If stationary markers are used for position reference, then precise position determination is achieved, but installation effort along the route increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs RFID transponders that serve multiple functions: they provide position reference for precise stopping, enable controlled braking initiation, and can potentially serve other transportation infrastructure functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated positioning infrastructure, thereby reducing overall installation effort while maintaining high position determination precision.
4Measurement precision
If controlled braking is initiated early to ensure precise stopping, then stopping precision is improved, but braking distance and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the vehicle's approach to the target position using RFID transponders placed at optimized distances. The control device receives position information in advance and initiates controlled braking at the optimal moment, rather than waiting for later detection. This preliminary action with optimized transponder placement ensures precise stopping while minimizing unnecessary braking time and distance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
For controlled braking and position-defined stopping of a rail vehicle at a target position, a rail vehicle (100) comprises at least a first RFID reader (L1), a control device (110), a wheelset (105), and a braking device (120, 130). A first RFID transponder (T1) is fixedly positioned at a defined first distance x1 from a target position (Z). A second RFID transponder (T2) is fixedly positioned at a defined second distance x2 from the target position (Z). The first information encoded by the first RFID transponder (T1) can be read by the first RFID reader (L1) when the rail vehicle (100) passes the first RFID transponder (T1), whereby the first information is transmitted from the first RFID reader (L1) to the control device (110).The control unit (110) initiates controlled braking of the rail vehicle (100) by controlling the braking device (120, 130) based on the evaluation of the first piece of information. The second piece of information, encoded by the second RFID transponder (T1), can be read by the first RFID reader (L1) when the rail vehicle (100) passes the second RFID transponder (T1), at which point the second piece of information is transmitted from the first RFID reader (L1) to the control unit (110). The control unit (110) adjusts the controlled braking of the rail vehicle (100) based on the evaluation of the second piece of information.