Rail Vehicle Tracking in Shared Networks Without Trackside Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rail vehicle operation systems face challenges in accurately tracking train movements in shared operating areas with other road users, as existing trackside devices are complex, costly, and prone to failure due to mechanical stress, especially in low-floor trams with limited installation space.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for automated monitoring and operation using bidirectional communication between rail vehicles and the trackside, employing V2X standard in shared operating areas, which reduces the need for trackside devices and allows for continuous train tracking, enabling real-time position recording and data exchange, and utilizing COTS components for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trackside devices are installed in shared operating areas for automated train protection, then measurement precision of train position is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the automated train protection function from the trackside infrastructure and relocates it to the rail vehicle itself. The vehicle-mounted control unit performs all safety-relevant functions including speed monitoring, distance calculation, and protection logic, eliminating the need for complex trackside automated protection devices while maintaining precise train position tracking through the existing communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication infrastructure originally designed for information exchange is made multi-functional by using it for both operational data transmission and safety-critical position tracking. The same communication channels and processing units handle both automated operation data and train protection requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If trackside devices are installed in shared operating areas, then automated train protection is achieved, but installation space and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes automated train protection equipment from the trackside environment and installs it within the rail vehicle. This extraction eliminates the need for vulnerable trackside devices that require installation space and ongoing maintenance, while the vehicle-mounted system benefits from the protected environment inside the vehicle and integrated power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-mounted control unit utilizes the vehicle's existing infrastructure including power supply, communication systems, and onboard processors to perform train protection functions. This self-service approach eliminates dependency on external trackside infrastructure, reducing both installation requirements and maintenance burden.
3Reliability
If trackside devices are installed in shared operating areas, then automated train protection function is provided, but cost and susceptibility to mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts automated train protection functionality from the trackside environment where components are exposed to mechanical stress from vehicles and other road users. By relocating all protection equipment inside the rail vehicle, the system eliminates vulnerability to external mechanical damage while maintaining full protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle-mounted control unit acts as an intermediary that receives position and speed data through existing communication channels and performs all safety calculations locally. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for physical trackside sensing infrastructure that would be exposed to mechanical stress.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating rail vehicles (FZ) in a transport network, both in an operating area reserved for the rail vehicles (FZ) and in an operating area shared with other road users (GBB). In the reserved operating area (RBB), a computer-aided train control method is carried out automatically. The automated train control method is also carried out computer-aided in the shared operating area (GBB), but without automated train protection; instead, automated operation and monitoring are implemented. With a modified range of functions in this way, continuous train tracking is preferably achieved.Furthermore, the invention comprises a transport network for operating rail vehicles (FZ), a rail vehicle (FZ) for operation in a transport network, as well as a computer program and a provisioning device for this.