Rail Vehicle Virtual Subsystems for Remote Operation Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rail vehicles face challenges in remote troubleshooting and maintenance due to issues with onboard control units, leading to increased downtime and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system that virtualizes traditional hardware-based subsystems, such as ATO and ATP, into cloud-based services, allowing real-time remote management and troubleshooting through a cloud computing platform, using operational data from various sources to generate and execute operational instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If onboard control units are used for managing rail vehicle operations, then operational control is achieved, but remote troubleshooting and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical subsystems by containerizing their software components. These virtual subsystems are deployed to remote cloud infrastructure, allowing maintenance personnel to access and troubleshoot system issues remotely without physically accessing the rail vehicle. The virtual subsystems replicate the functional behavior of physical components, enabling remote debugging and maintenance while the actual hardware remains in its operational location.
2Reliability
If rigorous testing is performed during development phase to prevent issues, then system reliability improves, but development time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal containerization framework that can accommodate multiple different rail vehicle subsystems (ATO, ATP, signaling, etc.) using a common infrastructure. This standardized approach allows the same testing and deployment processes to be applied across diverse subsystems, reducing development complexity while maintaining reliability through consistent testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides complex rail vehicle control systems into smaller, independently containerized subsystems. Each subsystem can be tested, validated, and deployed separately, reducing the overall development complexity by breaking down monolithic systems into manageable units that can be rigorously tested in isolation before integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and software upgrades are performed on onboard control units, then system capabilities are enhanced, but vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables upgrades by deploying updated virtual subsystems to remote cloud infrastructure without requiring physical access to the rail vehicle. The upgraded virtual subsystems can be activated remotely, allowing capability enhancements while the vehicle remains in service, thereby eliminating the need for downtime associated with traditional hardware and software upgrades.
4Ease of repair
If maintenance personnel perform physical checks to resolve issues, then problems are identified and fixed, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities through automated monitoring and remote management interfaces. The system can automatically detect issues, log errors, and even perform certain diagnostic and repair functions without human intervention. When human expertise is needed, remote access allows maintenance personnel to troubleshoot and resolve issues without physically accessing the vehicle, maintaining productivity while ensuring proper issue resolution.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system (100), an apparatus (105) and a method for managing operation of a rail vehicle (102). The method comprises identifying, by a processing unit (125), a virtual subsystem for managing a specific operation of the vehicle based on operational data associated with the rail vehicle (102). The operational data comprises values of parameters associated with the operation of the rail vehicle (102). The method further comprises generating one or more operational instructions capable of managing operation of the rail vehicle (102) using the identified virtual subsystem based on a configuration of the rail vehicle (102). The method further comprises initiating execution of the one or more operational instructions capable of managing operation of the rail vehicle (102) at system components (190) located remotely from the processing unit (125). The system components (190) are configured for executing the one or more operational instructions.