Railway Vehicle Ring Topology Network Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control-command communication networks in trains are not easily configurable to accommodate changes in train composition, such as adding or removing cars, while maintaining secure and real-time communication performance.

Innovation Solution

A control-command communication network with a ring topology and a train network switch that includes a main computer, switches, and standardized connectors, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and secure communication across varying car configurations, using a shared protocol like CIP for unified communication architecture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static configuration control communication network is used, then the network structure is simple, but it is difficult to reconfigure when train composition changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reconfigurabilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic network configuration system where the control communication network automatically adapts to changing train compositions. The system uses dynamic address assignment and automatic detection of connected equipment, allowing the network to reconfigure itself when cars are added or removed without manual intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The network management system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the presence of equipment, assigning addresses, and establishing communication paths. The system monitors network status and autonomously adjusts configuration parameters based on the actual train composition, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the network configuration is changed to accommodate train composition changes, then adaptability improves, but communication reliability and timing constraints may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain composition flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication security and timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors network communication status and equipment presence, using this feedback to maintain optimal configuration. The network management system detects changes in train composition and automatically adjusts parameters to ensure communication reliability and timing constraints are met, preventing degradation of performance during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures network parameters and maintains a database of valid configurations for different train compositions. When changes are detected, the system retrieves pre-validated configuration templates and applies them automatically, ensuring that communication security and timing constraints are preserved from the outset of reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3666620B1Railway vehicle train consist and railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 SPEEDINNOV
  • EP3666620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3666620B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3666620B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This train (1), consisting of a plurality of cars, the plurality of cars comprising a front car (V1), a rear car (V1'), and a set of passenger cars (V2, V3i, V2') coupled between the front and rear cars (V1, V1'), the train (2) comprising a control and command communication network (10), a main computer (21), and a plurality of equipment (8) provided in each car (V1, V2, V3i) of the plurality of cars. The control and command communication network (10) has a ring topology extending throughout the entire train (2), allowing a daisy-chain connection of a plurality of switches (22), at least one switch from the plurality of switches (22) being arranged in each car (V1, V2, V3i) of the plurality of cars.