Redundant Railway Data Network with Hierarchical Backbone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railway communication systems face limitations in distance coverage and high cabling costs due to the use of conventional copper cables, and data networks, while offering flexibility, require significant setup and maintenance, especially in harsh environments like tunnels, and have inefficiencies in data transfer rates and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchically structured railway data network with high-availability backbones and decentralized functional units interconnected via gateways, allowing for redundant data paths and self-configuration without pre-configuration, ensuring deterministic data transmission over long distances with reduced cabling effort and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional copper cables are used for data transfer between interlocking and functional units, then the system is simple to implement, but the maximum communication distance is limited to 10 km (or 6.5 km for certain functional units)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces data transport networks (DTN) as intermediary systems between interlocking and functional units. These DTN systems act as mediators that enable long-distance communication (exceeding 10 km) by converting and transmitting data signals through specialized network infrastructure, thereby overcoming the physical limitations of direct copper cable connections while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct components: interlocking systems, data transport networks, and functional units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the DTN handles long-distance transmission while functional units maintain their original design, thus extending communication distance without complicating the overall cabling structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data transport networks (DTN) are used to extend communication distance, then flexibility in positioning and transmission methods is improved, but the cost of coupling functional units to the network increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal coupling interfaces that allow functional units to connect to the data transport network using standardized methods. These multi-functional interfaces can handle various transmission types and configurations, enabling the system to accommodate different positioning scenarios and functional unit types without requiring specialized coupling solutions for each case, thus reducing overall coupling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters such as data rate, modulation type, and protocol selection based on the specific coupling requirements. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the coupling infrastructure, the system achieves high adaptability while keeping the coupling complexity manageable through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.
3Reliability
If redundant coupling is implemented for high availability in data networks, then system reliability is improved, but the data transfer rate utilization is reduced to very marginal levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching between redundant network paths based on traffic requirements and path availability. During normal operation, one primary path handles data transmission at full speed. When failover is needed, the system periodically switches to the redundant path, maintaining high availability while ensuring that the redundant infrastructure is utilized efficiently rather than remaining completely idle, thus improving data transfer rate utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the utilization of redundant connections based on real-time conditions. Instead of statically allocating bandwidth to redundant paths, the system dynamically activates redundant paths only when needed for failover or load balancing, allowing the primary path to operate at full data transfer rate while maintaining the option for rapid switching, thus optimizing both reliability and productivity.
4Length of stationary object
If signal box computers are placed in tunnels to extend actuating distance, then communication distance is improved, but maintenance costs increase due to harsh operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computing functionality from harsh tunnel environments and places it in accessible above-ground locations. The data transport network carries signals over long distances, allowing signal box computers to be located in easily accessible positions for maintenance while still controlling functional units deep within tunnels, thus extending actuating distance without increasing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transport network acts as an intermediary that separates the control computer from the controlled functional units in tunnel environments. This mediator enables the computer to be positioned in a maintenance-friendly location while still providing full control over tunnel-based functional units, thus extending effective actuating distance without compromising ease of repair.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, a system and a method for highly reliable time-deterministic communication in a hierarchically structured network, consisting of one or more highly available backbones and lines of decentralized functional units, are disclosed, wherein both ends of the lines are interconnected via the backbones to form a ring, wherein a location-independent central computer sends data packets via multiple ports, which reach a location-dependent decentralized functional unit via redundant paths, wherein the decentralized functional unit also sends packets to the central computer via two ports, and wherein the central computer sends redundant packets via different ports to a specific decentralized functional unit, which receives the packets via different ports, wherein the gateway (UCOM) between a backbone and a line only forwards those data packets that are intended for decentralized field elements (DFEs) located on the line.are directed, whereby data packets with an address unknown to the gateway (UCOM) are discarded by the gateway (UCOM).