Relay Train Backup Communication for Broken-Down Railway Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway vehicles often break down outside the coverage zone of the ground communication infrastructure, preventing them from establishing a primary communication link with the control center, which hinders timely intervention and data transfer.
Innovation Solution
An onboard system with a backup communication device that establishes a wireless link with a relay train to transmit alarm data to the control center, ensuring continuous communication even when the primary link is unavailable, using a negotiation module to dynamically choose radio resources and configure transmission modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the train uses the primary ground communication infrastructure, then communication reliability is improved within coverage zones, but communication availability deteriorates outside coverage zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay train as an intermediary communication device. When the broken-down train is outside ground infrastructure coverage, the relay train acts as a mobile base station, establishing a wireless link with the broken-down train and forwarding alarm data to the control center when it enters a coverage zone, thus extending communication availability without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static ground-based communication dimension to a mobile aerial dimension by utilizing relay trains moving along the track. This dimensional change allows the communication system to reach areas outside the fixed ground infrastructure coverage zones while maintaining reliable communication through the moving relay platform
2Reliability
If the train establishes a wireless link with ground infrastructure, then communication quality is improved within coverage zones, but communication capability deteriorates when affected by electromagnetic disruptions or screening phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The relay train serves as a mobile intermediary that can position itself optimally to avoid electromagnetic disruptions and screening phenomena. By establishing communication through the relay train rather than directly with ground infrastructure, the system bypasses harmful electromagnetic environments while maintaining communication quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between primary ground infrastructure communication and secondary relay train communication based on real-time conditions. When electromagnetic disruptions or screening phenomena degrade ground infrastructure communication quality, the system transitions to using the relay train, adapting to changing environmental conditions to maintain communication quality
3Productivity
If the train uses the primary communication means, then communication efficiency is improved when available, but system robustness deteriorates when the communication means or onboard computer breaks down
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the communication parameter from primary ground infrastructure to secondary relay train communication when the primary means or onboard computer breaks down. This parameter change enables the system to maintain communication efficiency through the relay train while improving overall robustness by having a functional backup communication path
4Measurement precision
If the control center implements expert data processing means, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but intervention time deteriorates due to complex data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance means on the train perform preliminary diagnostic actions locally, identifying and flagging potential issues before they become critical failures. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of data that needs to be processed by the control center, enabling faster intervention while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through pre-filtered and prioritized alarm data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transferring alarm data between a first broken-down train (A) and a control center (2) comprising: evaluating the state of the first train; and then the state of the first train corresponding to a break down; determining if it is possible to establish a first link between the first train and a ground infrastructure (1) connected to the center; if not, establishing a backup radio link between first independent communication means (50) of the first train and second independent communication means (50′) of a second train rolling in the vicinity of the first train; transferring the alarm data concerning the first train and storing the same into storage means of the second train; establishing a second link between the second train and the ground infrastructure and transferring the alarm data concerning the first train from the second train to the center.