Train Onboard Emergency Brake Control via Balise Timing Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate measurement of traveling speed and position in trains due to slip, skid, detector abnormalities, or equipment failures, which can lead to overspeed and potential derailment, especially in tunnels where GPS is unavailable, and additional safety measures increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An onboard system that corrects measured traveling position and sets a minimum required time period based on measured speed to activate an emergency brake when the elapsed time is shorter than calculated, ensuring safety even with inaccurate speed measurements by comparing inter-balise traveling time with pre-set minimum required times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional safety equipment such as GPS or acceleration meters is used to monitor traveling speed and position, then measurement accuracy and safety are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces balises as intermediary reference markers placed on the track that the train passes through. These balises serve as external reference points that allow the system to verify and correct speed measurements without requiring complex additional sensing equipment. The balises mediate between the train's measurement system and the track infrastructure, providing a simple yet effective way to detect measurement abnormalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the train's existing detector and measurement infrastructure to perform self-verification by comparing expected travel time between balises with actual measured travel time. Rather than adding external monitoring equipment, the system makes the measurement system self-checking by using its own components and the track infrastructure already in place.
2Reliability
If additional safety equipment such as GPS or acceleration meters is used to monitor traveling speed and position, then reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balise system serves multiple functions: it provides position reference, enables speed verification, and acts as a communication interface between ground and train systems. By making the measurement system multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated safety equipment, thereby maintaining high reliability without proportionally increasing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive balises placed on the track as reference markers. These are relatively simple components compared to GPS receivers or acceleration meters, providing cost-effective safety verification. The system trades off using multiple simple components rather than expensive sophisticated equipment.
3Measurement precision
If GPS is used to monitor traveling speed and position, then measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability to all environments (especially tunnels) is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The balises serve as intermediary reference markers that work independently of satellite signals. By placing physical markers on the track that the train passes through, the system creates a local reference system that functions in all environments including tunnels, underground sections, and areas with poor GPS reception. This intermediary approach replaces reliance on external satellite infrastructure with local track-based references.
Data Source
AI summary
Upon detecting a current balise, an onboard system of a train calculates a speed curve based on measured traveling speed at a timing of the detection and sets a minimum required time period for traveling to each of a next balise and a balise subsequent to the next balise. Upon detecting the next balise, the onboard system compares a traveling time period from the timing of detecting the current balise to the timing of detecting the next balise with the set minimum required time period. The onboard system activates an emergency brake when the elapsed time period is shorter than the minimum required time period to stop the train.