Train Control Network Using Rail-Injected HF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control networks face challenges in ensuring reliable communication and determining train integrity, especially in curved tracks, due to the limitations of conductor cable loops and the need for additional infrastructure, which increases costs and exposes equipment to weather damage.
Innovation Solution
A train control network utilizing high-frequency signals injected into the rail for communication between elements, allowing contact-free transmission and analysis, enabling continuous and cost-effective communication without additional infrastructure, and using a time basis for determining train length and integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductor cable loops are used for communication between railway elements, then communication can be established, but the system incurs considerable expense and the equipment is exposed to weather damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing rail infrastructure as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of deploying separate conductor cable loops that are exposed to weather, the invention transmits communication signals through the rail itself, which is already embedded in the track and protected from environmental factors. This eliminates the need for additional exposed communication infrastructure while maintaining reliable communication between railway elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical conductor cable loop system with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. By generating electromagnetic fields around the rail that carry communication signals, the system eliminates the need for physical cable loops that must be installed and maintained above ground, thereby protecting against weather damage while enabling communication.
2Reliability
If head-of-train device and end-of-train device communicate via Ethernet, radio or cable to determine train length, then train integrity can be monitored, but the measurement is unreliable in curves because the distance between devices does not comply with actual train length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct physical measurement approach (measuring the distance between head-of-train and end-of-train devices) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. By measuring the characteristics of electromagnetic fields propagating through the rail, the system can determine train length and integrity without being affected by the physical positioning issues that arise in curved tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from physical distance between devices to electromagnetic field propagation characteristics through the rail. By measuring parameters such as signal transmission time, frequency shifts, or field strength variations in the electromagnetic signals traveling through the rail, the system can accurately determine train length and integrity independent of track geometry.
3Reliability
If additional transmission elements are installed in the field for communication, then communication coverage can be improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing rail infrastructure multi-functional by using it both for its primary purpose (supporting and guiding trains) and for communication signal transmission. This eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication coverage across the railway network.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the communication function with the existing rail infrastructure. By combining the mechanical support function of the rails with the electromagnetic signal transmission function, the system eliminates the need for separate communication elements, thereby reducing overall system complexity and infrastructure requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable and cost-effective communication and accurate train integrity monitoring, ensuring safety (SIL4) regardless of the train's position, including curves and tunnels, without the need for conductor cables or GPS, and allows for efficient data transmission between trains and control centers.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission function via an electromagnetic field which is generated around the rail by means of the HF-injector
Implementation Method 2
the rail is used as a transmission medium for transmission of HF-signals between the communication elements
Data Source
AI summary
A train control network includes a rail, a first communication element and a second communication element, which are to communicate with each other. The first communication element includes a first HF-injector, adapted for injecting HF-signals into the rail. The second communication element includes a HF-receiver, adapted for receiving HF-signals transmitted via the rail. An evaluation unit is provided for analyzing the received HF-signals.