Train Control Switching Between CBTC and TACS Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train operation control systems, such as CBTC and TACS, operate independently and have limitations in control complexity, arrangement costs, and operational efficiency, with CBTC systems requiring high setup costs and TACS systems lacking redundant position detection and standby operation control levels.
Innovation Solution
A train operation control method that allows operation of trains at multiple TACS and CBTC control levels on the same route, using a vehicle on-board controller (VOBC) to switch between control levels and manage driving modes, enabling communication between trains and ground devices to achieve efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CBTC system is used for train control, then control precision and safety are improved, but device complexity and arrangement costs increase due to trackside route devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trackside route devices (transponders, signals, axle counters) with an on-board autonomous circumambulation system that uses sensors, processors, and communication modules to perform detection and control functions previously handled by trackside equipment. This substitution reduces trackside device complexity while maintaining control safety through on-board intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control intelligence from the trackside infrastructure and relocates it to the on-board controller. By taking out the route detection and control functions from the trackside environment and embedding them in the vehicle, the system eliminates the need for complex trackside route devices while preserving safety through on-board autonomous monitoring and control.
2Device complexity
If TACS system is used for train control, then device complexity and arrangement costs are reduced, but reliability decreases due to lack of redundant position detection and standby control levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the TACS system by introducing multi-level control modes (normal circumambulation, degraded circumambulation, and emergency modes) with different safety thresholds and operational characteristics. This allows the simplified TACS system to maintain reliability by adapting to different operational conditions and providing redundant control strategies without requiring complex trackside devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring multiple standby control levels and redundant sensing mechanisms on the train. When the primary control system or sensors fail, the system can seamlessly transition to degraded or emergency modes with pre-established safety protocols, ensuring continuous reliable operation without requiring complex trackside backup infrastructure.
3Productivity
If CBTC system is used, then train tracking interval and operation efficiency are improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex trackside mechanical and electronic route devices with on-board autonomous systems that perform detection, calculation, and control functions. This substitution maintains high operation efficiency by enabling precise train positioning and control through on-board sensors and processors, while reducing device complexity by eliminating extensive trackside infrastructure.
4Device complexity
If TACS system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases due to inability to support both normal and degraded operation control levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by designing a control system that can automatically transition between multiple operational levels (normal circumambulation, degraded circumambulation, and emergency modes) based on real-time system status and sensor functionality. This dynamic architecture allows the simplified TACS system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain versatility without requiring complex fixed infrastructure for each control level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal on-board controller that performs multiple functions across different control levels. The same on-board device handles normal circumambulation control, degraded mode operation, and emergency procedures, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for each control level while maintaining full adaptability to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling train operation, includes: receiving an instruction indicating permission to enter a train autonomous circumambulation system (TACS) control level; in response to the train satisfies a condition for entering the TACS control level, controlling the train to enter the TACS control level and transmitting a TACS control notification to a ground device in a route section in which the train is located, the ground device communicating with the train through the TACS control notification based on a TACS control level protocol; and operating the train based on the TACS control level.