Train Control Target Speed Calculation for Riding Comfort and Punctuality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control systems face challenges in maintaining scheduled travel, leading to reduced riding comfort and potential delays due to repeated acceleration and deceleration, especially in high-speed railroads with long distances, and are inefficient in energy saving and punctuality.
Innovation Solution
A train control device that calculates a target speed based on the change history of open blocks between trains, adjusting travel plans to avoid conflicts with brake patterns and minimize delays, using a target speed calculating unit to predict the timing of the leading train's exit from blocks and adjust travel speeds accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailing train coasts to avoid reaching brake pattern, then riding comfort is improved, but running time delay increases and punctuality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the train's operational state changeable between coasting and acceleration modes. The control device dynamically adjusts the operational state based on real-time conditions (distance to leading train, speed, time predictions) to optimize both riding comfort and punctuality, rather than sticking to a fixed coasting strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the distance to the leading train, current speed, and predicted arrival times, then using this information to adjust the target speed and operational mode. The control device calculates whether coasting or acceleration is more appropriate based on feedback from the track circuit and speed sensors, resolving the contradiction between comfort and punctuality.
2Loss of time
If the trailing train accelerates to maintain schedule, then punctuality is improved, but riding comfort deteriorates due to repeated acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between acceleration and coasting modes based on real-time conditions. When the distance to the leading train is sufficient and schedule adherence is at risk, the system selects acceleration mode. When coasting can maintain both comfort and schedule, it selects coasting mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between punctuality and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters (speed, acceleration rate, coasting duration) based on the calculated target speed and distance to the leading train. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can achieve schedule adherence while minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration cycles, thereby maintaining riding comfort.
3Measurement precision
If the train calculates travel plan based on geographical conditions, then travel plan accuracy is improved, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the time required for the leading train to exit its current block and using this prediction to set the target speed for the trailing train. This advance calculation allows the trailing train to optimize its speed profile without requiring complex real-time geographical analysis, thus maintaining both accuracy and processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the critical information needed for speed calculation (leading train's block exit time, current distance, speed limits) rather than processing complete geographical condition data. This selective extraction of necessary parameters maintains travel plan accuracy while significantly reducing processing time and improving productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A train control device includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring a change history of open block numbers as the number of blocks existing between a present train and a leading train, a setting unit for setting a brake pattern having a starting point coinciding with an end point of a block existing just behind a block occupied by the leading train, and a calculating unit for calculating a time taken for the leading train to come out from the block existing just behind the block occupied by the leading train and for calculating, as a target speed, the highest speed available within a range not conflicting with the brake pattern.