Train Control System Wireless Inter-Train Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current train control systems face challenges in reducing facility costs and improving operability during train coupling, particularly due to the need for manual connection and checking of transmission cables between coupled and de-coupled trains, which complicates the coupling process and can lead to errors in speed control and brake timing.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes existing onboard antennas and wireless apparatuses at the head and tail of trains for communication with trackside equipment during normal travel to enable wireless data communication between coupled and de-coupled trains, eliminating the need for a transmission cable at the coupler portion and simplifying the coupling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transmission cable is installed in the coupler portion for connection between coupled train and de-coupled train, then data communication between onboard control equipments is enabled, but facility costs increase and manual connection and checking work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The onboard control equipments of both coupled and de-coupled trains communicate via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical transmission cables in the coupler portion. This substitution maintains communication reliability while removing mechanical complexity and manual connection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing onboard wireless apparatus and antennas, originally designed for communication with trackside equipment, are made multi-functional by enabling them to also conduct communication between coupled and de-coupled trains. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication facilities, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication capabilities.
2Reliability
If transmission cable connection is required at train coupling, then data communication is established, but time required for train coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical cable connection process with wireless communication, the patent eliminates the time-consuming manual connection and checking operations. The wireless system automatically establishes communication between onboard control equipments without requiring physical intervention, significantly reducing train coupling time while maintaining communication reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If onboard antenna is installed protruding on upper part of train, then interference from front train is reduced, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing onboard antennas are made multi-functional to serve both trackside communication and inter-train communication purposes. By optimizing the wireless communication protocol and frequency management, the system eliminates interference issues without requiring complex protruding antenna installations, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining communication quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wireless communication is proveded between moving bodies in a signaling system of the moving body traveling on a predetermined track such as a railway. By providing communication between multiple onboard control equipments, one control equipment conducts wireless communication with a base station while the other conducts wireless communication with a further onbaord control equipment on another train to which the first train is coupled. Without installing a transmission cable between the coupled trains , the train control system is capable of reducing facility costs and improving of operability.