Train Control Apparatus Using Interval Sensors for Unmanned Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In unmanned train operation systems, when the on-board control apparatus fails, the position of the affected train becomes indeterminate, disrupting control and requiring a train operator to manually intervene and move the train to a refuge track, thereby disrupting normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A train operation control apparatus equipped with first and second range sensors to measure train intervals and an on-board control transmission apparatus that takes over operation using these intervals, allowing the system to manage train movement without human intervention by instructing the on-board control transmission apparatus to control the train's operation based on the second train interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the on-board control apparatus is used for unmanned train operation, then automation and operational efficiency are improved, but system reliability deteriorates when the control apparatus fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-based operation management apparatus as an intermediary that takes over control when the on-board control apparatus fails. This mediator receives train interval information from range sensors, calculates movement authority limits, and transmits control instructions to the train, ensuring continuous unmanned operation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating movement authority limits and stop patterns based on predicted train positions. The operation management apparatus computes control parameters in advance and stores them, allowing the train to continue operation using pre-computed data when the on-board system fails, maintaining automation without human intervention.
2Measurement precision
If the on-board control apparatus fails, then position determination capability is lost, but manual intervention requires operator boarding which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where range sensors continuously measure train intervals and transmit this position information to the operation management apparatus. The apparatus uses this feedback to dynamically calculate and update movement authority limits, enabling continuous position determination and control adjustment without manual intervention, thus maintaining both measurement precision and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical on-board control apparatus with a ground-based operation management system that uses wireless communication and range sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for operator boarding while maintaining position determination capability, as the ground system receives real-time position data from range sensors and computes control parameters remotely.
3Reliability
If the position of a failed train becomes indeterminate, then collision prevention capability deteriorates, but manual recovery disrupts normal train operation
Solution Approach 1:
The operation management apparatus serves as an intermediary that maintains collision prevention capability by continuously receiving train interval measurements from range sensors, calculating safe movement authority limits for all trains including the failed one, and transmitting control instructions. This ensures the failed train's position is continuously determined and collision prevention is maintained without disrupting normal operation of other trains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes control parameters by adjusting movement authority limits and stop patterns based on real-time train interval measurements. When a train fails, the operation management apparatus modifies the movement authority parameters for affected trains to maintain safe distances, enabling continuous collision prevention while allowing the failed train to be recovered without disrupting overall operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A train operation control apparatus mounted on a train includes: a non-contact range sensor that measures a first train interval between a rear end of a preceding train traveling ahead of the train and a head of the train; another non-contact range sensor that measures a second train interval between a head of a following train traveling behind the train and a rear end of the train; and on-board control transmission apparatus that, when being instructed to start control using the second train interval, controls operation of the train using the second train interval on the basis of an instruction from an operation management apparatus that controls operation of a plurality of trains including the train, the preceding train, and the following train.