Train Marshalling Control for Safe Online Coupling Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing train management systems face challenges in efficiently managing flexible marshalled trains to improve operation efficiency while ensuring safety and reliability, particularly in urban rail transit systems with varying passenger flow demands.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for marshalled train management that utilizes Vehicle Onboard Controllers (VOBC) and Trackside Zone Controllers (ZC) to identify and verify train marshalling information, ensuring consistency and safety through communication and parameter verification, allowing trains to operate in different modes based on marshalling states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible marshalling operation is implemented to adapt to varying passenger flow demands, then operation economy and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and safety management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible marshalling adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The train formation is segmented into multiple train units (e.g., 4-car, 6-car, 8-car configurations) that can be independently controlled and combined. Each train unit has its own identification number and can be marshalled in different configurations to adapt to varying passenger flow demands, thereby improving flexibility without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The train marshalling configuration is made dynamic through automatic identification and real-time state monitoring. The system automatically detects coupling states, identifies train formations, and adjusts control parameters based on the current marshalling configuration, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational requirements without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If automatic train coupling and demarshalling are implemented to improve coupling efficiency, then productivity is improved, but reliability and safety verification difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoidsafety verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms through wireless communication between train units and the central control system. The coupling state, train identification, and formation configuration are automatically detected and reported in real-time, enabling the control system to verify safety conditions and provide feedback for safe operation authorization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Before automatic coupling occurs, the system performs preliminary safety verification by checking communication connectivity, validating train identification numbers, and confirming coupling conditions. This preliminary action ensures that only safe coupling operations are executed, maintaining reliability while enabling automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If real-time identification and verification of train marshalling information is implemented to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain identification accuracyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system serves multiple functions simultaneously: train unit identification, coupling state detection, formation configuration verification, and safety condition monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while maintaining comprehensive verification capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each train unit autonomously provides its identification information and coupling state data through onboard sensors and communication equipment. The train units self-identify and self-report their status, reducing the burden on the central control system and simplifying the overall communication architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4417487B1Train formation management method and apparatus, device, and medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 CASCO SIGNAL LTD
  • EP4417487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4417487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4417487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a marshalled train management method, apparatus, device and medium, the method including: S1: identifying, by a vehicle-mounted VOBC, train marshalling information; S2: identifying, by a trackside ZC, coupling marshalling information; S3: when the coupling marshalling information or the train marshalling information is valid, calculating, by the trackside ZC, a valid movement authorization for the marshalled train; S4: checking, by the vehicle-mounted VOBC, a currently applied marshalled train parameter state thereof; if the coupling marshalling information or the train marshalling information is valid, setting the fromed train parameter state to be available; and if the state is available and the valid movement authorization is received, safely controlling the train to run; S5: verifying, by the vehicle-mounted VOBC, an availability state of the marshalled train parameter state in real time according to the coupling marshalling information or the train marshalling information; and S6: when the coupling state of the marshalled train changes during online coupling or dis-marshalling, re-performing the calculation and verification steps of the vehicle-mounted VOBC and the trackside ZC. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has advantages of high safety, high reliability, high availability, etc.