Train Position Management via Public Radio Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional train radio systems face challenges in determining the position of a train when a device failure occurs, as the on-board control device may not detect the train's position or transmit position information to the ground side, potentially affecting the operations of other trains.

Innovation Solution

A train-information management device that uses a public-radio-network on-board radio station and a public radio network to independently obtain and transmit train position information, converting kilometrage into block number and intra-block position information, allowing communication with the train-presence management device via a public radio network, thereby bypassing the train control radio base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the train position is determined using ID pickup coils and ID detection ground coils, then the train position can be obtained as a backup, but the system complexity increases due to the need for additional hardware installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrain position determination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a backup communication path by copying the train position information transmission function to a different communication infrastructure (public radio network) rather than using the same dedicated train control radio base station. This allows the train information management device to transmit position data independently of the primary system, achieving redundancy without adding physical detection hardware like ID coils.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a public radio network as an intermediary communication channel between the train information management device and the ground side. This intermediary allows position information to be transmitted independently of the train control radio base station, providing a backup path that avoids the complexity of installing additional detection hardware on both train and ground.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the train position information is transmitted only through the train control radio base station, then the system configuration remains simple, but the reliability decreases when device failure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration simplicityVSAvoidtrain position information transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the position information transmission function into two independent paths: the primary path through the train control radio base station and the backup path through the public radio network. The train information management device can selectively use either path or both simultaneously, providing redundancy while maintaining the simplicity of the original system configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares a backup communication path in advance through the public radio network, so that when the primary train control radio base station fails, the position information transmission can continue without interruption. This prior cushioning ensures reliability without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the on-board control device is used to detect and transmit train position, then the system operates normally under regular conditions, but the system fails to determine train position when the on-board control device fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenormal operation efficiencyVSAvoidfailure resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The train information management device performs self-service by independently obtaining train position information through alternative means (public radio network communication) when the on-board control device fails. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain position determination functionality without relying on the primary on-board control device, thereby improving failure resistance while maintaining normal operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3251917B1Train information management system and train information management method
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3251917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3251917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3251917B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A train-information management device 21 mounted on a train, includes: an intra-block position calculator 1 to convert information on a kilometrage that indicates a position of the train into information on a block number and an intra-block position of a plurality of blocks into which a route of the train is divided and that are used when a train position is specified by a train radio system; and an on-board router 8 to communicate the information on the block number and the intra-block position to a ground side by using a system that is different from a system that is used for communication between the ground side and a train side via a radio base station in the train radio system.