Train Receiver Device Automatic Transmission Method Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Train control systems require frequent adaptations of vehicle-side receiving devices to accommodate different transmission methods, which are manufacturer-specific, operator-specific, or specific to the transport system, leading to increased effort and costs due to the need for specialized antennas and modulation methods.

Innovation Solution

A method where the vehicle-side receiving device automatically adjusts to the transmission method by determining the carrier frequency and type of modulation used, allowing self-configuration without hardware or software adaptations, using a scanning process and reference lists to identify the transmission method and set the device accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vehicle-side receiving devices are adapted specifically for each transmission method with specialized antennas and modulation methods, then the reliability of signal reception is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidreceiving device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is designed with a universal scanning mechanism that can detect and adapt to multiple different transmission methods, carrier frequencies, and modulation types using a single standardized antenna, eliminating the need for multiple specialized receiving devices while maintaining reliable signal reception across different train control systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device dynamically changes its operational parameters (carrier frequency, modulation type) based on automatic scanning and detection of the incoming signal characteristics, allowing the same hardware to reliably receive signals from different transmission methods by adjusting its reception parameters in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized receiving antennas and modulation methods are provided for each transmission method, then the adaptability to different train control systems is improved, but the ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to transmission methodsVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized receiving antenna and processing unit is designed to handle multiple transmission methods through automatic scanning and parameter detection, eliminating the need to manufacture and deploy different specialized antennas for each transmission method, thereby significantly simplifying manufacturing and deployment processes while maintaining full adaptability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving device automatically scans and identifies the appropriate carrier frequency and modulation type of incoming signals without requiring pre-configuration or manual setup, enabling plug-and-play deployment across different train control systems and eliminating complex manufacturing adaptations for each specific application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the receiving device performs automatic scanning and self-configuration, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time during the scanning process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation easeVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device performs scanning and identification of transmission parameters during periods when signal reception is not critically time-sensitive, and caches the detected parameters for rapid retrieval during actual operation, minimizing the impact on real-time signal processing while maintaining automatic adaptation capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors signal characteristics and dynamically adjusts its scanning frequency and depth based on operational context, reducing scanning intensity during critical reception periods while maintaining thorough scanning during initialization or low-traffic periods, thereby balancing automatic adaptation with minimal operational disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables automatic adaptation of receiving devices to various transmission methods, reducing the need for specific hardware or software changes, thus lowering costs and effort, and allowing seamless operation across different train control systems without project-specific developments.

Implementation Method 1

signals coded by means of a modulation are transmitted inductively to a receiving device of the vehicle using track circuits

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2739516B1Method for operating a vehicle-side receiver device of a train control system and vehicle-side receiver device
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP2739516B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a particularly powerful method, which can be used in a versatile way, for operating a vehicle-side receiver device (20) of a train control system. In this context, the method proceeds according to the invention in such a way that at least one signal (S) which is encoded by means of modulation is received by the receiver device (20) via at least one track circuit, at least one carrier frequency of the at least one received signal (S) is determined, the transmission method used by the respective train control system is identified taking into account the determined at least one carrier frequency, and the receiver device (20) is set specifically for the identified transmission method. The invention also relates to a vehicle-side receiver device (20) of a train control system.