Train Positioning Wake-Up Verification Without Backup Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current train positioning methods require a large and heavy storage battery to ensure continuous power supply during dormancy, increasing train weight and reducing available space, which negatively impacts user experience.

Innovation Solution

A train positioning system that uses non-volatile memory to store device identification information before dormancy, allowing the train to disconnect from power during dormancy and verify its position upon waking, eliminating the need for a large battery by comparing pre-stored and post-wake device identification information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high-capacity storage battery is provided on the train to ensure non-interrupted power supply during long dormancy, then power supply reliability is improved, but train weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidtrain weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the positioning information obtained before dormancy in a non-volatile memory device. This allows the train to wake up without needing power during dormancy period, as the critical positioning data is already preserved. The memory device maintains data without power, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to core equipment during dormancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the power supply function from the core train-mounted equipment during dormancy period. By separating the positioning information storage from the powered equipment, the system allows core equipment to be completely powered down while preserving positioning data in the non-volatile memory, thus eliminating the need for high-capacity batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a high-capacity storage battery is provided on the train to ensure non-interrupted power supply during long dormancy, then power supply reliability is improved, but available space on the train is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by storing the positioning information obtained before dormancy in a non-volatile memory device. This allows the train to wake up without needing power during dormancy period, as the critical positioning data is already preserved. The memory device maintains data without power, eliminating the need for high-capacity batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If core train-mounted equipment remains powered during dormancy to monitor train movement and update positioning information, then positioning accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by obtaining and updating positioning information only at specific moments: before the train enters dormancy and after it wakes up. During the dormancy period, no power is consumed for positioning monitoring. The non-volatile memory preserves the last known position, and upon waking, the system verifies if the train is still at the same location by checking positioning information, thus achieving periodic rather than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the power supply function from the core train-mounted equipment during dormancy period. By separating the positioning information storage from the powered equipment, the system allows core equipment to be completely powered down while preserving positioning data in the non-volatile memory, thus eliminating the need for continuous power supply to core equipment during dormancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4021020B1Train positioning method and apparatus, system, and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH DE
  • EP4021020B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4021020B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4021020B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Provided are a train positioning method and apparatus, a system, and a computer-readable medium. The train positioning method comprises: acquiring first device identification information received by at least one first receiving antenna; acquiring positioning information of a train; after determining that the first device identification information is trustworthy, storing the first device identification information and the positioning information in a non-volatile memory; after the train is awakened from sleep mode, receiving second device identification information by using the at least one receiving antenna; according to the received second device identification information and the first device identification information that is read from the non-volatile memory, determining whether, after being awakened, the train is at the position at which same was located before entering sleep mode; if determined that, after being awakened, the train is at the position at which same was located before entering sleep mode, determining that the current position and direction of the train match the positioning information stored in the non-volatile memory, and completing the positioning of the train. The present solution can ensure the usage experience of users of a train.