Trainline Access Point Frequency Filtering for Interference Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trainline communication networks, such as those using MU cables, are insufficient for complex consist configurations and fail to effectively filter out frequencies that interfere with other equipment, leading to suboptimal communication and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

A trainline communication network access point with a processor that determines masked and non-masked frequencies and uses a filter arrangement to prevent communication on masked frequencies, thereby enhancing communication efficiency and preventing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If network data is transmitted over the MU cable using Ethernet protocol, then communication capability between locomotives is improved, but frequency interference with other equipment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidfrequency interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into multiple discrete channels, allowing network data to be transmitted on specific frequencies that do not interfere with other equipment. The filter arrangement divides the broad frequency range into usable and blocked segments, enabling simultaneous operation of communication and other systems without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter arrangement provides frequency-selective filtering, where different portions of the frequency spectrum are treated differently. Specific frequency ranges are allowed to pass through for data transmission, while other ranges are blocked to prevent interference with sensitive equipment, creating local quality variations across the frequency domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If filter arrangement is added to block masked frequencies, then frequency interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency interferenceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter arrangement is integrated into the existing network access point architecture, serving multiple functions: frequency filtering, signal transmission, and system coordination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated filtering components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving frequency interference reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If processor determines masked and non-masked frequencies, then frequency selection is improved, but processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency selection precisionVSAvoidprocessing energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of masked and non-masked frequencies before actual data transmission begins. By pre-identifying usable frequency channels and storing this information, the processor avoids repeated complex analysis during transmission, reducing real-time processing energy requirements while maintaining precise frequency selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution improves communication bandwidth and reduces interference, allowing for more complex and efficient data transmission in multi-unit blended fuel operations by finely tuning frequency usage within the trainline communication system.

Implementation Method 1

The filter arrangement is disposed on the transmission path between the processor and the intra-consist electrical cable connection point and filters at least one of the masked frequencies from the transmission path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS9463816B2Trainline communication network access point including filter

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 PROGRESS RAIL LOCOMOTIVE INC

AI summary

A trainline communication network access point has an intra-consist electrical cable connection point coupled to a transmission path and an intra-consist electrical cable, a processor, and a filter arrangement. The processor generates a data signal capable of transmitting network data over the intra-consist electrical cable. The processor determines from a plurality of possible transmit frequencies masked frequencies and non-masked frequencies and communicate the data signal on the transmission path on at least one of the non-masked frequencies and prevents communication of the data signal on the transmission path at the masked frequencies. The filter arrangement is disposed on the transmission path between the processor and the intra-consist electrical cable connection point and filters at least one of the masked frequencies from the transmission path.