Trainline Communication Path Determination in Locomotive Consists
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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 provide optimal communication paths, leading to poor network performance and inadequate fault detection and response.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine communication paths in a trainline communication network by calculating direct and indirect data transmission metrics, allowing for the selection of the fastest communication paths between locomotives using a processor and components like IC routers, Ethernet bridges, and MU modems to facilitate both direct and indirect data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct data transmission is used between locomotives, then communication speed is improved, but network performance deteriorates when direct paths are unavailable or suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines communication paths by comparing direct data transmission metrics with indirect data transmission estimates. The processor selects the optimal path (direct or indirect) based on real-time network conditions, making the communication system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use direct paths when fast and indirect paths when more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate locomotives as mediators for indirect communication paths. When direct transmission is not optimal, data can be routed through intermediate nodes in the consist, enabling flexible path selection that balances speed and reliability requirements.
2Device complexity
If MU cable is used for communication, then system complexity is reduced, but communication capability becomes insufficient for complex consist configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The existing MU cable infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling both traditional command control signals and Ethernet data packets to traverse the same physical medium. The system uses MU modems to encode/decode Ethernet frames onto the MU cable, allowing the cable to serve both legacy and modern communication needs without adding separate wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission with Ethernet packet-based communication over the MU cable. By using MU modems to modulate data onto the existing cable infrastructure, the system substitutes legacy electrical control mechanisms with modern network protocols, enhancing capability while reusing physical infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet network is added to MU cable system, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Ethernet network functionality with the existing MU cable system by integrating MU modems into the locomotive communication architecture. This combination allows both traditional MU cable communication and Ethernet data transmission to coexist on the same physical infrastructure, reducing the need for separate wiring harnesses and lowering overall system complexity despite adding network capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining communication paths in a trainline communication network utilized by a consist has a processor configured to determine direct data transmission metrics for one locomotive of the consist. The processor receives direct data transmission metrics for the remaining locomotives of the consist and determines indirect data transmission estimates for the one locomotive based on the received direct data transmission metrics. The processor determines communication paths for the one locomotive by comparing the direct data transmission metrics for the one locomotive to the indirect data transmission estimates for the one locomotive.