Vehicle Brake Control via Ethernet Data Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited data bandwidth and speed of serial connections in vehicle systems, such as trains, restrict the control and communication of brake systems, limiting the amount and type of data that can be exchanged between controllers and other control systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a vehicle system controller linked with electronic air brake and electronically controlled pneumatic brake controllers via network connections, allowing data packets to be communicated between these components to control the brakes, and utilizing Ethernet connections for increased bandwidth and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If serial connections are used for brake system control, then device complexity is reduced, but data bandwidth and communication speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical serial connections with wireless communication technology. The brake control system uses wireless signals to transmit control commands and data between the control device and brake actuators, eliminating physical connection constraints and enabling higher communication speeds and greater data bandwidth while maintaining system controllability.
2Device complexity
If serial connections are used for brake system control, then device complexity is reduced, but the amount and type of data that can be communicated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces serial connection-based data transmission with wireless communication that supports higher data rates and greater bandwidth. This enables comprehensive transmission of brake system parameters, diagnostic data, and control commands without the information bottlenecks of serial protocols, while the wireless architecture actually reduces overall system complexity by eliminating physical connection management.
3Ease of manufacture
If serial connections are used for brake system control, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability of data communication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes wireless communication for serial connections, achieving enhanced reliability through error correction protocols, signal redundancy, and automated connection management inherent in wireless systems. The manufacture process is simplified because wireless components are integrated into standard electronic control units, eliminating the need for separate connection hardware and reducing assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system uses a vehicle system controller to control operation of a vehicle system. An electronic air brake (EAB) controller and an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake controller control operation of a brake of the vehicle system. One or more network connections communicate data packets between the vehicle system controller and the brake controllers to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system using data packets communicated between or among two or more of the vehicle system controller, the EAB controller, or the ECP controller to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system.