Vehicle Controller Communication Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems in vehicle consists face challenges when primary communication paths fail, leading to loss of functionality and safety risks due to the need for operator intervention, as vehicles may not be able to communicate effectively across different protocols and paths, limiting the formation of vehicle consists and increasing the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that includes a controller capable of detecting communication losses and automatically switching to alternative communication paths, determining operational restrictions, and implementing transitional plans to reduce vehicle movement to safe speeds, while also converting message protocols to ensure compatibility across different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary communication path is used between vehicles, then the communication system is simple, but the system loses functionality and becomes non-functional when the path fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication paths (wired and wireless) into a unified communication system that can switch between them. The controller integrates both communication modalities and automatically selects the appropriate path based on availability, ensuring continuous operation while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures alternative communication paths before failures occur. The controller is programmed with fallback protocols and can immediately switch to predetermined alternative paths when the primary path fails, eliminating the need for operator intervention and reducing response time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles use different communication protocols, then the system is adaptable to various vehicle types, but vehicles cannot communicate effectively with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives messages in different protocols from various vehicle systems and converts them into a standardized internal format. This mediation layer enables communication between diverse vehicle types while maintaining protocol compatibility and ensuring reliable message transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters including protocol type, message format, and transmission method based on the specific vehicle and system being addressed. This parameter adaptation allows the same controller to effectively communicate with different vehicle types using their respective protocols.
3Reliability
If operator intervention is required when communication paths fail, then the system can make informed decisions, but the response time increases and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the status of communication paths and automatically responds to failures by switching to alternative paths. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for operator intervention in routine failures while maintaining safe and appropriate decision-making through programmed response protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to self-diagnose and self-correct by automatically detecting path failures and switching to alternative communication methods without requiring external operator input. This self-service capability reduces response time and allows the operator to focus on higher-level monitoring and decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a controller that communicates between a first vehicle and a second vehicle and/or a monitoring device in a vehicle system. The controller determines a communication loss and, responsive to determining the communication loss, switches to communicating via a different communication path. The controller also determines an operational restriction on movement of the vehicle system based on the communication loss that is determined, obtains a transitional plan that designates operational settings of the vehicle system at one or more different locations along a route being traveled by the vehicle system, different distances along the route being traveled by the vehicle system, and/or different times. The controller automatically changes the movement of the vehicle system according to the operational settings designated by the transitional plan to reduce the movement of the vehicle system to or below the operational restriction.