Vehicle Data Communication via MU Cable Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication methods in vehicle consists, such as trains, face challenges with costly wireless solutions and costly dedicated network cables, which are prone to failure in harsh environments and require significant labor and retrofitting, leading to reduced reliability and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication system utilizing a router transceiver unit and bandwidth module to transmit high-bandwidth network data over existing MU cables, modulating data to avoid interference with non-network control information and allocate bandwidth based on data sources, enabling efficient communication between vehicles without the need for additional cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication solutions are used in vehicle consists, then communication flexibility is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The existing MU cable system is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional control signals and high-bandwidth network data simultaneously through modulation techniques. This eliminates the need for separate wireless infrastructure while maintaining communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A modulation module acts as an intermediary between the network data source and the MU cable transmission medium. This module converts digital network data into modulated signals that can traverse the existing cable infrastructure, bridging the gap between modern data requirements and legacy communication channels.
2Reliability
If dedicated network cables are installed in vehicle consists, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The MU cable system is enhanced to perform dual functions: traditional vehicle control signaling and high-bandwidth network data transmission. This multi-functionality maintains reliability through the proven cable infrastructure while avoiding the complexity of installing separate dedicated network cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines network data transmission capabilities with the existing MU cable system by integrating modulation modules at cable endpoints. This merging approach consolidates communication functions into the existing infrastructure rather than adding separate cable systems.
3Reliability
If dedicated network cables are used in harsh environments, then communication stability is improved, but susceptibility to failure increases due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
Modulation modules serve as protective intermediaries that interface between network data and the harsh environment. These modules handle signal conditioning and protection, isolating the sensitive network data from direct environmental exposure while utilizing the rugged existing cable infrastructure.
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 enhances communication reliability and efficiency by using existing MU cables, reducing costs and labor, and allowing for the implementation of higher function systems like positive train control and passenger information systems without extensive retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
The internal circuitry is configured to receive the high bandwidth network data from the network adapter module, to convert the high bandwidth network data into modulated network data in a form suitable for transmission over the wired connection
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system includes a router transceiver unit and a bandwidth module. The router transceiver unit includes a network adapter module and a signal modulator module. The network adapter module is configured to receive high bandwidth network data from one or more data sources disposed on board a vehicle. The signal modulator module is configured for electrical connection to a wired connection, and to convert the high bandwidth network data into modulated network data in a form suitable for transmission over the wired connection. The bandwidth module is configured to allocate different portions of a data communication bandwidth of the wired connection to the modulated network data. The allocation is based on categories representing at least one of the one or more data sources or contents of the high bandwidth network data.