Vehicle-Side Automated Rail Control Without Track Modifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated rail vehicle control systems require significant infrastructure modifications and are inflexible, limiting their application to routes with installed infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-side automated control system that uses vehicle-based sensors and map data to determine operational setpoints, incorporating dynamic environmental influences, allowing infrastructure-independent operation and flexible application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated train control systems are implemented, then automated operation is achieved, but infrastructure modifications are required and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the control system on the infrastructure side (conventional approach), the patent inverts the architecture by placing the automated control system on the vehicle side. The control unit is integrated into the rail vehicle itself, using onboard sensors, position determination devices, and map data to autonomously control driving operations without requiring infrastructure modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail vehicle becomes self-sufficient for automated operation by integrating all necessary control functions within the vehicle. The control unit uses the vehicle's own sensors, position determination devices, and stored map data to independently determine driving commands, eliminating dependence on external infrastructure systems.
2Extent of automation
If infrastructure-based control systems are installed, then automated control is enabled, but application flexibility to different routes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle-side control system is designed to be universally applicable to different routes and rail vehicles. The control unit can process map data from various routes and adapt to different driving missions, making the system flexible enough to be deployed across multiple routes without requiring route-specific infrastructure installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing physical infrastructure markers and control devices along the track, the system uses digital copies of route information stored in map data within the vehicle. This virtual representation of the route allows the control system to operate on any route for which digital map data is available, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure copying or installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle-side sensors and map data are used, then infrastructure-independent operation is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated control unit within the vehicle. The control unit merges sensor data processing, position determination, map data management, and driving command generation into one cohesive system, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate infrastructure-based components.
4Reliability
If traditional train protection systems are used, then safety is maintained, but infrastructure dependency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's control unit independently performs safety functions by continuously monitoring its own position using onboard sensors and comparing it with map data. The system autonomously determines whether to issue driving commands or apply braking based on its own sensor inputs and position calculations, without requiring external infrastructure protection systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automated on-vehicle rail vehicle control system (20, 30). The present automated on-vehicle rail vehicle control system (20, 30) comprises an on-vehicle set point value detection unit (22), an automated train operating system (11) and a driving and braking unit (3), and additional sensors for detecting environment-related information. The on-vehicle set point value detection unit (22) is configured to determine, on the basis of on-vehicle positioning and map data (KD) as well as sensor data from the additional sensors, operative set point values for the control mode and the current driving mission of the rail vehicle. The automated train operating system (1) is configured to generate driving and braking commands (SW) on the basis of the set point values (SWV) of the on-vehicle set point value detection unit (22). The driving and braking unit (3) is configured to carry out traction and braking operations on the basis of the driving and braking commands (SW) that were determined. A rail vehicle is also described. The invention also relates to a method for the automated control of a rail vehicle.