Wireless Communication Testing for Vehicle Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently linking lead and remote locomotives due to communication failures, leading to significant time and effort in diagnosing and resolving issues, especially when radio systems are malfunctioning or circuit breakers are in the off position, which can delay train departures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing wireless communication between vehicles by exchanging test messages between onboard communication devices, including transceivers, to determine operative states and ensure proper functioning before initiating operations, utilizing redundant devices for increased reliability and using processors to log and communicate successful or failed message transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually check communication between lead and remote locomotives by traveling between vehicles, then communication reliability can be verified, but significant time and effort are consumed, especially when radio systems fail or circuit breakers are off
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary communication testing by automatically exchanging test messages between communication devices on the lead locomotive and remote locomotives before the train departs. This preliminary action verifies that radio systems are operational and circuit breakers are in the correct position, eliminating the need for operators to manually travel between vehicles during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication testing system operates autonomously without requiring operator intervention. Communication devices automatically send and receive test messages, processors independently determine operative states, and the system self-verify communication reliability, freeing operators from time-consuming manual checks.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If operators travel between lead and remote locomotives to diagnose communication issues, then communication problems can be identified, but considerable time and effort are required before train departure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where communication devices send test messages and processors analyze the responses to determine operative states. This feedback loop continuously monitors communication health and automatically identifies issues such as failed radio systems or incorrect circuit breaker positions without requiring operator diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of operators physically traveling between vehicles with an automated electronic communication system. Test messages are transmitted wirelessly between locomotives, and processors automatically analyze the communication, substituting human physical movement with electronic information exchange.
3Measurement precision
If manual communication testing is performed by operators traveling between vehicles, then operative states can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and delays departures
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual operator actions to automated electronic processes. Communication devices automatically transmit test messages at predetermined intervals, processors rapidly analyze responses to determine operative states, and the entire process occurs without human intervention, dramatically improving train preparation efficiency while maintaining precise operative state determination.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication methods and systems wirelessly communicate onboard messages between communication devices onboard the same vehicle. The communication devices can wirelessly communicate with other communication devices onboard other vehicles in a vehicle system for remote control of the vehicles. Receipt of the onboard messages at the communication devices is determined, and operative states of the communication devices are determined based at least in part on the receipt of the onboard messages at the communication devices. Determining these operative states in this manner can allow for an operator to identify communication faults with the communication devices prior to departing the vehicle.