Virtual Approach Signal Upgrades for Real-Time CTC Track Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Railway operations face inefficiencies due to delays in updating physical signaling components, leading to unnecessary speed restrictions that reduce locomotive capacity and velocity, as traditional systems rely on outdated physical signals rather than real-time virtual updates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual approach signal system that splits track segments into sections, using electronic circuits to generate real-time virtual signals, allowing locomotives to accelerate or decelerate based on current track conditions, and providing updated signaling through a PTC onboard terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical signaling components are used to indicate track status, then the system maintains traditional reliability and safety, but the signal update delay causes unnecessary speed restrictions that reduce locomotive capacity and velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical signaling system that operates in real-time. The virtual signal location receives and processes PTC enforcement signals immediately, generating virtual signals that accurately reflect current track conditions without the update delays inherent in physical signaling components. This virtual copy allows the locomotive to receive accurate speed restriction information instantly, improving both reliability of information and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual signal location acts as an intermediary between the CTC system and the locomotive operator. It receives PTC enforcement signals from the CTC system, processes them in real-time, and transmits updated virtual signals to the locomotive's onboard terminal. This intermediary function eliminates the delay chain present in traditional physical signaling, allowing immediate communication of track status changes to the operator.
2Ease of operation
If physical signaling components are spaced to maximize impact, then communication to operators is efficient, but the delay in updating these physical signals restricts locomotive speed across entire track segments unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual signal system creates digital replicas of physical signals that can be updated instantaneously. Instead of waiting for physical signal components to update, the virtual copy provides real-time signal status to the locomotive operator, eliminating unnecessary idle time while maintaining clear communication of track conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual signal location updates the signal indication before the locomotive reaches the physical signal location. By providing advance notification of cleared track conditions through the virtual signal, the system allows the operator to maintain higher speeds through the approach segment, reducing idle time while preserving safe operation.
3Device complexity
If the PTC onboard terminal displays the segment of track without upgrade ability, then the system maintains simplicity, but it cannot allow speed increase when track conditions improve
Solution Approach 1:
The PTC onboard terminal is enhanced with dynamic upgrade capability that allows the virtual signal indication to change in real-time. The terminal can now accept and display updated speed restriction values as track conditions change, enabling the locomotive velocity to be optimized dynamically rather than being locked at conservative predetermined values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the virtual signal location continuously monitors track conditions through PTC enforcement signals and adjusts the virtual signal indication accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the onboard terminal to receive real-time updates on track status, enabling speed increases when conditions permit while maintaining safety constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing a virtual approach signal restriction upgrade between physical signaling components is presented. In one embodiment, in a CTC type of operation, the use of a virtual signal with signal type functionality to split a block into two or more sections can allow a train currently governed by an approach indication to accelerate on a clear indication if the advance signal indication upgrades. The addition of audio frequency type circuits with the advance signal indication can allow a train to upgrade from a restricting indication to an approach or clear indication, while protecting open HT switches, broken rail, hazards, and follow up moves. The present invention provides a system for allowing trains to upgrade from a “restricting” indication to an “approach” or “clear and accelerate” indication with an upgraded PTC track line for the segment.