Virtual Train Stop via Wireless Signal Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanical train stops require complex circuitry and significant maintenance, reducing overall reliability and are not necessary with modern train control systems like CBTC, but not all railway vehicles are equipped with CBTC, necessitating an improved train stop solution.

Innovation Solution

A wireless train control system comprising onboard equipment with a receiver and wayside equipment with a transmitter, transmitting status data of home signals to determine the distance between the railway vehicle and interlocking points, automatically activating the braking system when a stop signal is detected, eliminating the need for mechanical train stops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mechanical train stops are used, then train protection function is provided, but device complexity and maintenance effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrain protection reliabilityVSAvoidcircuitry and design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical trip arm and trip cock system with a wireless communication-based virtual train stop system. The mechanical components (trip arm mounted on ground, trip cock on train) are substituted by wireless transmitters and receivers that communicate train position and signal status data, eliminating complex mechanical circuitry while maintaining the train protection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the wayside equipment and onboard equipment. Instead of direct mechanical interaction between trip arm and trip cock, the system uses wireless transmission of status data and position information as a mediator to achieve the same protective function with simpler components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional mechanical train stops are used, then train protection function is provided, but maintenance effort and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical components (trip arm, trip cock, associated circuitry) that require physical maintenance, repair, and calibration. The wireless communication system has fewer moving parts and no mechanical wear, significantly reducing maintenance effort and costs while improving system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If CBTC system is implemented, then modern train control is achieved, but not all railway vehicles are equipped with it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different train control systemsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal virtual train stop system that can work with both CBTC-equipped and non-CBTC railway vehicles. The wireless communication interface provides a common platform that adapts to different train control systems, allowing the same infrastructure to serve diverse rolling stock without requiring CBTC installation on every vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If mechanical train stops are installed, then train stop function is provided, but installation and maintenance effort are significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrain stop functionVSAvoidinstallation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical installation process (mounting trip arms on ground, installing trip cocks on trains, wiring circuitry) with wireless communication equipment installation. The virtual train stop system requires minimal infrastructure changes and can be deployed more quickly and easily while providing the same train stop function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11235789B2Train control system and train control method including virtual train stop

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SIEMENS MOBILITY INC

AI summary

A train control system includes an onboard equipment with a wireless receiver and connected to a railway vehicle, a wayside equipment with a wireless transmitter and assigned to an interlocking entry point, wherein the interlocking entry point includes a home signal, wherein the wayside equipment is configured to wirelessly transmit status data of the home signal to the onboard equipment of the railway vehicle when approaching the interlocking entry point via a wireless communication link, and wherein the onboard equipment is configured to receive the status data of the home signal via the wireless communication link and to determine a distance between the railway vehicle and the interlocking entry point.