Wayside Communication Device Dynamic Transmission Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locomotive-to-wayside communication systems in railway networks face inefficiencies, particularly in areas without a permanent power source, as battery-powered wayside devices quickly drain power when continuously transmitting data, necessitating frequent replacements or large infrastructure for power replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A locomotive-to-wayside device communication system that allows wayside communication devices to dynamically adjust transmission power levels, reporting intervals, frequencies, and communication protocols based on available power, location, and environmental conditions, optimizing energy usage and reducing unnecessary data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If battery-powered wayside devices continuously transmit data, then data availability is improved, but power consumption increases rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission modes where the wayside device can switch between active continuous transmission and passive event-triggered transmission based on operational conditions. This allows the system to optimize between data availability and power consumption by adapting the transmission behavior to current needs rather than operating in a fixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters including power level, reporting interval, frequency, and communication protocol based on available power, location, and environmental conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the device to extend battery life while maintaining effective data exchange when needed.
2Loss of information
If battery-powered wayside devices transmit data frequently, then data freshness is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements event-triggered periodic transmission where the wayside device transmits data based on specific events or conditions rather than continuous periodic transmission. This approach maintains data freshness by transmitting when relevant changes occur while significantly reducing overall transmission frequency to conserve battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts reporting intervals based on operational context, transmitting more frequently when data freshness is critical and less frequently when power conservation is prioritized, thus balancing data freshness requirements with battery life extension.
3Use of energy by moving object
If wayside devices operate in passive mode, then power consumption is reduced, but data transmission responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mode-switching architecture where the wayside device can transition between passive and active transmission modes based on system needs. This allows the device to operate in low-power passive mode during normal conditions while能够快速 switching to active mode when rapid data transmission is required, thus balancing power consumption with transmission responsiveness.
4Speed
If wayside devices increase transmission power, then communication range is improved, but energy depletion accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adaptive parameter adjustment where transmission power is dynamically modified based on available power, location, and environmental conditions. This allows the system to extend communication range when necessary while conserving battery life by using lower power levels during normal operation, thus resolving the trade-off between range and battery duration.
Data Source
AI summary
A locomotive-to-wayside device communication system for a train having a locomotive travelling in a track network having wayside devices associated therewith. The system includes: an on-board communication device associated with the locomotive for transmitting and receiving data; and a wayside communication device associated with a wayside device, wherein the wayside communication device is programmed or configured to transmit data at or over (a) at least one power level, (b) at least one reporting interval, (c) at least one frequency, (d) at least one communication protocol, or any combination thereof. A wayside communication device and a locomotive-to-wayside device communication method are also disclosed.