Wireless Trainline Using Dynamic Radio Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed computer network connectivity in trains relies on wired connections and couplers between cars, which are not adaptable to changing train configurations and require static car arrangements, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A system where each train car is equipped with a processor and memory that dynamically manages mobile radios to switch between far-field and couple modes of operation, allowing wireless connectivity between cars without the need for inter-car wiring or couplers, and enabling each car to be aware of the train configuration for intelligent network management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired network connectivity with inter-car wiring and couplers is used, then reliable network connection is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired network system (physical cables and couplers) with a wireless communication system using mobile radios and antennas. Each car is equipped with mobile radios that communicate wirelessly with adjacent cars, eliminating the need for physical inter-car wiring and Ethernet couplers while maintaining network connectivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the inter-car wiring and Ethernet couplers from the train network system. By taking out the physical cabling infrastructure and replacing it with wireless communication capabilities embedded in each car, the system eliminates the complexity of installing, maintaining, and configuring physical network cables between cars
2Ease of manufacture
If static train configuration is used, then network setup is simplified, but adaptability to changing train configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic network configuration system where each car's processor continuously monitors and detects the presence of adjacent cars through wireless communication. The network automatically adapts to changing train configurations (such as cars being added or removed) without requiring manual reconfiguration, enabling the system to handle both static and dynamic train arrangements seamlessly
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network system performs self-configuration and self-adjustment based on the actual train configuration. Each car's processor autonomously detects its position in the train and establishes appropriate wireless connections with adjacent cars, eliminating the need for manual network setup or static pre-configuration while maintaining simplicity
3Ease of manufacture
If antennas are positioned on car roofs, then installation is straightforward, but RF coverage in tunnels is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions antenna positioning from the vertical dimension (car roofs) to the lateral dimension (forward and rear faces of cars). By placing antennas on the end faces of cars rather than on roofs, the system optimizes RF signal propagation along the length of the train, particularly improving coverage in tunnel environments where signal reflection and coverage patterns differ significantly
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for providing computer network connectivity to transit cars that each include first and second mobile radios, and a memory and a processor in each car performing the steps of (a) causing the first and second mobile radios of the car to enter into a far-field mode of operation in communication with a wayside radio; (b) following step (a), the processor of a first car causing its second mobile radio to enter into a couple mode of operation with a first mobile radio of a proximate car; and (c) following step (a), the processor of a second car causing its first mobile radio to enter into a couple mode of operation with a second mobile radio of a proximate car. In the couple mode of operation, first and second mobile radios in proximate cars communicate only with each other.