Method for ensuring that a section block of a railway section is free of the last unit of a train

Abstract

A method for ensuring that a section block of a railway section is free of the last unit of a train, wherein each train travelling into the section block is equipped with at least one train terminal (OTU—On Train Unit) at the end of the train, defined by the direction of travel of the train, which OTU is used for the periodic position detection of the train. The method comprises storing at least one polygon, which is defined by a plurality of geo-data, for each section block is stored in the OTU, registering the respectively traveled polygon at least once by the OTU by means of Global Navigation Satellite System, and sending the identification of the respectively traveled polygon with the OTU at least once to an electronic data processing system for evaluation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT / EP2018 / 075476 filed Sep. 20, 2018, which claims priority to Swiss Patent Application No. 01163 / 17 filed Sep. 21, 2017, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by this reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method for ensuring that a section block of a railway section is free of the last unit of a train.PRIOR ART[0003]The prior art discloses security measures that verify the completeness or integrity of a train. An old security measure is that the dispatcher checks with a naked eye when a train is leaving the station that there is a train end signal at the end of the train.[0004]Automatic axle counting devices are widespread, which count the number of axles when entering a station or a section block (counting the axles up). The axle counting devices are electronic components with sensors. When leaving the station or the section block, an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for ensuring that a section block of a railway is free of the last unit of a train using an On Track Unit (OTU) and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The method involves storing polygons with geo-data and track information in the OTU, and registering the polygons with the GNSS when the OTU moves within the section block. The OTU can also send the identification of the polygons and the direction of travel of the train to an electronic data processing system. The technical effect of this method is that it provides a reliable and cost-effective way to ensure the safety of a railway system, as it does not require expensive and error-prone devices like axle counting and train length control systems. Additionally, it allows for the detection of risks of rear impact collisions or crashes due to human error.

Problems solved by technology

Axle counting devices are expensive to purchase and to maintain.

It is also known that they can have functional problems at high temperatures.

The described method is susceptible to errors because it checks the matching of GPS point coordinates.

The error for the deviation of the spot on the track from the end point of the train can be due not only because of the fact that the train is no longer complete, but also in an inaccuracy or a failure of one of the GPS coordinates.

Another disadvantage of the method is that the GPS coordinates of the end of the train have to be checked until they match the track coordinates.

It is also not possible with the method to determine which of the traveled section blocks of a railway section is currently occupied by the train.

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