SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING REMAINDERGENT LIFE OF AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT CONFIGURED TO BE INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, AND BRAKE SYSTEM - Patent application

Abstract

SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A REMAINDERGENT LIFE OF AT LEAST ONE COMPONENT CONFIGURED TO BE INSTALLED IN A VEHICLE, AND BRAKE SYSTEM - Patent application A system (100) for determining a remaining life of at least one component (102) configured to be installed in a vehicle (104), in particular a rail vehicle, is described, the system comprising control means (106) configured to measure usage data of the at least one component (102) from a time when the at least one component (102) was installed in the vehicle (104), to receive or include predetermined end-of-life data indicative of an expected end-of-life of the component (102), and to determine a remaining life value of the component (102) based on a difference between the predetermined end-of-life data and the measured usage data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is generally in the field of vehicles, and in particular the present invention relates to a system for determining the remaining life of at least one component adapted to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, and to a braking system. [Background technology]

[0002] Components installed in a vehicle are subject to wear from performing the operations for which they are designed.

[0003] It is therefore essential for vehicle manufacturers / operators to be able to monitor the actual wear state of the parts installed in their vehicles, especially for parts whose functions can affect the safety of the entire vehicle, such as those necessary for the running / braking management of the vehicle.

[0004] In the prior art, solutions exist that allow the proper operation of a device to be verified based on a comparison of one of its operating parameters with the operating parameters of other similar parts installed on the vehicle, specifically, these solutions signal that the part is no longer working properly and should be replaced if the operating parameter of the part differs from the value of the operating parameter of other similar parts installed on the vehicle by at least a predefined threshold value.

[0005] Unfortunately, these solutions fail to identify the true wear state of the equipment. For example, a part near the end of its life may exhibit operating parameters that are comparable to those of other similar parts installed in the vehicle that are also near the end of their life. In this case, the above solutions may assess the part as still functioning equivalently to a new part, even though the part is near the end of its life. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a solution for monitoring the actual wear state of at least one part installed in a vehicle.

[0007] A further object is to provide a solution that improves vehicle maintenance planning.

[0008] The above and other objects and advantages are achieved according to one aspect of the present invention by a system for determining the remaining service life of at least one component adapted to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, having the features defined in claim 1, and by a braking system having the features defined in claim 31. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, the content of which is to be understood as an integral part of this description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] In the following, some functional and structural features of preferred embodiments of a system for determining the remaining service life of at least one component adapted to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, and a braking system according to the invention will be described, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system for determining remaining life of at least one component that includes a communication means. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining the remaining life of at least one component, including a storage means. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system for determining the remaining life of at least one component, including an activation prevention means. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a braking system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Before describing several embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be made clear that the application of the present invention is not limited to the design details and configuration of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention may contemplate other embodiments and may actually be implemented or configured in different ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting. By using the terms "including" and "comprises" and variations thereof, it is intended to encompass the elements described below and their equivalents, as well as additional elements and their equivalents.

[0012] Referring first to FIG. 1 , in a first embodiment, a system 100 for determining the remaining life of at least one component 102 configured to be installed in a vehicle 104, in particular a rail vehicle, comprises a control means 106 configured to measure usage data of the at least one component from the time the at least one component is installed in the vehicle.

[0013] For example, usage data may be a value indicative of the usage of the part. Additionally, "measuring data" may mean either directly measuring the data (e.g., directly measuring the value of the data) or indirectly measuring the data, i.e., determining the value of the data from measurements of other values / parameter values.

[0014] That is, the control means may monitor the usage of the part from the time it is installed in the vehicle by measuring / determining usage data of the part.

[0015] Preferably, the usage data may indicate a number of activations of at least one component or may indicate a time period for which at least one component has been activated.

[0016] In other words, usage data for a part may be data that represents the actual usage of the part.

[0017] The control means 106 is also configured to receive or include predetermined end of life data indicative of the expected end of life of the component.

[0018] Additionally, the control means is configured to determine a remaining life value for the component based on a difference between the predetermined end of life data and the measured usage data.

[0019] Preferably, the usage data measured by the control means may be fluid volume data that has been received or generated by the at least one component 102 since the at least one component 102 was installed in the vehicle 104.

[0020] For example, at least one component may be a valve, and the fluid quantity data may be a value indicative of fluid received at the valve inlet and a value indicative of fluid dispensed at the valve outlet, in other words, the fluid quantity data is a value indicative of the amount of fluid the valve has handled since being installed in the vehicle 104.

[0021] For example, the fluid may be fluid present in the vehicle's main line or brake line / brake pipe, or it may be fluid present in an auxiliary reservoir that stores compressed air to create braking air. The valve may be, for example, a valve that receives fluid directly from the brake line or auxiliary reservoir and regulates output to the vehicle's brake cylinders.

[0022] Preferably, for measuring the fluid quantity data, the control means may comprise or be associated with fluid measurement means coupled to a fluid inlet port of the at least one component 102 and configured to measure a volume of fluid received by the at least one component 102. Alternatively, for measuring the fluid quantity data, the control means may comprise or be associated with fluid measurement means coupled to a fluid outlet port of the at least one component 102 and configured to measure a volume of fluid generated by the at least one component 102.

[0023] Alternatively, the amount of fluid may be determined from a fluid pressure value measured by at least one pressure transducer located downstream and / or upstream of the component.

[0024] For example, the flow measurement means may comprise or be at least one pressure transducer or flow sensor configured to measure the flow rate of the fluid, i.e. the volume of fluid passing through a section per unit time.

[0025] Preferably, the control means may be or include at least one of a microprocessor, a processor, a microcontroller, a controller, a PLC, an FPGA, a control unit, a control system, or a controller or the like.

[0026] Preferably, the predetermined end of life data may be derived from at least one of the following: -Datasheet provided by the component manufacturer -Return of Experience (REX) provided by the manufacturer of the part or vehicle, or by the integrator of the system that contains the part -Component life duration verification testing carried out by the vehicle or component manufacturer, or by the integrator of the system that contains the component -Accelerated life tests carried out by the manufacturer of the vehicle or part, or by the integrator of the system that contains the part

[0027] In a first embodiment, the component may be a valve and the usage data may be indicative of the number of actuations of that valve, in such a case preferably the control means may comprise or be associated with actuation measurement means for measuring data indicative of the number of actuations.

[0028] For example, the actuation measuring means may be associated with the actuation circuit of the valve, for example the actuation measuring means may comprise or be a counter arranged to count the number of actuations.

[0029] In a second embodiment, the component may be a compressor and the usage data may be indicative of the total time the compressor has been operating. In such a case, preferably the control means may comprise or be associated with time measurement means for measuring data indicative of the total time the compressor has been operating. For example, the operation measurement means may be associated with an operating circuit of the compressor. For example, the time measurement means may comprise or be a timer or stopwatch.

[0030] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, the control means 106 may be configured to include a communication means 200 or to be associated with a communication means 200'.

[0031] Preferably, the communication means may be a wired communication means and / or a wireless communication means, for example, the communication means may be a wired line, a wireless network, Bluetooth, or other wireless technology.

[0032] Preferably, the control means may be adapted to transmit, via the communication means, the measured usage data and / or the determined remaining life value to at least one of the following: -Ground Station 202 - Cloud 204 - a separate control unit 206 installed in the vehicle

[0033] By transmitting usage data to any one of the above, schedules of maintenance activities for parts or vehicles are easily planned by interested parties.

[0034] Preferably, the control means may be configured to receive, via the communication means, the predetermined end of life data from a database comprising one or more predetermined end of life data, each end of life data included in the database may be associated with a corresponding part.

[0035] In this way, depending on the type of part being controlled, each control means can receive the correct end of life data for that type of part. For example, the database may be a database located locally on the vehicle or a remote database that transmits via wireless communication to the various control means of the vehicle.

[0036] Preferably, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the control means may be arranged to include a storage means 300 or to be associated with a storage means 300'.

[0037] Preferably, the storage means may be arranged to store predetermined end of life data.

[0038] Preferably, the control means may be arranged to store the measured usage data in the storage means.

[0039] Preferably, the control means may be configured to update the values ​​of the usage data stored in the storage means each time the vehicle is switched off, and / or at predetermined intervals, and / or upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined event.

[0040] For example, the storage means may be a memory unit, such as a non-volatile memory unit, i.e. one that is capable of retaining information in memory even in the absence of power. Examples of non-volatile memory units include non-volatile ROM and RAM memories, flash memories, most magnetic memory units, etc.

[0041] Preferably, the claimed system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise voltage measurement means arranged to measure a voltage value on a power line connected to the battery of the vehicle, In such case the control means may be arranged to determine that the vehicle is switched off if the measured voltage value is below a predetermined voltage threshold.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the claimed system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise current measurement means arranged to measure a current value in a power line connected to the battery of the vehicle, In such case the control means may be arranged to determine that the vehicle is switched off if the measured current value is below a predefined current threshold.

[0043] A person skilled in the art will know how to measure the current value and derive a voltage value for comparison with a predefined voltage threshold by conventional calculations, e.g. Ohm's law. Similarly, the same can be applied in reverse from the voltage measurement.

[0044] Preferably, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise pressure measurement means configured to measure a pressure value of a fluid flowing in a brake pipe of the vehicle. The control means may be configured to determine that the vehicle is switched off when the measured pressure value is below a predetermined pressure threshold.

[0045] Preferably, the brake pipe is configured to contain a fluid, which may be, for example, compressed air, and which may be used by the vehicle's braking system to transmit a braking force to slow the vehicle, the value of the generated braking force being dependent on the pressure value of the fluid in the brake pipe.

[0046] Preferably, the control means may be arranged to update the usage data stored in the storage means when it determines that the vehicle has reached a particular destination.

[0047] For example, the destination may be set by the vehicle driver / machine operator and received by the control means from a remote control station.

[0048] In such a case, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise location determination means configured to detect a position of the vehicle along the route, and the control means may be configured to determine that the vehicle has reached the destination if the detected position matches a specified target position.

[0049] Preferably, said at least one predetermined event, when which usage data may be stored in the storage means, is a stop of the vehicle.The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise a speed sensor means.

[0050] The speed sensor means may be configured to measure a linear speed of movement of the vehicle and the control means may be configured to determine that stopping of the vehicle has occurred when the linear speed of movement is zero.

[0051] Alternatively, the speed sensor means may be arranged to measure the angular velocity of a wheel or axle of the vehicle and the control means may be arranged to determine that stopping of the vehicle has occurred when the value of the angular velocity is zero.

[0052] In a further aspect, the control means may be configured to read the usage data stored in the storage means each time the vehicle is switched on, thereby allowing monitoring of component usage to resume after each journey from the last measured and stored usage data.

[0053] Preferably, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may again comprise voltage measurement means arranged to measure a voltage value on a power line connected to the battery of the vehicle, in such case the control means being arranged to determine that the vehicle is switched on if the measured voltage value exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may again comprise current measurement means arranged to measure a current value in a power line connected to the battery of the vehicle, In such case the control means may be arranged to determine that the vehicle is switched on if the measured current value is greater than a predefined current threshold.

[0055] As already mentioned above, again, a person skilled in the art will be able to measure the current value and derive a voltage value for comparison with a predefined voltage threshold according to normal calculations, for example Ohm's law. The same may be applied in reverse from the voltage measurement.

[0056] Preferably, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may again comprise pressure measurement means configured to measure a pressure value of the fluid flowing in the brake pipe of the vehicle, In such case, the control means may be configured to determine that the vehicle is switched on if the measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold.

[0057] The storing, updating and retrieving of usage data in / from the storage means described above may equally apply to the storing, updating and retrieving of determined remaining life values.

[0058] Preferably, the control means may be configured to determine that the component has reached a first level of wear if the determined remaining life value is below a first predetermined threshold. Thus, when determining that the component has reached the first level of wear, the control means may be configured to generate a first alarm signal.

[0059] Preferably, the control means may be configured to determine that the component has reached a second wear level greater than the first wear level if the determined remaining life value is less than a second predetermined threshold, which is lower than said first predetermined threshold. Thus, when determining that the component has reached the second wear level, the control means may be configured to generate a second alarm signal.

[0060] One or more wear thresholds allow for different times to be monitored for when a part is nearing the end of its life, for example, a first threshold may be set at half the part's useful life and a second threshold may be set at three-quarters of the part's useful life.

[0061] Preferably, the control means may be configured to determine that the component has reached end of life when the determined remaining life value is zero. Thus, when determining that the component has reached end of life, the control means may be configured to generate an end of life signal.

[0062] Preferably, as seen in Fig. 4, the system for determining the remaining life of at least one component may comprise an activation prevention means 400 configured to selectively assume a first state adapted to allow activation of the at least one component and a second state adapted to prevent activation of the at least one component. In such case, the control means may be configured to cause or maintain the activation prevention means in the second state when it determines that the component has reached end of life.

[0063] Preferably, the activation prevention means may be arranged to assume or maintain the second state upon receiving said end of life signal from the control means.

[0064] In a further aspect, as shown in Figure 5, the present invention also relates to a braking system 500 for a vehicle, comprising braking means 502 configured to generate a braking force suitable for slowing down the vehicle, at least one component configured to be installed on the vehicle and configured the activation of which influences the braking force exerted by the braking means, and a system for determining the remaining life of the at least one component according to any of the above mentioned embodiments.

[0065] Preferably, the control means may be further configured to control the braking means to adjust the braking force to decelerate the vehicle.

[0066] In other words, the control means may also be responsible for managing the vehicle braking.

[0067] Preferably the braking means includes or is an air brake, an electro-pneumatic brake, an electro-mechanical brake, an electromagnetic brake, a magnetic brake, a friction brake or any type of brake usable on a vehicle.

[0068] It is therefore an advantage achieved that a solution is provided that makes it possible to monitor the actual wear state of at least one part installed on a vehicle, thereby making it possible to improve the planning of maintenance to be performed on the vehicle.

[0069] As mentioned above, the present invention is preferably applied to at least one component installed on a rail vehicle running on a track rail. For example, the vehicle referred to herein may be a locomotive, and the course / route may include the track along which the wheels of the locomotive roll. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to vehicles on tracks. For example, the vehicle may be an automobile, a truck (e.g., a highway semi-trailer truck, a mining truck, a timber truck, etc.), a motorcycle, etc., and the route may be a road or a trail.

[0070] A system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to the present invention, Various aspects and embodiments of the brake system have been described. It is understood that each embodiment can be combined with any other embodiment. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but various modifications are possible within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for determining the remaining life of at least one component (102) configured to be installed on a vehicle (104), in particular a rail vehicle, comprising: A control means (106) is provided, The control means measuring usage data of at least one of the components (102) since the at least one component (102) was installed in the vehicle (104); receiving or including predetermined end-of-life data indicative of an expected end-of-life of the component (102); 1. A system for determining a remaining life of at least one component, the system being configured to determine a remaining life value for the component (102) based on a difference between the predetermined end-of-life data and the measured usage data.

2. The predetermined end of life data is a data sheet provided by the manufacturer of said component (102); Return on Experience (REX) provided by the manufacturer of the part (102) or the manufacturer of the vehicle (104) or by an integrator of a system including this part; a component life duration verification test performed by the manufacturer of the vehicle (104) or the manufacturer of the component (102), or by an integrator of a system including the component; and an accelerated life test performed by the manufacturer of the vehicle (104) or the manufacturer of the component (102), or by an integrator of a system including the component; The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 1 , wherein the remaining life of at least one component is derived from at least one of:

3. 2. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the control means (106) includes or is configured to be associated with a communication means (200) (200').

4. 4. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 3, wherein the control means (106) is configured to transmit the measured usage data and / or the determined remaining life value via the communication means (200, 200') to at least one of a ground station (202), a cloud (204), or another control unit (206) installed on the vehicle (104).

5. the control means (106) is configured to receive, via the communication means (200, 200'), predetermined end-of-life data from a database containing one or more predetermined end-of-life data; The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 3 , wherein each of the end-of-life data included in the database is associated with a corresponding component.

6. 2. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 1, wherein the control means (106) includes a storage means (300) or is configured to be associated with a storage means (300').

7. 7. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 6, wherein said storage means (300, 300') is configured to store predetermined end-of-life data.

8. 7. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to claim 6, wherein said control means (106) is configured to store said measured usage data in said storage means (300, 300').

9. 9. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control means (106) is configured to update the usage data stored in the storage means (300, 300') each time the vehicle (104) is turned off, and / or at predetermined intervals, and / or upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined event.

10. voltage measurement means configured to measure a voltage value on a power line connected to a battery of the vehicle, the control means being configured to determine that the vehicle is powered off if the measured voltage value is below a predetermined voltage threshold; or 10. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 9, comprising current measurement means configured to measure a current value in a power line connected to a battery of the vehicle, the control means being configured to determine that the vehicle is powered off when the measured current value is less than a predetermined current threshold.

11. pressure measuring means configured to measure a pressure value of fluid flowing in a brake pipe of the vehicle; 10. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 9, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the vehicle is powered off if the measured pressure value is below a predetermined pressure threshold.

12. 10. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control means is configured to update the usage data stored in the storage means (300) when it determines that the vehicle has arrived at a destination.

13. a location determination means configured to detect the location of the vehicle along a route; 13. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as described in claim 12, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the vehicle has reached the destination when the detected position matches a specified target position.

14. 10. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 9, wherein at least one predetermined said event is a shutdown of the vehicle.

15. speed sensor means; the speed sensor means is configured to measure a value of a linear speed of movement of the vehicle, and the control means is configured to determine that a stop of the vehicle has occurred when the value of the linear speed of movement is zero; or 15. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 14, wherein the speed sensor means is configured to measure a value of an angular velocity of a wheel of the vehicle, and the control means is configured to determine that a stop of the vehicle has occurred when the value of the angular velocity is zero.

16. 9. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 8, wherein the control means (106) is configured to read the usage data stored in the storage means (300) each time the vehicle is powered on.

17. a voltage measurement means configured to measure a voltage value on a power line connected to a battery of the vehicle, the control means being configured to determine that the vehicle is powered on when the measured voltage value exceeds a predetermined voltage threshold; or 17. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 16, further comprising: a current measuring means configured to measure a current value in a power line connected to a battery of the vehicle, the control means configured to determine that the vehicle is powered on when the measured current value is greater than a predetermined current threshold.

18. pressure measuring means configured to measure a pressure value of fluid flowing in a brake pipe of the vehicle; 17. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 16, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the vehicle is powered on if the measured pressure value exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold.

19. 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control means (106) is configured to determine that the component has reached a first wear level if the determined remaining life value is less than a first predetermined threshold.

20. 20. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as recited in claim 19, wherein the control means (106) is configured to generate a first alarm signal when it determines that the component has reached the first wear level.

21. 20. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as recited in claim 19, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the component has reached a second wear level greater than the first wear level if the determined remaining life value is less than a second predetermined threshold that is lower than the first predetermined threshold.

22. 22. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 21, wherein the control means is configured to generate a second alarm signal when it determines that the component has reached the second wear level.

23. 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control means is configured to determine that the component has reached the end of its life if the determined remaining life value is zero.

24. 24. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 23, wherein the control means is configured to generate an end of life signal when it determines that the component has reached the end of life.

25. 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the usage data is indicative of a number of operations of the at least one component.

26. 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component of claim 1, wherein the usage data is indicative of an operating time of the at least one component (102).

27. an actuation prevention means (400) configured to selectively assume a first state adapted to permit actuation of at least one of said components and a second state adapted to prevent actuation of at least one of said components; 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control means (106) is configured to place or maintain the activation prevention means in the second state when it determines that the component has reached the end of its life.

28. The control means is configured to generate an end-of-life signal when it determines that the component has reached the end-of-life; 28. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as recited in claim 27, wherein said activation preventing means (400) is configured to assume or maintain said second state upon receiving said end of life signal from said control means.

29. 19. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the usage data configured to be measured by the control means is fluid volume data received or generated by at least one component (102) since the at least one component (102) was installed on the vehicle (104).

30. the control means comprises or is associated with a fluid measurement means coupled to a fluid inlet port of at least one of the components (102) and configured to measure the amount of fluid received by at least one of the components (102); or 30. The system for determining the remaining life of at least one component as described in claim 29, wherein the control means comprises or is associated with fluid measurement means coupled to a fluid outlet port of at least one of the components (102) and configured to measure the amount of fluid generated by the at least one component (102).

31. A braking system (500) for a vehicle, comprising: braking means (502) configured to generate a braking force to decelerate the vehicle; at least one component (102) installed on the vehicle, the operation of which is configured to affect the braking force generated by the braking means (502); A brake system comprising: a system for determining the remaining life of at least one said component according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

32. 32. The braking system of claim 31, wherein the control means (106) is further configured to control the braking means (502) to modulate the braking force adapted to decelerate the vehicle (104).

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