Bistable Display for Rail Vehicle Tank Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying tank filling levels on rail vehicles require a continuous voltage supply, which is not feasible for parked vehicles to avoid battery strain, and do not allow for easy maintenance without activating the electrical system.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted system featuring an electromagnetic-mechanical bistable display element, such as a flip-dot display, that maintains the last displayed measurement value even without a voltage supply, allowing for manual updating using actuator buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous voltage supply is provided to the display device and measuring electronics, then the fill level can be continuously displayed and monitored, but the battery is unduly strained and maintenance requires electrical system activation
Solution Approach 1:
The display device operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the display and measuring electronics only when a button is pressed, then deactivates them. This periodic operation allows the display to show fill level information when needed while minimizing battery consumption during parked periods, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable display functionality and battery strain.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the display device is deactivated to save battery power, then battery strain is reduced, but the fill level cannot be checked on parked vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service functionality through the bistable display elements that retain their displayed state without continuous power. When a service person presses the button on a parked vehicle, the display automatically activates, shows the current fill level, and then deactivates. This eliminates the need for continuous power supply or complex activation procedures, making maintenance accessible while conserving battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable display element acts as an intermediary between the measuring electronics and the observer. It captures the fill level information and maintains it in a stable state without requiring continuous power from the battery. This intermediary allows the display to be readable during parked periods while minimizing battery consumption, resolving the contradiction between maintenance accessibility and battery conservation.
3Loss of information
If conventional display devices are used, then continuous information is displayed, but the device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power consumption requirement from the display functionality by using bistable display elements. These elements separate the information storage function from the power supply function, allowing the display to retain information without continuous power. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for continuous power management circuits and complex activation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The bistable display elements are simple, inexpensive components that replace complex continuous-power display systems. Each display element is a simple mechanical or magnetic component that requires minimal actuation energy. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining information availability, as each element independently holds its state without requiring continuous electrical support.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the permanent display of tank levels on rail vehicles, both during operation and when parked, without the need for continuous voltage, simplifying maintenance and reducing battery strain.
Implementation Method 1
the display device has at least one electromagnetic-mechanical bistable display element, which retains the last display value in the de-energized state
Implementation Method 2
at least one measuring device, comprising at least one sensor for acquiring measured values of a measured quantity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a track-bound vehicle with at least one measuring device and at least one display device for displaying at least one measured value, wherein the display device comprises at least one bistable display element, and to a method for operating the track-guided vehicle.