Electromechanical Brake Force Indication for Railway Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking indicators for pneumatic/electro-pneumatic railway vehicles are not compatible with electromechanical braking systems due to the absence of pressure monitoring, necessitating a solution for visual indication of brake application state in electromechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

An electronic braking indication system using force sensors and control means to measure and visually signal the state of electromechanical actuators through electronic light sources, indicating brake application or release via first and second thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pneumatic/electro-pneumatic braking indicators are used, then visual indication of brake state is provided, but they cannot be used with electromechanical braking systems due to absence of pressure monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electromechanical braking systemsVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic pressure-based indication system with an electronic sensing system. Force sensors (mechanical measurement) are converted into electronic signals that are processed by control means and displayed through electronic visual signaling devices, thereby making the indication system compatible with electromechanical braking systems while maintaining the visual indication function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic sensing and visualization components are added, then compatibility with electromechanical systems is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electromechanical braking systemsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control means serves multiple functions: it receives signals from force sensors, processes the braking force measurements, determines the brake application state based on threshold comparisons, and controls the electronic visual signaling devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control means acts as an intermediary between the force sensors and the electronic visual signaling devices. It bridges the mechanical measurement domain and the electronic visualization domain, processing sensor signals and generating appropriate visual indications, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides reliable visual feedback on brake application status for electromechanical systems, ensuring safe operation and facilitating maintenance by identifying actuator anomalies.

Implementation Method 1

at least one force sensor means (204) arranged to measure a value of said braking force F

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing:

Implementation Method 2

at least one electronic visual signaling device (206), comprising at least one first electronic light source (208) and at least one second electronic light source (210)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250206360A1Electronic braking indication system for at least one vehicle, particularly at least one railway vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 FAIVELEY TRANSPORT ITAL SPA

AI summary

The invention relates to electronic braking indication systems for at least one vehicle, which systems comprise at least one electromechanical actuator (202) arranged to apply a braking force (F). In one aspect the invention relates to an electronic braking indication system comprising at least one force sensor means (204) arranged to measure the applied braking force (F), at least one electronic visual signaling device (206), comprising at least one first and one second electronic light source (208, 210), and at least one control means (212) arranged to receive the measured value of the braking force (F) and: a) switch on the first electronic light source (208) when the value of the braking force (F) is lower than a first threshold (THRESHOLD 1); b) switch on the second electronic light source (210) when the value of the braking force (F) is greater than the first threshold (THRESHOLD 1). In another aspect the invention relates to an electronic braking indication system comprising at least one force sensor means (204) arranged to measure the applied braking force (F), at least one electronic visual signaling device (206), comprising at least one first and one second electronic light source (208, 210), and at least one control means (212) arranged to receive the measured value of the braking force (F) and: a) switch on said first electronic light source (208) when said measured value of the braking force (F) is lower than or equal to a first threshold (THRESHOLD 1); b) switch on said second electronic light source (210) when said measured value of the braking force (F) is greater than or equal to a second threshold (THRESHOLD 2) different from said first threshold (THRESHOLD 1).