Electromechanical Brake Force Indication for Railway Brake Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic/electro-pneumatic braking indicators are not compatible with electromechanical braking systems due to the absence of pressure monitoring, necessitating a solution for visual verification 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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional braking indication systems are used, then braking information can be transmitted, but the system lacks redundancy and is susceptible to external interference and defects
Solution Approach 1:
The braking indication system is segmented into multiple independent transmitting devices (first and second transmitting devices) positioned at different locations. Each device can independently transmit braking information, providing redundancy. If one device fails or is interfered with, the other can still convey the braking signal, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transmitting devices are assigned to different spatial locations (first transmitting device at first location, second transmitting device at second location). This local distribution ensures that external interference affecting one location does not necessarily affect the other, and allows the system to adapt to different viewing angles of train occupants, improving both reliability and usability.
2Reliability
If multiple transmitting devices are deployed at different locations, then information reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both transmitting devices use the same type of indicator (e.g., both are brake indicators or both are direction indicators) and transmit the same kind of braking information. This universality means that while there are multiple devices, they are not fundamentally different in function or design, allowing for standardized components and simplified maintenance, thus limiting the increase in complexity despite improved reliability.
3Device complexity
If braking information is transmitted without redundancy, then the system remains simple, but it is vulnerable to external interference and component defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant transmitting devices in advance, before any interference or defect occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if external interference (such as electromagnetic interference, physical obstruction, or component failure) affects one transmitting device, the redundant device is already in place to compensate and ensure continuous reliable transmission of braking information.
4Ease of operation
If a single transmitting device is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide adequate braking indication from multiple perspectives
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-point transmission to multi-point spatial distribution. By placing transmitting devices at different locations (different spatial dimensions), the system can provide braking indications visible from multiple angles and positions of train occupants, enhancing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized device deployment.
Data Source
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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).