Brake Pipe Leak Control for Faster Train Separation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-vehicle systems face challenges in detecting separation quickly due to blockages in both halves of the brake pipe, leading to delayed detection of pressure drops, which can result in the trailing segment drifting away from the front segment, potentially causing safety hazards and disruptions in train operations.

Innovation Solution

A leak control device is introduced near the rear end of the multi-vehicle system, which introduces a controlled leakage in the brake pipe to ensure the compressor can maintain pressure above the threshold for emergency braking, allowing for earlier detection of pressure drops by the EOVS device, even when blockages occur on both sides of the break.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brake pipe pressure detection system is used to detect separation, then separation can be detected when pressure drops occur, but detection is delayed when blockages occur in both halves of the brake pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a controlled leak in advance of separation detection, creating a baseline pressure drop rate that accumulates over time. This preliminary action ensures that when separation occurs, the pressure drop exceeds the controlled leak rate, triggering immediate detection even when blockages prevent normal pressure drop signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controlled leak acts as an intermediary mechanism that creates a detectable pressure change independent of the brake pipe blockage condition. By introducing this intermediate pressure drop source, the system can detect separation through the differential between expected and actual pressure changes, bypassing the blockage problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If the EOT device communicates with the controller within a range of up to eight kilometers, then communication is maintained over long distances, but the trailing segment can drift up to eight kilometers away before separation is detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controlled leak continuously accumulates pressure differential over time, creating a progressive signal that triggers separation detection immediately when the break occurs, rather than waiting for the EOT device to move out of communication range. This preliminary pressure change action eliminates the delay caused by long communication ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the brake system maintains pressure to prevent emergency braking, then normal operation is maintained, but separation cannot be detected when blockages prevent pressure drops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake system reliabilityVSAvoidseparation detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The controlled leak continuously creates a baseline pressure drop that accumulates over time, establishing a detectable pressure differential before separation occurs. When separation happens, this pre-established differential immediately exceeds the threshold, making detection possible even when blockages prevent normal pressure drop signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the pressure parameter by introducing a controlled leak rate, transforming the static pressure maintenance mode into a dynamic pressure change mode. This parameter change enables detection through the rate of pressure change rather than absolute pressure levels, overcoming the blockage detection problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The leak control device enables faster detection of separation, ensuring timely application of brakes and preventing the trailing segment from drifting away, thereby enhancing safety and preventing potential collisions by allowing the system to stop movement before losing communication range.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled leakage:

Implementation Method 2

a compressor of the vehicle brake system that increases a first pressure of the fluid in the brake pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

A pressure sensor in an end-of-train (EOT) device will detect the drop in pressure in the back half of the train and notify the front half of the train

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11820343B2System and method for detection of multi-vehicle system separation

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECH CORP

AI summary

A leak control device includes a reservoir fluidly coupled with a brake pipe of a vehicle brake system. The leak control device also includes a conduit fluidly coupled with the reservoir and having an orifice that directs fluid out of the reservoir at a leak rate. The leak control device includes a valve fluidly coupled with and disposed between the reservoir and the conduit. The valve may open and direct the fluid out of the reservoir and out of the vehicle brake system at the leak rate responsive to a pressure of the fluid in the brake pipe being no less than a pressure of the fluid in the reservoir.