Brake Pipe Length Estimation via Acoustic Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the completeness of a brake pipe in a multi-car vehicle, such as a train, are either complex and expensive, require specialized devices, or are sensitive to noise, making them unreliable for determining the effective length and number of connected cars.
Innovation Solution
A brake pipe length estimation device that generates pressure waves with varying frequencies to detect resonance frequencies within the brake pipe, allowing for the calculation of the effective length and completeness of the brake pipe, using a device with an evaluation and control unit, proportional valve, pressure sensor, and temperature sensor to control and measure the pressure waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass flow measurement is used to calculate brake pipe volume, then the completeness of the brake pipe can be determined, but the device becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mass flow measurement system with an acoustic resonance system. Instead of using complex mass flow sensors to measure air flow and calculate brake pipe volume, the invention uses a resonance detection device that generates sound waves and detects resonance frequencies within the brake pipe. The effective length is calculated from these resonance frequencies, providing a simpler, more cost-effective solution while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If resonance frequency detection is used to determine brake pipe length, then the device complexity is reduced, but noise sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the detected resonance frequencies are continuously monitored and used to calculate the effective length of the brake pipe. The system compares the detected resonance pattern against expected patterns to identify the actual brake pipe length, even in the presence of noise. This feedback mechanism allows the system to distinguish true resonance signals from background noise, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and noise sensitivity.
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 a reliable and cost-effective method for determining the completeness of the brake pipe by accurately measuring the effective length, thereby ensuring proper braking functionality across all connected cars.
Implementation Method 1
by generating an additional air flow to the compressed air inside the brake pipe, a pressure wave can be caused, and by controlling the additional air flow, the frequency of the generated pressure wave can be varied until a resonance can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a brake pipe length estimation device (12) and a method to detect the length of a brake pipe (10) in a vehicle (especially a vehicle containing multiple cars), which reflects the length of the vehicle and can be used to calculate the number of cars connected together, and thus detect the completeness of the vehicle. The brake pipe length estimation device (12) is configured to generate an additional air flow into the brake pipe to cause pressure waves, to detect the occurrence of resonances, and to measure the resonance frequencies. The method is provided to determine the brake pipe length based on the measured resonance frequencies.