Vehicle Train Brake Pressure Pulse Sensing for Adaptive Towing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Braking performance in vehicle trains is suboptimal when the number of towed vehicles or load is less than the maximum capacity, as existing brake tuning methods are based on these maximum values.
Innovation Solution
A brake control apparatus that includes a tractor controller to detect pressure changes in brake lines, estimate the number and length of towed vehicles, and adjust braking accordingly by applying and detecting reflected pressure pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service brakes and parking brakes are tuned based on the maximum number of towed vehicles, then braking performance is sufficient for maximum capacity, but braking performance becomes suboptimal when the actual number of towed vehicles is less than maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts brake tuning parameters based on the actual number of towed vehicles detected through pressure pulse analysis. The system transitions from static brake tuning (fixed for maximum capacity) to dynamic tuning that adapts in real-time to the actual load conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient braking performance and achieving adaptability to varying numbers of towed vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes brake control parameters (such as brake application force, pressure buildup rate, and release characteristics) based on the detected number of towed vehicles. By analyzing the reflected pressure pulses from the brake line and determining the actual train composition, the controller modifies braking parameters to optimize performance for the specific configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between sufficient braking for maximum capacity and optimal braking for actual conditions.
2Reliability
If service brakes and parking brakes are tuned based on the maximum expected load, then braking performance is sufficient for maximum load, but braking performance becomes suboptimal when the vehicle train is carrying a load much less than maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts braking characteristics based on the actual load conditions by detecting the number of towed vehicles through pressure pulse analysis. The system transitions from static brake tuning (fixed for maximum expected load) to dynamic tuning that adapts to the actual train composition and load, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining sufficient braking performance for maximum load and achieving optimal braking performance for actual varying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies brake control parameters such as application force, pressure buildup rate, and release characteristics based on the detected actual number of towed vehicles. By analyzing reflected pressure pulses and determining actual train composition, the controller changes braking parameters to optimize performance for the specific load condition, thus resolving the contradiction between sufficient braking for maximum expected load and optimal braking for actual varying loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If brake tuning is fixed for maximum capacity, then brake system design is simplified, but braking performance is less than optimal for actual conditions varying from maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the actual number of towed vehicles through pressure pulse analysis and autonomously modifying brake control parameters. The system eliminates the need for manual brake tuning adjustments by different operators for different configurations, as the controller self-adapts to the actual train composition, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving braking performance for varying actual conditions.
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
Improves braking performance by accurately determining the actual number and length of towed vehicles, enabling optimal brake adjustments based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tractor controller is also arranged to detect a reflected pressure pulse in the brake line in response to the applied pressure pulse, and determine the number of towed vehicles coupled to the tractor based upon the reflected pressure pulse detected in the brake line.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control apparatus is provided for a vehicle train having a tractor and one or more towed vehicles coupled to the tractor. The brake control apparatus comprises a tractor controller arranged to detect a pressure change in at least one brake line of the vehicle train in response to a brake trigger signal. The tractor controller is also arranged to process the detected pressure change to estimate a combination of the number of the towed vehicles and a total length of the number of towed vehicles coupled to the tractor.