Brake Rigging Ratio for Unpowered Axle Wheel Slide Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unpowered axles in locomotives are prone to wheel sliding during braking due to lack of speed sensors and slide detection sensors, leading to increased wear and potential operational disruptions, as they receive the same braking force as powered axles despite having lighter loads.

Innovation Solution

A brake rigging arrangement for unpowered axles with a reduced brake rigging ratio, achieved by modifying the dead lever and slack adjuster configurations, which decreases the brake force applied to the unpowered axle, thereby reducing the likelihood of wheel sliding without requiring sensors or traction control on the unpowered axle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the same brake rigging ratio is applied to powered and unpowered axles, then the braking force is sufficient for powered axles, but wheel sliding occurs on unpowered axles due to their lighter load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidwheel sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different brake rigging ratios to different axle types: powered axles use a standard ratio while unpowered axles use a reduced ratio. This local differentiation ensures that each axle type receives appropriate braking force relative to its load characteristics, preventing wheel sliding on unpowered axles while maintaining effective braking on powered axles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the brake rigging ratio parameter specifically for unpowered axles by reducing it from the standard value. This parameter change adjusts the mechanical advantage of the brake rigging system, thereby reducing the braking force applied to unpowered axles to match their lighter load and prevent wheel sliding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If unpowered axles are equipped with speed sensors and slide detection sensors, then wheel sliding can be detected and controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel slide detectionVSAvoidsensor system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the brake rigging system self-adjusting by using a reduced brake rigging ratio on unpowered axles. This passive design allows the system to automatically prevent wheel sliding through mechanical means rather than requiring active sensor detection and electronic control, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures the brake rigging ratio on unpowered axles to a reduced value before operation. This preliminary adjustment prevents wheel sliding from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for real-time detection and control systems that would require sensors and complex electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the brake rigging ratio on unpowered axles is reduced, then wheel sliding is prevented, but the braking force on unpowered axles is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel slide preventionVSAvoidbrake force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 reduced brake rigging ratio on unpowered axles lowers the adhesion requirement, decreasing the likelihood of wheel sliding and extending the lifespan of wheels and railway components while maintaining the unpowered configuration, allowing powered axles to detect potential sliding before it occurs on the unpowered axle.

Implementation Method 1

a dead lever comprising a protrusion offset toward a live lever and a slack adjuster

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

the slack adjuster is coupled to a protrusion opening arranged on a protrusion of the dead lever

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11548539B2Systems for a brake system

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for a braking system. In one example, a braking arrangement comprising a dead lever comprising a protrusion offset toward a live lever and a slack adjuster.