Load Controlled Brake Valve with Dynamic Kink Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve devices with articulated valve functions for load brake valves on rail vehicles are not suitable for both SS and S traffic, as they do not maintain a linear profile in S traffic at maximum load, leading to inefficient energy conversion and increased braking distance.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with a kink valve function that includes an inlet valve, outlet valve, pressure dividing piston, and post-brake piston, along with a changeover device to switch between articulated and non-articulated states, allowing for direct or indirect actuation of the inlet valve, enabling the valve device to operate in both SS and S traffic modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a valve device with articulated valve function is used for SS traffic, then the braking pressure characteristic is adjusted for long-lasting braking, but the valve device is not suitable for S traffic at maximum load where a linear profile is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for both SS and S trafficVSAvoidbraking pressure characteristic profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device incorporates a changeover device that can dynamically switch the articulated valve function between switched-on and switched-off states. This allows the braking pressure characteristic to be dynamically adjusted: in SS traffic the articulated function is switched on to provide long-lasting braking characteristics, while in S traffic at maximum load the articulated function is switched off to maintain a linear profile, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and characteristic shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The changeover device changes the operational parameters of the valve device by switching the articulated valve function on or off. This parameter change allows the same valve device to produce different braking pressure characteristics suitable for different traffic conditions: a kinked characteristic for SS traffic and a linear characteristic for S traffic at maximum load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the articulated valve function is switched off in S traffic at maximum load, then a linear profile is maintained, but energy conversion efficiency decreases and braking distance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinear profile of braking pressure characteristicVSAvoidenergy conversion efficiency during braking
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the articulated valve function based on traffic conditions. In S traffic at maximum load, the articulated function is switched off to maintain linear profile, accepting reduced energy efficiency. In other conditions (SS traffic or S traffic below maximum load), the articulated function is switched on to optimize energy conversion efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining linear profile and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If different valve devices are used for SS and S traffic, then optimal braking performance is achieved for each traffic type, but device complexity and replacement requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidnumber of valve devices required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve device is designed with multi-functionality through the changeover device that can switch the articulated valve function on or off. This single valve device can now perform both functions: providing optimized braking performance for SS traffic with articulated function switched on, and providing linear profile braking for S traffic at maximum load with articulated function switched off, eliminating the need for separate valve devices for different traffic types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The changeover device enables the same valve device to dynamically adapt its characteristics to match different traffic requirements. By switching the articulated valve function based on whether the train is operating in SS or S traffic mode, the valve device maintains optimal braking performance for each mode without requiring physical replacement of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution allows for a single valve device to be used in both SS and S traffic, maintaining original operability and enabling efficient energy conversion by switching between articulated and non-articulated states, thus reducing the need for device replacement and ensuring consistent braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure dividing piston is loaded in the opening direction of the inlet valve by the inlet pressure and on an opposite, larger area by the outlet pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the post-brake piston is supported in the opening direction of the inlet valve on the pressure dividing piston and in this direction by the inlet pressure, and on an opposite piston area by a predetermined, limited area Pressure or spring force is loaded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the post-brake piston is supported in the opening direction of the inlet valve on the pressure dividing piston and in this direction by the inlet pressure, and on an opposite piston area by a predetermined, limited area Pressure or spring force is loaded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2230143B1Valve device with fold valve function for load controlled brake valves
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2230143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2230143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2230143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The valve device has an adjusting device for adjusting the kink valve function from an activated condition to a deactivated condition and vice versa. The valve device has an inlet valve and an outlet valve for inlet and outlet of compressed air for forming the output pressure (C), which differs from the input pressure by a kinked characteristic.