Cable Transport Braking Simulation via Motor Control Curves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the braking system of cable transport installations are cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly due to the need for ballast installation to simulate loaded conditions, which increases handling operations and costs.

Innovation Solution

A method for simulating braking in cable transport installations using closed-loop control with a setpoint signal formed by a predetermined control curve, allowing the motor to simulate the force of a load without physical ballast, and a diagnostic method that records and compares characteristic curves to standard curves for precise diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ballast is installed to simulate loaded conditions for braking testing, then the braking system can be tested under realistic conditions, but the testing process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking test accuracyVSAvoidtesting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the load conditions through software simulation rather than physically replicating the load with ballast. The control system generates a control curve that mimics the force characteristics of a loaded installation, allowing braking testing without actual ballast installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical ballast system with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical weights to simulate load, the system uses a control device that generates electrical signals to drive the motor, creating a virtual load simulation that eliminates the need for mechanical ballast handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If ballast is installed to simulate loaded conditions for braking testing, then accurate braking diagnosis can be achieved, but the testing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performance measurementVSAvoidtesting duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores control curves that represent various load conditions before actual braking testing. These control curves are prepared in advance based on theoretical models or previous measurements, allowing the testing system to quickly switch between different simulated load scenarios without time-consuming ballast installation for each test condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor through the control device to simulate different load conditions. By adjusting the control curve parameters (speed, torque, acceleration profiles), the system can rapidly transition between different virtual load states without physical reconfiguration, maintaining measurement precision while reducing testing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If ballast is installed to simulate loaded conditions for braking testing, then realistic braking conditions are achieved, but handling operations and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking test realismVSAvoidtesting operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the installation's own motor and control device to generate the test conditions rather than requiring external ballast. The motor, when controlled by the pre-programmed control curves, automatically generates the forces needed to simulate loaded conditions, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate ballast handling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach simplifies and speeds up the testing of braking systems, eliminating the need for ballast, while ensuring accurate diagnosis and validation of braking performance, reducing costs and time.

Implementation Method 1

motor means which continue to operate during the application of the braking means can in particular simulate the force of a load on the installation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one step of application of the braking means to the installation driven by the motor means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2086810B1Method for simulating the braking of a cable transport system, method for diagnosing the braking of said system and control device for said system
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 POMAGALSKI
  • EP2086810B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2086810B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2086810B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for simulating a cable transport system, including at least one braking means and driving means, the simulation method comprising at least one test phase for the braking means including at least one step for applying the braking means on the system using the driving means which are closed-loop controlled by a set signal formed by a predetermined piloting curve F = f(t).