Drive Train Clutch Slip Monitoring for Breakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically driven rail vehicles with multiple drive trains fed by a common frequency converter, clutch breakages can go unnoticed due to partial power loss, leading to overloads in other drive trains and potential detrimental damage if not promptly addressed.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for monitoring the drive system that detect drive-side and load-side speeds of each drive train, calculate the slip value, and compare it with a predetermined threshold to quickly identify clutch breakages, allowing for protective measures to prevent damage to affected and other drive trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple drive trains are powered by a common frequency converter, then the system achieves compact design and reduced complexity, but a coupling failure in one drive train cannot be detected promptly and leads to overload of other drive trains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring function by introducing individual speed sensors for each drive train's coupling, allowing independent detection of coupling status in each drive train. This segmentation enables the system to identify coupling failures in specific drive trains without affecting the operation of other drive trains powered by the same frequency converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the rotational speeds of drive shafts and couplings, comparing measured values with reference values, and triggering protective measures when deviations indicate coupling failure. This feedback loop enables prompt detection and response to coupling failures.
2Device complexity
If coupling failure detection is implemented using traditional methods, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection speed and accuracy are insufficient to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing reference rotational speed values for couplings before failure occurs and continuously comparing real-time measurements against these references. This preparation enables immediate detection of deviations indicating coupling failure, reducing detection time and preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling monitoring with electronic sensor-based speed measurement and electronic comparison systems. Speed sensors electronically measure rotational speeds, and electronic control units compare these measurements with reference values, enabling faster and more accurate detection than mechanical methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle drive system comprising at least two drive trains having respectively at least one electric traction motor and a clutch, at least one inverter jointly supplying the at least two traction motors, and a control device. The claimed method comprises at least the following steps: for each of the at least two drive trains, at least one drive-side rotational speed and at least one load-side rotational speed of the clutch is detected such that at least one slip value of the clutch is determined from the detected rotational speeds and the at least one determined value of the slip is compared to a predetermined threshold value.