Dynamic Braking Effort Control for Powered Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional braking systems in powered vehicles, such as trains, struggle to control braking effort within regulatory limits without limiting maximum available braking effort, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety issues due to over or under-braking.
Innovation Solution
A control system that monitors and adjusts braking effort using sensors and a processor to ensure it remains within a predetermined range of the braking effort threshold, preventing excessive braking while maximizing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the braking system is disconnected or axles are disconnected from the braking system prior to commencement of a trip, then the maximum braking effort of the remaining connected braking systems cannot exceed the FRA regulation, but the maximum braking effort is limited particularly at high speeds and the disconnected braking system cannot be reconnected during routine operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the braking system configuration changeable during operation. The controller dynamically determines whether to operate in a first configuration (with all braking systems connected) or a second configuration (with braking system disconnected) based on real-time operating conditions such as speed and FRA regulation compliance, allowing the system to adapt rather than being statically disconnected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the braking system by adjusting the engagement state of the braking system based on speed thresholds and FRA regulation limits. The controller modifies the braking effort output parameter dynamically, reducing it when regulations would be exceeded and maintaining full capability when compliant, thereby optimizing braking efficiency across different operating conditions
2Force
If one or more axles are disconnected from the powered system, then the braking effort is reduced by the fraction of disconnected axles, but this complicates the determination of how many axles can be disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of determining axle disconnection by removing the need to individually manage and calculate disconnections for each axle. Instead, the controller directly manages the overall braking effort output based on FRA regulation compliance, eliminating the complex determination process while achieving the same braking effort reduction effect
3Productivity
If the braking system is not disconnected, then the collective braking effort may exceed the FRA regulation particularly at low speeds, but disconnecting limits the maximum braking effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller continuously monitor operating conditions including speed and braking effort levels, then use this information to determine whether to operate in a configuration that complies with FRA regulations. The system receives feedback from speed sensors and regulation parameters, adjusts its configuration accordingly, and maintains compliance while maximizing braking efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is provided for controlling a braking effort of a braking system in a powered system. The powered system travels along a route. The control system includes a controller coupled to the braking system, where the controller is configured to monitor the braking effort of the braking system at a braking region along the route. The controller is further configured to control the braking effort at the braking region, such that the braking effort approaches within a predetermined range of a braking effort threshold, but does not exceed the braking effort threshold. A method is also provided for controlling a braking effort of a braking system in a powered system.