Dynamic Threshold Braking Control for Rail Vehicle Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rail vehicle braking systems incur excessive wear during emergency braking as they rely solely on high-safety friction brakes, neglecting the potential of lower-wear systems that can regenerate energy, and fail to adapt to varying environmental conditions affecting braking efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that dynamically activate and adjust the threshold for switching to high-safety braking systems only when the braking effect of lower-safety systems falls below a dynamically adapted threshold, prioritizing the use of low-wear systems during emergency braking and reserving high-safety systems for necessary activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only high-safety friction brakes are activated during emergency braking, then safety level is ensured, but wear on braking systems increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety levelVSAvoidwear on braking systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the braking system configuration changeable over time. The control device dynamically switches between different braking system combinations based on real-time monitoring of braking effect threshold values. The system transitions from a static conventional approach (always using friction brakes) to a dynamic approach where the composition of active braking systems is adjusted continuously, allowing low-wear systems to be utilized when conditions permit while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of braking system composition from fixed to variable. By monitoring the threshold value of braking effect and comparing it with available braking capabilities, the control device adjusts which braking systems are activated. This parameter change enables the system to operate with low-wear braking systems when the threshold is met, thereby reducing substance loss through wear while maintaining the required safety level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If low-wear braking systems with energy regeneration are deactivated, then safety level is maintained, but energy regeneration potential is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety levelVSAvoidenergy regeneration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the braking effect threshold value and using this information to control the activation of braking systems. The control device receives feedback about the current braking requirements and the capability of low-wear systems to meet these requirements. When the threshold indicates that low-wear systems can provide sufficient braking effect, they are activated for energy regeneration, thus recovering energy that would otherwise be lost while maintaining safety through continuous threshold monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional braking systems are used without dynamic adaptation, then system complexity is low, but adaptability to environmental conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to environmental conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the braking system to automatically adjust its configuration based on monitored threshold values without requiring external intervention or complex manual control. The control device autonomously evaluates the braking effect threshold and decides which braking systems to activate, allowing the system to serve itself in adapting to varying environmental conditions. This self-service approach maintains relatively low complexity while significantly improving adaptability compared to conventional fixed-configuratio

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 reduces wear on high-safety braking systems, maintains safety levels, and increases the operational availability of low-wear systems by leveraging energy regeneration and adapting to environmental conditions, thereby extending the service life and cost-effectiveness of braking systems.

Implementation Method 1

electrodynamic brakes (ED)...which under certain circumstances regenerate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

aerodynamic brakes...which under certain circumstances regenerate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic braking: Drag

Implementation Method 3

friction brake...which are subject to wear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3419872B1Method and device for the open-loop or closed-loop control of a braking system
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3419872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3419872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3419872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a braking system (10) of a rail vehicle, comprising at least one first braking system (14) having a high safety level that meets the requirements of emergency braking, and at least one second braking system (16) having a lower safety level. During the open-loop or closed-loop control of a braking system (10) of this type, initially at least one second braking system is activated after the triggering of an emergency braking. Thereafter, at least one first braking system (14) is only activated if a braking effect generated by the braking system (10) does not meet a threshold value, wherein this threshold value is adjusted to a currently achievable braking effect of the braking systems (14, 16).