Eddy-Current Braking Device Direct Power Bus Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eddy current braking devices for public transport vehicles, such as railway vehicles, are bulky and expensive due to the need for dedicated converters to modulate braking force, which is not necessary for maximum braking intensity in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

An eddy current braking device with direct electrical connections between electromagnets and the vehicle's traction device power bus, eliminating the need for converters and allowing high braking efficiency without modulation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated converters are used to modulate braking force, then braking force modulation capability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force modulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the converter components from the braking system, eliminating the need for complex electronic modulation devices. The braking system directly connects electromagnets to the power bus, taking out the intermediate conversion stage while maintaining emergency braking functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex converters with simple, inexpensive direct electrical connections. The solution accepts limited adaptability (no modulation) in exchange for dramatically reduced device complexity and cost, suitable for emergency braking where maximum force is needed without fine control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If converters are installed to modulate current, then braking intensity control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking intensity controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the converter subsystem entirely, eliminating expensive electronic components and reducing manufacturing complexity. The direct connection approach simplifies the bill of materials and assembly processes while accepting the trade-off of reduced braking intensity control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If converters are used for current modulation, then braking force precision is improved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force precisionVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the bulky converter equipment from the braking system, eliminating the need for large electronic modulation devices. By directly connecting electromagnets to the power bus, the system achieves compact installation while sacrificing precise braking force control, which is acceptable for emergency braking applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 results in a more compact and cost-effective braking system with high braking efficiency, suitable for emergency braking scenarios where maximum intensity is required, by using only electrical connection elements and switches to supply electromagnets with power directly from the power bus.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnets are supplied with electrical energy so that they generate a magnetic field in which the conductive disc is in motion. Eddy currents are thus induced in the conductive disc, generating Laplace forces opposing the movement of the disc, thus generating a braking torque.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Eddy currents are thus induced in the conductive disc, generating Laplace forces opposing the movement of the disc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

Eddy currents are thus induced in the conductive disc, generating Laplace forces opposing the movement of the disc, thus generating a braking torque.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaplace forces: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3805036A1Eddy-current braking device
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP3805036A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3805036A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3805036A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The eddy current braking device (22) comprises at least one stator including at least one electromagnet (24), and at least one movable element (26, 26') relative to the electromagnet (24), characterized in that it includes means (28) for direct electrical connection between each electromagnet (24) and a power supply bus (18) of a vehicle traction device.