Electronic Motor Relay for Track Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromechanical motor relays in track circuits require frequent, time-consuming, and costly maintenance due to their complex structure and sensitivity to phase angle and frequency changes, necessitating regular testing and revision, which is labor-intensive and can only be done in authorized workshops.
Innovation Solution
Replacing electromechanical components with electronic circuits using printed circuit boards and semiconductor technology, allowing the existing housing components to be retained, with the carrier accommodating the printed circuit boards on existing mounting points and enabling direct integration into existing systems without changes, utilizing redundancy and internal monitoring for reliable signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromechanical motor relay is used, then reliable signaling is achieved, but maintenance effort and testing frequency increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical motor with an electronic circuit implementation. The motor relay function is achieved through electronic components including a microcontroller, evaluation circuitry, and actuator, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, windings, and commutators. This substitution maintains reliable signaling while eliminating the maintenance and testing issues associated with electromechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromechanical motor relay is used, then existing housing components can be utilized, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor relay into distinct functional modules: a carrier component that interfaces with the existing housing, printed circuit boards containing the electronic circuit, and a test strip assembly. This modular segmentation allows the electronic replacement to integrate with the existing housing while simplifying the overall structure compared to the integrated electromechanical design.
3Force
If electromechanical motor relay is used, then torque control is achieved, but phase angle sensitivity causes operational instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torque-generating electromechanical motor with an electronic control system that uses a microcontroller to process phase angle information and control an actuator. This eliminates the direct dependence on precise phase angle maintenance for torque generation, as the electronic system can compensate for phase variations through software control and monitoring, significantly improving operational stability.
4Loss of information
If electromechanical motor relay is used, then visual display is provided, but test accessibility requires component removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test strip as an intermediary testing interface that can be accessed through the existing rotatable flap without removing the housing or display components. The test strip provides electrical test points that allow maintenance personnel to perform functionality tests while the housing remains assembled, maintaining both visual display capability and test accessibility.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor relay, in particular for DC circuits, having a housing comprising a base plug plate (5) and a cap (19) having a window (20), in particular made of transparent plastic, for a display device (18, 18') and a rotatable flap (32) for covering a test strip (17). In order to save electromechanical components, a carrier (21) for receiving at least one circuit board (25) having a circuit for electronically implementing the motor relay (1) is provided, wherein the carrier (21) comprises fastening elements (23, 24, 26) and moldings interacting with the housing conceived for electromechanically implementing the motor relay (15).