Inductive Sensor Power Supply From Rail Motor Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor boxes in rail vehicles require frequent battery replacements due to insufficient battery capacity and reduced service life from environmental conditions, especially temperature fluctuations, making continuous data transfer and operation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses inductive coupling between a motor cable and a coil to generate operating voltage for a switching module, eliminating the need for batteries and allowing energy supply directly from the alternating voltage applied to the motor cable, with optional components for rectification, energy storage, and rotational speed measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If batteries are used to supply energy to sensors in sensor boxes, then the sensors can operate and transfer data, but the battery capacity is insufficient for continuous operation and the service life is significantly reduced by environmental conditions requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy supply function from batteries and relocates it to the converter system. The converter, which already exists in the rail vehicle for motor control, is enhanced to simultaneously supply energy to sensor boxes through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for separate battery systems and their associated maintenance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter is given a dual function: it continues to power the motor while also serving as an energy source for the sensor boxes via the motor cable and inductive coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery systems in sensor boxes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are installed in sensor boxes, then sensors can be powered, but the restricted accessibility of sensor boxes makes frequent battery replacement difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply function is extracted from the inaccessible sensor box environment and relocated to the accessible converter system. This allows energy to be supplied to sensors without requiring physical access to the sensor box for battery replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service energy supply through inductive coupling from the converter to the sensor box. The sensor box automatically receives energy wirelessly through the motor cable without requiring manual intervention or access for battery replacement.
3Duration of action of moving object
If long cable connections are used to supply energy to sensors, then continuous power can be provided, but the complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an electromagnetic field-based inductive coupling system. Energy is transferred through magnetic fields generated by the motor cable, eliminating the need for direct physical cable connections to the sensor box and reducing mechanical complexity.
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 solution provides a reliable, battery-free, and continuous energy supply for sensors, enabling uninterrupted data acquisition and processing, reducing maintenance needs and allowing for wireless data communication without additional sensors for rotational speed measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the second electrical conductor is configured to generate the operating voltage from an alternating voltage, applied to the first conductor, by means of induction in the second electrical conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying energy to a sensor arrangement in a rail vehicle. The device has at least one second electrical conductor which has an inductive coupling to a first electrical conductor. The first electrical conductor connects a converter to a motor of the rail vehicle. The device has a switching module which is operated by way of an operating voltage and has the purpose of processing signals of at least one sensor. The at least one sensor serves to acquire data and/or detect a state of a vehicle component. The switching module is connected to a second electrical conductor. The second electrical conductor is configured to generate the operating voltage from an alternating voltage, applied to the first conductor, by way of induction in the second electrical conductor.