LED Signal Lamp Interface Module for Rail Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of incandescent lamps with LED lamps in rail-bound traffic signaling systems is hindered by incompatibility issues, leading to high costs and potential safety risks due to different characteristics, and the existing solutions do not effectively utilize excess power to enhance the service life of LED lamps.
Innovation Solution
A device with LED light sources, an interlocking-side interface, and a control module that includes a Peltier element to simulate the power consumption of incandescent lamps, using excess power to cool the LED lamps and match the power characteristics, ensuring compatibility and extending the service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If LED lamps are used to replace incandescent lamps, then energy consumption is reduced and service life is extended, but compatibility with existing interlocking systems is lost due to different power consumption characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
An interface module is introduced between the LED lamp and the interlocking system. This module contains a power sensor that measures the actual power consumption of the LED lamp and a control logic that adjusts the power supply to simulate the characteristic curve of an incandescent lamp, making the LED lamp appear as a traditional lamp to the interlocking system while maintaining LED energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The power consumption parameters of the LED lamp are dynamically adjusted through the interface module. The control logic modifies the electrical parameters (voltage, current) supplied to the LED lamp based on the measured actual consumption, transforming the LED's power characteristic curve to match that of an incandescent lamp, thereby achieving compatibility without compromising energy savings
2Duration of action of stationary object
If LED lamps are replaced in existing signaling systems, then system reliability is improved due to longer service life, but high costs are incurred due to incompatibility requiring new signal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module serves multiple functions: it acts as a power converter, a simulation device for incandescent lamp characteristics, and a compatibility adapter. This single module enables LED lamps to be used in existing incandescent lamp installations without requiring replacement of the entire signaling infrastructure, significantly reducing replacement costs while extending service life
3Reliability
If relay interlockings are precisely matched to incandescent lamp characteristics, then safety statements of SIL4 quality are achieved, but LED replacement becomes impossible without complex and expensive interventions in interlocking control hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module creates a virtual copy of the incandescent lamp's electrical characteristics by measuring the actual LED power consumption and adjusting the power supply to replicate the incandescent lamp's characteristic curve. This copying approach allows the existing relay interlockings to continue operating with their precise matching to incandescent lamp characteristics, maintaining SIL4 safety quality without any modifications to the interlocking control hardware
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 allows seamless replacement of incandescent lamps with LED lamps, maintaining system reliability and safety while utilizing excess power to enhance the service life of LED lamps through efficient heat management, reducing the risk of errors and delays in rail traffic.
Implementation Method 1
a power receiver in the form of a Peltier element, which is thermally coupled to the number of light sources
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for replacing an incandescent lamp with a more energy-efficient light source (12) for a light signal in rail-bound traffic, which is included in a signal box-side safety monitoring system, comprising: a) a number of light sources (12), in particular LED lights, with a power supply interface, wherein the number of light sources (12) requires less electrical power than the incandescent lamp (2) to be replaced in order to achieve a luminous intensity analogous to that of the incandescent lamp; b) a signal box-side interface (8) for obtaining electrical power from the signal box (4);c) an interface module (IM) connected between the interlocking interface (8) and the power supply interface (10), wherein the interface module (IM): c1) comprises a control logic (24) which knows a signal-level and/or time-of-day-dependent characteristic curve of the incandescent lamp to be replaced and controls the power output to the power supply interface (10) depending on the selected signal level and/or time of day; c2) comprises a voltmeter (30) which measures the voltage applied to the interlocking interface (8) and transmits it to the control logic (24); c3) comprises a power sensor (20) designed as a Peltier element, which is thermally coupled to the number of lamps and which is controlled by the control logic (24) depending on the measured voltage such that the power consumed at the interlocking interface (8) replicates the characteristic curve of the incandescent lamp to be replaced.