Linkage Encoder Distance Sensing for Rail Vehicle Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining distances between a vehicle's car body and chassis, particularly in rail vehicles, require a compressed air system and are not universally applicable or adaptable to limited spaces, and they often involve complex setups with multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A device using a linkage and an incremental encoder connected to a computing unit, which can determine distances without a compressed air system, allowing for flexible installation and operation in confined spaces, and includes an acceleration sensor for dynamic correction, enabling load determination and level control without air pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a compressed air system with pressure sensors is used for load determination, then load measurement is achievable, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load determination function from the compressed air system by using a separate linkage mechanism with encoder that operates independently of the air suspension system. This allows load measurement without requiring the complex compressed air infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it determines load on the chassis, provides distance measurements for level control, and operates in vehicles with or without compressed air systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated load measurement systems, reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air springs are used for distance measurement, then load-dependent braking is enabled, but the solution is not applicable to vehicles without compressed air systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distance measurement function from the air spring system by introducing a separate linkage mechanism. This segmented approach allows the measurement system to be independently adapted to different vehicle types, achieving universality without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates chassis position into measurable encoder signals. This intermediary mechanism enables distance measurement in a manner that is independent of the vehicle's air suspension status, achieving broad adaptability while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and complex arrangements are used for load determination, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance measurement function with the load determination function in a single integrated linkage-encoder system. This merging eliminates the need for separate air pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, and multiple coils, significantly reducing installation space while maintaining measurement accuracy through the unified mechanical-electrical measurement chain.
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
Enables accurate load determination and level regulation in vehicles without a compressed air system, with reduced complexity and adaptability to different installation geometries, ensuring precise braking and effective level control.
Implementation Method 1
an incremental encoder (17) designed as an optoelectronic sensor or inductive sensor
Implementation Method 2
at least one acceleration sensor (37) is connected to the at least one linkage (13) and to the at least one computing unit (30)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for determining distances between at least one vehicle body (4) and at least one chassis (5) of a vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle. In order to create advantageous construction conditions, it is proposed that at least one linkage (13) can be connected to the at least one vehicle body (4) and the at least one chassis (5), wherein the at least one linkage (13) has a material measure (26) and wherein at least one incremental encoder (17) can be connected to the at least one vehicle body (4) or to the at least one chassis (5), which incremental encoder is directed towards the material measure (26) and connected to at least one computer unit (30), which can be connected to the at least one vehicle body (4) or to the at least one chassis (5). This allows for load determining without the use of pressurised air.