Variable Current Magnetic Track Brake for Rail Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic track brake devices in rail vehicles experience significant wear due to frictional contact with rails, and existing systems do not effectively manage wear or improve adhesion between wheels and rails during track cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A brake control device that operates the magnetic track brake device at a variable current intensity for rail cleaning, using a lower cleaning current intensity than braking current intensity, which reduces wear and improves adhesion by actuating the magnetic track brake device based on state data from sensors, including wheel slip and adhesion coefficient, to maintain optimal rail conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the magnetic track brake device is operated at high current intensity for effective rail cleaning, then the adhesion improvement is enhanced, but the wear of the brake device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the magnetic track brake device at different current intensities depending on the operational phase. During the initial cleaning phase, high current intensity is applied to achieve effective rail cleaning and adhesion improvement. Once cleaning is achieved, the current intensity is reduced to a maintenance level, which sustains adhesion improvement while significantly reducing wear on the brake device components.
2Reliability
If the magnetic track brake device is continuously operated at high current intensity, then the rail cleaning effect is maintained, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through a two-stage operational cycle. The magnetic track brake device is first operated at high current intensity for a predetermined time period or distance to achieve effective rail cleaning. After this initial cleaning phase, the device transitions to a maintenance phase with reduced current intensity, which sustains the cleaning effect with minimal energy consumption. This periodic alternation between high and low current modes optimizes the balance between cleaning effectiveness and energy efficiency.
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 reduces wear on magnetic track brake devices and enhances wheel-rail adhesion by effectively cleaning the rail during normal travel, requiring less energy and minimizing unnecessary braking, thus improving the overall braking performance and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic track brake device is magnetized and adheres strongly to the rail
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic track brake device can comprise, as components, one or more solenoids which can be brought into contact with a rail and to which current can be applied. When current is applied, the solenoid or solenoids of the magnetic track brake device can adhere to the rail by virtue of a magnetic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake control device for a brake system, wherein the brake system has at least one electromagnetic track brake device, which can be supplied with current at variable amperage according to the brake control device to create a braking force, and wherein the brake control device is designed to actuate the at least one electromagnetic track brake device at a cleaning amperage during travel in order to clean a rail. Also disclosed is a brake system having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle, and a method for cleaning a rail by means of an electromagnetic track brake device.