Modular Brake Control Assembly With Interchangeable Fluid Line Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake control systems for rail vehicles require significant redesign and reconfiguration when changes to braking concepts or functions are needed, as existing solutions necessitate new designs for the functional unit and line matrix, making it difficult to implement changes efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A brake control arrangement with a fluidic line matrix and a set of interchangeable distributor blocks, where the distributor blocks are designed as passive components and manufactured using 3D printing, allowing for easy configuration of the fluidic line matrix by connecting or replacing the blocks, enabling flexible adaptation of braking concepts and functions without extensive redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the brake control system uses a fixed functional unit design with integrated wiring matrix, then the system structure is stable and reliable, but any changes to braking concepts or functions require significant redesign of the entire functional unit and wiring matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is segmented into a permanent functional unit and a separate, interchangeable wiring matrix. The wiring matrix is divided into modular connection elements that can be independently configured and replaced without affecting the functional unit. This allows different wiring configurations to be implemented by simply changing the matrix module rather than redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional unit is designed with universal connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple wiring matrix configurations. The connection elements on the functional unit are standardized to work with various wiring matrix designs, enabling the same functional unit to support different braking concepts and functions through interchangeable wiring matrices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brake control system allows modifications to braking concepts, then the system becomes more versatile, but the redesign and revalidation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wiring matrix configurations are pre-designed and pre-tested as separate modular units. Each wiring matrix module is independently validated before integration, so that when a braking concept change is needed, a pre-validated wiring matrix can be directly implemented without requiring new validation tests for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of redesigning wiring connections from scratch for each braking concept change, standardized wiring matrix modules are created as reusable templates. These modular wiring copies can be selectively implemented by simply replacing the physical wiring matrix assembly, avoiding repetitive design and validation work.
3Ease of operation
If the system uses separate pipe connections for module connections, then the connections are flexible and accessible, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection functionality is merged into an integrated wiring matrix assembly that combines multiple connection elements into a single modular unit. This wiring matrix module integrates what would otherwise be separate pipe connections, seals, and mounting structures into one component that can be installed and configured as a single assembly, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit (S1) with a fluid line matrix (L1) and brake components (11, 12, 13, 14, 15; 11, 12, 13, 14, 16) connected to the fluid line matrix (L1). The aim of the invention is to allow changes in the brake designs or brake functions to be carried out easily. This is achieved in that at least one interface (S1R; S1Y; S1Cv; S1X) is provided for connecting a distributor block (Ri; Yj; Cvk; X1). The interface (S1R; S1Y; SICv; S1X) is designed such that a configuration (K.RiYjCvkX1) of the fluid line matrix can be formed by connecting or exchanging the distributor block (S1R; S1Y; S1Cv; S1X). The invention also relates to a distributor block (Ri; Yj; Cvk; X1) which is designed to be suitable for forming a configuration (K.RiYjCvkX1) of the fluid line matrix (L1) of the circuit (S1) by connecting to the at least one interface (S1R; S1Y; S1Cv; S1X) of the circuit (S1) .