Pneumatic Air Supply Sequencing for Parallel Brake Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air supply systems for pneumatic systems, particularly in transportation vehicles like trains, require a lengthy process to fill with pressurized air and conduct checks, leading to increased operational costs and preparation time.
Innovation Solution
An air supply management system with a controller and airflow control means that allows selective filling of pneumatic subsystems and parallel testing, enabling the system to reach operational pressure faster by isolating certain subsystems temporarily during filling and allowing air flow only when a predetermined pressure threshold is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor fills the whole pneumatic system with pressurized air simultaneously, then the pneumatic system reaches the required pressure threshold, but the process takes a rather long time
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system is divided into multiple subsystems, and the filling process is segmented into sequential phases. The controller manages different airflow control means to fill subsystems one after another rather than simultaneously, optimizing the overall filling time while ensuring each subsystem reaches the required pressure threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filling of critical subsystems before conducting brake tests. The controller prioritizes filling essential pneumatic components in advance, allowing brake tests to be initiated as soon as minimum pressure requirements are met, rather than waiting for complete system filling.
2Reliability
If the complete pneumatic system is filled before conducting brake tests, then all subsystems are pressurized, but personnel must wait on-board until the entire process is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the filling process based on real-time pressure measurements and test requirements. The controller monitors pressure thresholds and automatically initiates brake tests when conditions are met, eliminating the need for personnel to wait passively for complete system filling before testing can begin.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from pressure sensors throughout the pneumatic system and adjusts the filling process accordingly. When the required pressure threshold for brake testing is achieved in critical subsystems, the controller automatically triggers the brake test sequence, ensuring test completeness while minimizing waiting time.
3Loss of time
If airflow control means are used to isolate subsystems during filling, then filling time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow control means are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as isolation valves during sequential filling and as control elements for brake testing operations. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving time reduction benefits.
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 approach significantly reduces the time needed to fill the pneumatic system and conduct checks, optimizing readiness for operations by allowing parallel filling and testing, thereby decreasing overall preparation time by approximately 40% compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor (4) configured to supply the pneumatic system (100) with pressurized air
Implementation Method 2
at least one set of airflow control means (10) which are connected to the pneumatic system (100) and are configured to commute between a first state where they impede pressurized air to flow into at least one selected subsystem or part of the pneumatic system while one or more remaining subsystems or parts of the pneumatic system are filled with pressurized air
Data Source
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AI summary
Air supply management system (1) for an equipment comprising a pneumatic system (100) at least one part or subsystem of which (110) has to undergo a checking test before putting the equipment into operations, the air management system (1) being characterized in that it comprises at least: - a controller (2); - a compressor (4) configured to supply the pneumatic system (100) with pressurized air; - at least one set of airflow control means (10) which are connected to the pneumatic system (100) and are configured to commute between a first state where they impede pressurized air to flow into at least one selected subsystem or part (105, 110, 115, 120, 125) of the pneumatic system (100) while one or more remaining subsystems or parts (105, 110, 115, 120, 125) of the pneumatic system (100) are filled with pressurized air, and a second state where flow of pressurized air into said at least one selected subsystem or part (105, 110) is allowed; wherein the controller (2) is configured to start a checking test of at least one of said one or more remaining subsystems or parts (105, 110) filled with pressurized air when the internal pressure of the pneumatic system (100) reaches a predetermined threshold, and to commute or cause said at least one set of airflow control means (10) to commute from said first state into said second state allowing pressurized air to flow into the at least one selected subsystem or part (105, 110, 115, 120, 125) while carrying out in parallel said checking test.