Rail Axle Failure Detection Using Single Rate Generator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing failure detection devices in railway vehicles require complex configurations involving multiple rate generators and voltage detection circuits to determine rotational speed differences, making them cumbersome for determining failures in power transmission mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A failure determination device with a rate generator, frequency calculator, and determiner that calculates the frequency of a sensor signal to detect failures in rotating bodies, eliminating the need for measuring rotational speeds of other members and voltage detection circuits, thus simplifying the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two rate generators and voltage detection circuits are used to measure rotational speeds and calculate differences, then failure detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function needed for failure detection. Instead of measuring rotational speeds of both the armature shaft and axle separately, it only measures the rotational speed of the axle using a single rate generator. The failure detection is achieved by comparing the measured axle speed with the commanded speed, eliminating the need for multiple sensors and voltage detection circuits while maintaining reliable failure detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rate generator is designed to serve multiple purposes: it measures axle rotational speed, provides feedback for control, and enables failure detection through speed comparison. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate measurement systems for each component, reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple rate generators are deployed to measure rotational speeds of different components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical measurement point (axle rotational speed) that is sufficient for failure detection. By focusing measurement on the axle rather than both shaft and axle, it achieves the necessary measurement precision for detecting bearing failures while using only one rate generator instead of two.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that provides the commanded speed information. By comparing the measured axle speed with the commanded speed from the control device, the system achieves accurate failure detection without needing direct speed measurements from both the motor shaft and axle, thus reducing sensor requirements.
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 effective failure determination in railway vehicles with a simpler configuration, allowing for timely detection of axle and bearing issues without the complexity of multiple sensors and voltage detection, enhancing maintainability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
By causing the coil to detect a change in the magnetic flux generated through rotation of the gear, the rate generator measures a rotational speed of the armature shaft or the axle.
Data Source
AI summary
A failure determination device determines whether any failure occurs in a rotating body including a shaft rotatable by received power and a support mechanism supporting the shaft rotatably. In detail, the failure determination device includes a rate generator, a frequency calculator, and a determiner. The rate generator outputs a sensor signal of which a frequency varies depending on a rotational speed of the shaft. The frequency calculator calculates a frequency of the sensor signal. The determiner determines whether any failure occurs in the rotating body from the frequency calculated by the frequency calculator.