Rail Vehicle Axle Control Using Actuating Force Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axle control systems for rail vehicles require complex sensors and measurements for precise angle control, leading to increased component count, installation space, and costs, as well as reduced robustness and availability.
Innovation Solution
A method that eliminates the need for sensors by using a passive elastic bearing and an actuator unit connected in parallel, with a control device processing data from yaw rate and translation speed sensors to determine steering angles and actuating forces, allowing for robust and cost-effective axle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are used for precise angle control in axle control systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the angle sensors from the control system. Instead of measuring the actual steering angle directly with sensors, the system calculates the steering angle from other measured parameters (acceleration, yaw rate) and uses this calculated value for control purposes, thereby removing the complex sensor components while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation approach where the steering angle is not measured directly but derived through mathematical relationships from intermediate measurements (acceleration sensors, yaw rate sensors). This intermediary method avoids the need for complex angle sensors while achieving the required measurement precision through computational means
2Measurement precision
If sensors and complex measurements are used for axle control, then control precision is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes angle sensors and complex measurement devices from the system, replacing them with a calculation-based approach that uses data from existing sensors (acceleration, yaw rate). This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the installation space required in the axle control system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing sensors (acceleration sensors, yaw rate sensors) perform multiple functions. These sensors are not only used for their primary purposes but also for deriving steering angle information through mathematical calculations, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated angle measurement devices and reducing overall installation space
3Measurement precision
If complex angle sensors and measurements are implemented, then steering angle detection accuracy is improved, but system robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes angle sensors from the system, which are identified as potential failure points. By eliminating these complex components and replacing them with a calculation-based approach using data from more reliable existing sensors, the system's overall robustness and availability are improved while maintaining steering angle detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the calculated steering angle is continuously used to control the actuator, and the system state is continuously monitored through acceleration and yaw rate measurements. This closed-loop feedback approach maintains detection accuracy without requiring fragile angle sensors, thereby improving system reliability
4Measurement precision
If angle sensors and complex measurement systems are used, then control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates expensive angle sensors and complex measurement systems from the design. By replacing these costly components with a calculation-based approach using data from standard acceleration and yaw rate sensors, the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced while maintaining the required control accuracy through mathematical derivation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model or calculation-based representation of the steering angle instead of using physical angle sensors. This computational copy of the angle information is derived from other sensor measurements and provides the necessary control accuracy at a fraction of the cost of physical angle measurement devices
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 reduces the number of components and installation space requirements, enhancing the robustness and availability of the axle control system while maintaining driving safety and comfort by eliminating the need for angle sensors and complex measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A passive elastic bearing 5 designed as a hydraulic bushing with frequency- and amplitude-dependent static and increased dynamic rigidity is provided between the chassis frame 1 and the swing arm 15 to generate dynamic rigidity
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic bush has a stabilizing, springing and damping effect primarily in the plane of its base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one first axle (2) of a rail vehicle, wherein the axle control comprises an actuator unit (4), a passive elastic bearing (5) functionally connected in parallel to it, and a control device (6), and the control device (6) is connected at least to the actuator unit (4) for data transmission. To create advantageous conditions, it is proposed that the control device (6) uses only the actual actuating force (7) of the actuator unit (4) as the control variable for the kinetic states of the rail vehicle. The method has the advantage that a complex and error-prone acquisition and processing of position or steering angle information for the axle control can be dispensed with. By eliminating the need for sensors for the position or steering angle, the method eliminates the need for a complex and error-prone acquisition and processing of information for the axle control.Steering angle determination reduces the number of components in the axle control system, thereby lowering its installation space requirements and costs. Furthermore, this increases the robustness and thus the availability of the axle control system.