Rail Brake Control with Dual Paths for Fault-Tolerant Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake systems for rail vehicles face challenges in achieving high availability and safety while minimizing system integrity requirements, with pneumatic brakes requiring extensive infrastructure and electrodynamic brakes being dependent on electrical subsystems, and existing electromechanical systems being inflexible and prone to complete failure.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with dual braking paths, one with low safety integrity for normal operation and one with high safety integrity for fault conditions, allowing switching between paths to maintain functionality and deceleration capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic brake systems are used, then high availability and reliability are achieved, but additional systems (compressors, supply infrastructure) with high weight and space requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compressor and extensive pneumatic supply infrastructure from the brake system, retaining only the essential brake actuator and minimal piping. This eliminates the heavy components while preserving the proven reliability of pneumatic braking through direct mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic system (compressors, reservoirs, extensive piping) with a simplified mechanical actuation system that uses direct force application to the brake elements, eliminating the need for compressed air generation and distribution infrastructure.
2Reliability
If pneumatic brake systems are used, then high availability and reliability are achieved, but extensive infrastructure (lines, pipes) with high installation space requirements is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the extensive pneumatic infrastructure including compressors, reservoirs, and networks of lines and pipes, replacing them with a compact mechanical actuation system that requires minimal installation space while maintaining brake reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex pneumatic distribution system with a streamlined mechanical force transmission system that directly actuates the brake elements, dramatically reducing the space required for installation and operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional electromechanical brake systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic braking system that can adapt its behavior based on operating conditions. The control system adjusts braking force, selects between different braking paths (normal and reduced integrity), and modifies actuation characteristics in real-time, providing flexibility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptability through parameter changes in the control system, which can modify braking force magnitude, actuation speed, and force distribution based on vehicle load, speed, and fault conditions, allowing the same physical system to perform multiple braking functions.
4Device complexity
If single braking path systems are used, then device complexity is minimized, but availability during fault conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking function into two independent braking paths: a normal braking path with full safety integrity requirements and a reduced braking path with lowered safety integrity requirements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain braking capability even when the normal path fails, improving availability during fault conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares a fallback braking path in advance that can be activated when the normal braking path experiences faults. This beforehand cushioning ensures that braking functionality is preserved during failure scenarios, maintaining system availability without requiring the normal path to be perfectly reliable at all times.
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
Ensures high availability and safety by providing redundant braking functions, reducing system integrity demands, and enabling smooth transitions between braking paths to ensure continuous operation even in fault scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The friction generated by contact pressure is converted into thermal energy, thereby decelerating the rail vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for electromechanically braking rail vehicles includes a brake controller with a first brake control unit configured to provide braking functions and output a force manipulated variable, an actuator with a second brake control unit configured to provide braking functions and output a force manipulated variable, a first actuator control unit configured to generate a frictional braking force based on the force manipulated variable and to output an actuation variable, a second actuator control unit configured to generate a frictional braking force based on the force manipulated variable and to output an actuation variable, and a braking force unit configured to generate a frictional braking force based on the actuation variable. The brake system also includes a first braking path and a second braking path from active functions.