Rail Vehicle Brake Control Validation via Characteristic Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing validation and certification processes for rail vehicles are complex and costly, requiring multiple iterative braking tests to determine the correct parameter set for controlled brake systems, leading to ambiguity in costs and timing.
Innovation Solution
A system with sensors to detect acceleration, braking distance, and speed is installed in the rail vehicle, adjusting brake control parameters during braking tests to meet requirements, allowing for the creation of characteristic curves that control the braking force, thereby simplifying the validation and certification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple iterative braking tests are conducted to determine the correct parameter set, then the braking system reliability is improved, but the validation time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining parameter sets and characteristic curves before actual braking tests. The system pre-calculates and stores multiple parameter sets (e.g., different brake cylinder pressures, valve timing characteristics) that can be directly applied during validation, eliminating the need for iterative testing to determine these parameters. This allows the braking system to be validated more quickly while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying brake control parameters (such as brake cylinder pressure, valve timing, flow rates) and storing the results as characteristic curves. These pre-determined parameter sets can be selected and applied without iterative testing, resolving the contradiction between ensuring proper parameter determination and reducing validation time.
2Reliability
If multiple iterative braking tests are conducted to determine the correct parameter set, then the braking system reliability is improved, but the validation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-determining and storing parameter sets and characteristic curves in advance, the system eliminates costly iterative testing. The preliminary preparation of brake control parameters allows for direct validation without repeated expensive test runs on closed test tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates characteristic curves that represent ideal braking behavior under various conditions. These curves serve as templates or copies of desired performance that can be directly compared against actual braking tests, eliminating the need for multiple iterative physical tests to determine correct parameters.
3Loss of time
If a system with sensors and characteristic curves is implemented, then the validation process is simplified and time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake control system is designed with multi-functionality, combining sensor data acquisition, parameter adjustment, and characteristic curve storage in a single integrated control unit. This universal system handles multiple validation functions without requiring separate complex subsystems, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining validation time benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation by automatically comparing actual braking performance against pre-stored characteristic curves and adjusting parameters accordingly. This self-service capability reduces the need for external validation infrastructure and complex testing procedures, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reduced validation time.
4Reliability
If iterative parameter determination is performed, then the braking system meets normative requirements, but ambiguity in costs and timing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-determining parameter sets and characteristic curves before validation, the system eliminates the iterative process that causes cost and timing ambiguity. All necessary parameters are prepared in advance with known costs and time requirements, providing clear information for project planning while ensuring compliance with normative requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the operation of a brake control system (10) for a rail vehicle (5), comprising a brake system (7), wherein the brake system (7) has at least partially one friction brake, comprising at least the following steps: determining at least one characteristic curve by means of at least one virtual and/or at least one actual reference braking journey of the rail vehicle (5), which characteristic curve sets at least one control variable for maintaining at least one performance variable in relation to one another; recording the characteristic curve in the brake control system (10); and the characteristic curve functioning as a basis for controlling the brake system (7) of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a brake control system (10), a brake system (7), and a rail vehicle (5).