Rail Vehicle Braking Control via Phase-Switched Standstill Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rail vehicles experience uncomfortable braking due to mechanical systems causing jolts and wear out due to friction, and existing systems struggle to control braking effectively to a standstill.

Innovation Solution

The braking process is divided into multiple phases, with a first phase using a controller to limit deceleration to a maximum value and a later phase using a standstill controller to regulate vehicle speed to zero, ensuring comfortable braking with reduced jerk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If mechanical braking systems are used to stop the vehicle, then the vehicle can be brought to a standstill, but it causes uncomfortable jolts and excessive wear due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle speed reduction to standstillVSAvoidjolt and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical braking systems with electrodynamic braking systems that use electromagnetic forces to slow down the vehicle. The drive motors operate as generators during braking, converting kinetic energy to electrical energy, thereby eliminating the need for friction-based mechanical brakes and the associated jolts and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of kinetic energy that needs to be dissipated into useful electrical energy. By operating drive motors as generators during braking, the system recovers energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in mechanical brakes, reducing wear and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If electrodynamic braking is used to maintain braking effect after standstill, then braking control is improved, but the vehicle may restart in the opposite direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking controlVSAvoidvehicle position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different braking phases based on vehicle speed. The first phase uses electrodynamic braking with acceleration regulation for higher speeds, while the second phase switches to speed-dependent braking with reduced deceleration near standstill, preventing reverse movement while maintaining control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the braking control parameters based on vehicle speed. The acceleration regulation function is applied at higher speeds, while near standstill, the system transitions to a different control mode with reduced deceleration to prevent the vehicle from restarting in the opposite direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If constant deceleration is applied during braking, then braking time is reduced, but comfort decreases due to high jerk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking timeVSAvoidpassenger comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of deceleration based on vehicle speed. During the first braking phase at higher speeds, constant deceleration is applied to minimize braking time. During the second phase near standstill, the deceleration is reduced to minimize jerk and improve passenger comfort, creating an optimal balance between speed and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the braking process into two distinct phases: a first phase with constant deceleration for rapid speed reduction, and a second phase with reduced deceleration for comfortable stopping. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different priorities at different stages of braking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method allows for efficient braking to a standstill with minimal jerk, reducing wear and improving comfort, achieving the braking in a shorter time than traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

electrodynamic braking systems that operate at least one electric drive motor of the vehicle as an electric generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3271226B1Braking of a rail vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.01.05 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for braking a rail vehicle, wherein the rail vehicle has a brake system (5), which can be controlled by means of a braking action specification (Fout) as an input variable, and wherein, in the following manner, the braking action specification (Fout) is produced as a variable changing in the course of time (t) and output to the braking system (5) until the rail vehicle is brought to a standstill: in a first braking phase (Dt1), the braking action specification (Fout) is produced and output according to a braking request (Fin) and output, wherein a deceleration (-a) of the rail vehicle is limited to a specified deceleration maximum value (â), in a later braking phase (Dt3), which is performed after the first braking phase (Dt1), the braking action specification (Fout) is produced as a controller output variable by means of a standstill controller (13), to which a travel speed (v) of the rail vehicle is fed as a controller input variable and which controls the travel speed (v) to the setpoint value zero.