Rail Vehicle Braking Piston Immobilization for Enhanced Parking Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rail vehicle braking systems face inefficiencies in applying consistent braking force due to reliance on springs for parking brake activation, resulting in reduced force application when the parking brake is engaged, and are often bulky and heavy.

Innovation Solution

A rail vehicle braking system that uses a movable blocking device and an actuating device to immobilize the service brake piston, allowing for increased pneumatic pressure to be applied when the parking brake is engaged, thereby enhancing the braking force without relying on springs, and incorporating a pneumatic distribution system to manage pressure sources effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring-based parking brake actuator is used to apply braking force, then the parking brake can be activated in case of pressure loss, but the braking force applied on the braking linkage is reduced compared to service braking position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparking brake activation reliabilityVSAvoidbraking force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional spring-based mechanical actuation system with a pneumatic system. The service brake cylinder piston itself is used to apply the parking brake force by moving it to a predetermined position where it directly applies force to the braking linkage, eliminating the need for separate springs and providing full pneumatic braking force for parking brake application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The service brake cylinder piston is designed to perform dual functions: service braking when pressurized, and parking brake application when positioned at the predetermined location. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate parking brake actuator while maintaining reliable parking brake activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate parking brake actuator with springs is incorporated into the braking system, then parking brake functionality is provided, but the overall system becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparking brake functionalityVSAvoidbraking system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parking brake actuator function with the service brake cylinder piston. The piston serves both as the service brake actuator and the parking brake applicator, consolidating multiple functions into a single component and thereby reducing the overall weight and complexity of the braking system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the service brake pressure chamber is vented after parking brake activation, then the system returns to a safe state, but the braking force is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe state returnVSAvoidbraking force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a retention ring as an intermediary mechanical element that maintains contact with the service brake cylinder piston at the predetermined position. This retention ring mechanically holds the piston in place, preserving the parking brake braking force even after the pneumatic pressure is vented from the pressure chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system achieves greater braking forces for both service and parking brakes, is more compact and lighter, and maintains consistent force application with minimal loss, improving overall braking performance.

Implementation Method 1

a service brake comprising a braking piston which is movable relative to said body to act on said braking linkage and delimits with said body a service brake pressure chamber configured to be supplied by a first source of pneumatic pressure agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

the service brake pressure chamber is supplied by said second source of pneumatic pressure agent, of which the pressure is greater than that of said first source of pneumatic pressure agent, in order to apply, when said parking brake is in working configuration, a greater braking force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9550504B2Rail vehicle braking system and braking method for a rail vehicle comprising such a system

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 FAIVELEY TRANSPORT AMIENS

AI summary

A rail vehicle braking system includes a service brake (6) having a movable piston (8) delimiting with a body (2) of the system a service brake chamber (13) supplied by a first source, and a parking brake (7) having a blocking device (20) having a position in which it immobilizes the piston in a position, and a movable actuating device (23, 24) delimiting with the body a parking brake chamber (25) supplied by a second source and having a stable position in which it holds the blocking device in its position; the service chamber, when the actuating device is in its stable position, being supplied by the second source of which the pressure is greater than that of the first source in order to apply a greater braking force than the force applied when the piston is in its position.