Rail Vehicle Braking System Simulation Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing brake systems for rail vehicles with multiple brakes of different modes of action is complex, requiring careful distribution of braking force and adherence to thermal conditions, customer requests, and legal requirements, especially in emergency braking scenarios where some brakes may fail.

Innovation Solution

A tool that includes a reading device for inputting vehicle and brake system parameters, a simulation device to simulate braking processes and distribute braking force among multiple brakes while accounting for thermal loads, and an output device to provide optimized results and control data for improved braking system development and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brake system with multiple brakes of different modes of action is used, then the braking performance and reliability are improved, but the development complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system reliabilityVSAvoiddevelopment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The development process is segmented into distinct modules: reading device for inputting parameters, simulation device for calculating braking force distribution and thermal loads, and output device for presenting results. This modular approach allows each component to be developed and tested independently, reducing overall development complexity while maintaining the multi-brake system's reliability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A computer-implemented simulation tool acts as an intermediary between the complex multi-brake system and the developers. The simulation device calculates optimal braking force distribution and thermal loads, serving as a mediator that translates complex physical interactions into manageable development parameters, thereby reducing development complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If braking force distribution is optimized across multiple brakes, then the thermal conditions and braking performance are improved, but the calculation and simulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force distribution precisionVSAvoidsimulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical calculations with a computer-implemented simulation system. The simulation device uses software algorithms to automatically calculate braking force distribution and thermal loads, achieving high precision in braking force distribution while reducing simulation complexity through automated computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The simulation device accepts various input parameters (brake characteristics, thermal conditions, braking scenarios) and automatically adjusts braking force distribution parameters to optimize performance. By changing and optimizing parameters systematically through the simulation, the system achieves precise braking force distribution without requiring complex manual calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If thermal loads on brake components are taken into account during development, then the thermal conditions during braking are improved, but the development time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal condition controlVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation device performs thermal load calculations during the development phase, before actual brake system implementation. By preliminarily analyzing thermal conditions and optimizing braking force distribution accordingly, the system achieves better thermal condition control during actual operation without requiring extensive iterative testing and development time later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables faster and optimized development of rail vehicle braking systems by simulating braking force distribution and thermal loads, ensuring consistent performance under various conditions and emergency scenarios, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the braking system.

Implementation Method 1

a simulation device (14) which is set up to simulate braking processes of the rail vehicle based on the configuration, with a braking force distribution between the plurality of brakes and a thermal load on components, in particular friction components, of the brakes being taken into account

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal load: Heating

Implementation Method 2

A friction brake has friction components, which can be, for example, brake pads, brake disks and/or brake pads. When converting an actuating force of a braking device of a friction brake into a braking force, in addition to a frictional connection between the wheel and the rail, a coefficient of friction between the friction components of the braking devices also plays an important role.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2753514B1Tool for developing braking systems for rail vehicles
Publication Date: 2017.11.15 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2753514B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a tool for developing braking systems for rail vehicles with a braking system which has multiple brakes, each brake generating a braking action in a different manner. The tool (10) comprises a reading device (12) which is capable of reading a configuration of a rail vehicle, said configuration comprising vehicle parameters and braking system parameters of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, the tool (10) has a simulation device (14) which is capable of simulating braking processes of the rail vehicle on the basis of the configuration taking into account braking condition parameters. A brake force distribution between the multiple brakes and a thermal load on brake components are taken into account in the simulation. The simulation device (14) is capable of providing results of the simulation as result data. Furthermore, the tool (10) has an output device (16) which is capable of providing an output on the basis of the result data. The invention further relates to a computer-readable storage medium with a corresponding program code and to a method for developing a braking system for a rail vehicle.