Rail Vehicle Braking System Springless Parking Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail vehicle braking systems face inefficiencies when transitioning from service braking to parking braking, as the force applied to the braking linkage is reduced due to the reliance on springs, leading to a less effective braking force and increased system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle braking system design that eliminates the need for springs by using a blocking device and actuating device to immobilize the braking piston in service braking position, ensuring consistent braking force through an electrical actuator and blocking finger mechanism, allowing for direct force application to the braking linkage without spring dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If springs are used to actuate the parking brake, then the parking brake can be activated in case of pressure loss, but the braking force is reduced and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the springs from the braking system by using a blocking device with a blocking element that can engage with a ratchet wheel on the piston rod. This mechanical blocking mechanism replaces the spring-based actuation, reducing system complexity while maintaining parking brake functionality through pure mechanical means that engage when pneumatic pressure is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the spring-based mechanical actuation system with an electrical actuator that controls a blocking device. The actuator moves the blocking element to engage or disengage from the ratchet wheel, substituting the passive spring mechanism with an actively controlled mechanical system that provides more reliable and consistent braking force.
2Reliability
If springs are used to actuate the parking brake, then the parking brake can be activated, but the braking force applied to the braking linkage is less than in service braking position
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the springs that limited braking force to spring load levels, the invention allows the blocking device to maintain the piston in any service braking position where full pneumatic braking force is applied. The blocking element engages with the ratchet wheel to prevent piston retraction while the piston remains under full pneumatic pressure, thereby maintaining maximum braking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static spring-based force application into a dynamic system where the blocking device can engage at any piston position. This allows the braking force to be adjusted and maintained at optimal levels by controlling the actuator's positioning of the blocking element, rather than being constrained by fixed spring characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a distinct parking brake body is used, then the parking brake can be independently actuated, but the system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the parking brake actuation mechanism with the service brake cylinder assembly. The blocking device and actuator are integrated into the existing brake cylinder body, eliminating the need for a separate parking brake body while maintaining independent actuation capability through the integrated actuator that controls the blocking element.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it controls the blocking device for parking brake activation and can also influence the positioning of the piston during service braking. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall system weight while maintaining the ability to independently activate the parking brake when needed.
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 configuration maintains or exceeds the braking force of traditional systems while reducing system complexity and weight, with minimal loss in braking efficiency, and allows for easier protection and lubrication of components.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating device which is movable relative to said body, configured to be electrically actuated
Implementation Method 2
said blocking device and said actuating device being configured such that when said braking piston is in its service braking position and said parking brake is in working configuration, said actuating device acts on said blocking device until the latter immobilizes said piston rod so as to block said braking piston in its service braking position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a rail vehicle braking system comprising a service brake having a movable piston (8) which with a body (2) of the system delimits a service brake chamber (13) supplied by a first source, a piston rod (21) disposed in that chamber and fastened to a second side (32) of the piston turned towards that chamber, and a parking brake (7) disposed in said body and comprising a blocking device (20) disposed in that chamber and movable to act on said rod, and a movable actuating device (23, 24) which is configured to be electrically actuated; said blocking and actuating devices being configured to immobilize/unblock said rod so as to block/unblock said piston in a position.