Rail Car Control Device Wake-Up via Supercapacitor Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrically controlled pneumatic train braking systems, car control devices (CCD) fail to awaken from sleep mode due to lack of sufficient voltage transition when powered by local battery, especially when transit cars are idle and there is no voltage change.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a supercapacitor and pressure switch to generate a predetermined wake-up voltage, coupled with relay and circuit configurations to selectively provide boosted voltage to the CCD, ensuring it awakens from sleep mode upon pressurization of the brake pipe, and includes feedback mechanisms to manage power and detect fault conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the CCD is placed in sleep mode to conserve energy during idle periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but the CCD cannot awaken without voltage transitions which may not occur when powered by local battery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the supercapacitor during brake pipe pressurization (before any wake-up event) and uses this pre-stored energy to generate the necessary voltage transition when awakening is needed. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring wake-up capability is prepared in advance without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the brake pipe pressure source and the CCD. It converts mechanical pressure energy into electrical energy on-demand, enabling the CCD to wake up without requiring direct voltage transitions from the battery or continuous power supply.
2Speed
If the supercapacitor continuously monitors brake pipe pressure to enable immediate wake-up, then wake-up responsiveness is improved, but energy is wasted through continuous discharge
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic action by triggering the wake-up sequence only when brake pipe pressurization occurs. The pressure switch activates the wake-up circuit intermittently based on actual pressure changes, eliminating continuous energy discharge while maintaining responsiveness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the brake pipe pressurization event itself to trigger the wake-up sequence. The pressure switch automatically detects when pressure reaches the threshold and initiates the wake-up process without requiring continuous active monitoring or external control signals.
3Speed
If the wake-up voltage is provided immediately upon pressure detection, then wake-up speed is improved, but the circuit may not be fully energized causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The delay circuit performs preliminary action by preparing the wake-up voltage path in advance but holding it ready until the appropriate time. This allows the circuit to be pre-configured for immediate response while ensuring activation only occurs when all components are ready, preventing malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamics by implementing a time-delay mechanism that adapts the wake-up timing based on circuit readiness. The delay circuit dynamically controls the activation sequence, balancing the need for fast wake-up with the requirement for proper circuit energization.
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
Effectively wakes up the CCD from sleep mode without relying on voltage changes, ensuring the braking system is operational when needed, while preventing unnecessary discharge of the supercapacitor and detecting potential faults.
Implementation Method 1
a supercapacitor capable of outputting a predetermined voltage
Implementation Method 2
a pressure switch that is responsive to a source of brake pipe pressure to move to a closed position in response to a predetermined amount of pressure
Implementation Method 3
A first circuit is coupled to the supercapacitor via the pressure switch and is configured to boost the predetermined voltage of the supercapacitor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for waking up a dormant car control device of rail car braking system that provides a sufficient wake up voltage in response to pressurization of the brake pipe of the transit car. A supercapacitor is used to output a predetermined voltage when a pressure switch responsive to a source of brake pipe pressure moves to a closed position in response to a charging of the brake system. A first circuit boosts the predetermined voltage of the supercapacitor and energized the contacts of a relay that can selectively provide the boosted voltage to an input of a car control device. A second circuit controls the relay to select when boosted voltage should be provided to the input of a car control device. A third circuit selectively provides power to the first and second circuits based on whether the car control device should receive the boosted voltage.