Rail Vehicle Wear Optimization via Dynamic Driving Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current driver assistance systems for rail vehicles do not account for the wear and tear of vehicle components, leading to potential failures and reduced service life, while prioritizing energy efficiency and punctuality.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the state of wear of rail vehicle components and adjust the driving style to optimize wear, punctuality, and energy consumption by controlling speed, acceleration, and deceleration, recommending reduced acceleration and maximum speed when wear is detected, and redistributing braking forces among systems to prevent failures and extend component life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If driver assistance systems optimize for punctuality and energy efficiency, then journey performance is improved, but component wear increases leading to reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejourney performanceVSAvoidcomponent service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver assistance system dynamically adjusts driving parameters (acceleration, speed, braking) based on real-time component wear status. When wear is detected, the system automatically modifies the driving profile to reduce stress on affected components, transforming a static optimization system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing component conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (acceleration rates, maximum speed, braking forces) based on detected wear conditions. By monitoring component wear and adjusting driving parameters accordingly, the system reduces mechanical stress on worn components while maintaining acceptable journey performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If acceleration and maximum speed are reduced to protect worn components, then component service life is extended, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent service lifeVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly reducing all driving parameters, the system applies partial adjustments only to the extent necessary to protect worn components. The optimization balance dynamically determines the minimum required reduction in acceleration and speed to protect components while minimizing the impact on energy consumption and journey performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system selectively adjusts driving parameters based on the specific wear conditions detected. By changing parameters only when and where necessary, the system protects worn components while minimizing the overall impact on energy consumption and maintaining acceptable journey performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple braking systems are used to compensate for worn brakes, then braking reliability is maintained, but wear on other braking components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking performanceVSAvoidwear on braking components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is segmented into multiple independent braking mechanisms (service brakes, emergency brakes, electrodynamic brakes). When one segment (braking system) is worn, the system isolates its function and redistributes the braking load to other segments, allowing the worn component to be protected while maintaining overall braking performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily discards the function of the worn braking system and recovers braking capacity by increasing the utilization of alternative braking systems. This allows the worn brakes to rest and prevents further degradation while maintaining the required braking performance through other available systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3507164A1Method and device for optimising wear in rail vehicles
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 KNORR BREMSE SYST FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH

AI summary

A method for optimising wear in rail vehicles (10) is described, in which states of wear (16) of at least one component of a rail vehicle (10) are determined, and an optimum driving style (22) for the rail vehicle (10) is determined taking into account the wear (16), punctuality and energy consumption, and the speed, accelerations and decelerations of the rail vehicle (10) are controlled in such a way that the optimum driving style (22) is achieved in a driving mode of the rail vehicle (10). In addition, a device for optimising wear in rail vehicles (10) and a driver assistance system (18) for a rail vehicle (10) are described.