Railway Brake Unlocking System with Rotatable Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing railway vehicle brake unlocking systems require calibration and are prone to premature wear due to exposure, as they rely on manual force transformation which is insufficient and exposed to impacts and dirt.

Innovation Solution

A brake unlocking system with a rotatable unlocking device and lever arm mechanism that eliminates the need for calibration, positioning the device to apply force directly and protect it from impacts and dirt, using a Bowden cable to transmit force efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the unlocking device is positioned close to the brake unit to transform manual force, then the force transformation is achieved, but the components are exposed to impacts and have short lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transformationVSAvoidlifespan of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking device is extracted from the brake unit location and relocated to the driver's cab. This separation removes the unlocking device from the harsh environment near the rails while maintaining its force transformation function through the cable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the unlocking device in the driver's cab to the brake unit. This intermediary allows force transmission without direct physical connection, protecting the unlocking device from impacts while maintaining functional linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If the unlocking device is positioned close to the brake unit, then the force transformation is achieved, but calibration is necessary to ensure appropriate transformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce transformationVSAvoidcalibration requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking device is designed to be self-calibrating through its mechanical linkage and cable tensioning system. The device automatically adjusts to the correct force transformation ratio through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the unlocking device is relocated to the driver's cab, then protection from impacts and dirt is improved, but the force application mechanism must be redesigned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from impacts and dirtVSAvoidforce application mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable serves as a mediator that transmits force from the unlocking device in the protected driver's cab environment to the brake unit in the exposed undercarriage area, enabling force application without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The force transmission is moved from a direct mechanical connection in three-dimensional space to a flexible cable connection that can accommodate spatial separation and environmental protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 reliable and efficient unlocking of railway vehicle brakes without calibration, extending the lifespan of components by protecting them from impacts and dirt, ensuring consistent force application for reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a cable (5) extends along a cable axis between a first end (9) and a second end (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

the minimum distance between the axis of rotation (B) and the gripping part (30) is greater than the minimum distance between the axis of rotation (B) and the second end (10) of the cable (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever arm mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP3385136B1Brake unlocking system of a railway vehicle and braking system comprising such unlocking system
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3385136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3385136B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3385136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a brake release system (2) for a railway vehicle, comprising: - a cable (5) extending along a cable axis between a first end (9) and a second end (10), - a release device (4) including a gripping portion (30), - a support (6). The release device (4) is rotatable about an axis of rotation (B) substantially parallel to an axis (A), the axis (A) extending substantially perpendicular to the cable axis at the second end (10) of the cable (5). The minimum distance between the axis of rotation (B) and the gripping portion (30) is greater than the minimum distance between the axis of rotation (B) and the second end (10) of the cable (5).