Railway Vehicle Braking Curve Classification and Dynamic Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current control systems for railway vehicles are not universally effective in adapting braking curves based on real-time classification of braking processes, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to fixed target braking curves that do not account for varying conditions such as wear on brakes or excessive successful braking operations.

Innovation Solution

A control technology device that classifies braking processes as successful or unsuccessful and adjusts target braking curves dynamically, using both a full braking curve and a rapid braking curve, with the correction device modifying the curves based on classification results, including lowering or raising speeds and decelerations, and accessing a central database for fleet-wide updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed target braking curves are used, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to varying conditions (brake wear, excessive successful braking) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of target braking curves based on classification results from braking operations. The system transitions from static fixed curves to dynamic curves that adapt to brake wear and operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by automating the adjustment process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses classification results from braking operations as feedback to automatically adjust future target braking curves. This feedback mechanism enables the system to learn from past operations and adapt to varying conditions without requiring complex manual intervention, balancing adaptability with manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If dynamic adjustment of target braking curves is implemented, then adaptability and braking performance are improved, but device complexity increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the braking control into multiple components: classification device for analyzing braking operations, correction device for adjusting curves, and separate target braking curves (full braking curve and emergency braking curve). This segmentation allows complex functionality to be distributed across modular components, improving reliability while managing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification of braking operations to determine whether adjustments are needed before executing curve modifications. This preliminary action ensures that dynamic adjustment occurs only when necessary, improving reliability without requiring continuously active complex control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If full braking curve is used for wear optimization, then brake wear is reduced, but braking speed increases leading to potential safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake wearVSAvoidbraking safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the target braking curve dynamically based on classification results. When brake wear is detected or excessive successful braking occurs, the system adjusts the full braking curve parameters to reduce speed, while maintaining the emergency braking curve as a safety backup, thus reducing brake wear without compromising safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains the emergency braking curve as a pre-prepared safety cushion that activates if the adjusted full braking curve proves insufficient. This beforehand cushioning allows aggressive wear-optimized braking while ensuring safety through a ready backup mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4240623B1Control device
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH DE
  • EP4240623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4240623B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4240623B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention inter alia relates to a control technology device (LTE) for a vehicle, in particular a railroad vehicle (100), said device being suitable for braking the vehicle on the basis of at least one target braking curve describing a speed (V) above the specific location of the vehicle. According to the invention, the control technology device (LTE) includes a classification unit (30) which, once a braking process has taken place, forms a classification result (KE) classifying the braking process as successful or unsuccessful and outputs the classification result (KE).