Railway Air Compressor Coupling for Redundancy Without Extra Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current railway braking systems require two compressed air generation systems for redundancy, leading to excessive weight and energy inefficiency due to unused systems and poor regenerative braking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that selectively connect and disconnect compressors to an electric motor based on pressure thresholds in the main reservoir, optimizing compressor usage to reduce weight and energy consumption while maintaining redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two compressed air generation systems are installed for redundancy, then system reliability is improved, but vehicle weight increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two compressed air generation systems into a single integrated system where one compressor can serve dual purposes: normal operation and emergency backup. The control unit manages a single compressor that can be activated in normal mode for regular compressed air supply or in emergency mode for backup supply, eliminating the need for two separate physical systems and reducing overall weight while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single compressor is designed with multi-functionality to perform both normal compressed air generation and emergency backup functions. The control unit enables the compressor to operate in different modes (normal and emergency) based on system needs, allowing one component to fulfill the roles previously requiring two separate systems, thereby reducing weight without compromising reliability
2Reliability
If two compressed air generation systems are installed for redundancy, then continuous air supply is ensured, but energy consumption increases due to unnecessary acceleration of heavy mass
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate compressed air generation systems into one, the patent eliminates the unnecessary mass that would require energy for acceleration during vehicle operation. The single integrated system with controlled modes ensures continuous air supply while avoiding the energy waste associated with accelerating redundant heavy components
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically switches between normal and emergency modes based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to activate the compressor only when needed, avoiding continuous operation of redundant systems and reducing energy consumption related to maintaining and accelerating unnecessary mass
3Weight of moving object
If a single compressed air generation system is used, then weight and cost are reduced, but redundancy and continuous supply capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single compressor is designed with universal functionality to perform both normal operation and emergency backup roles. The control unit manages different operational modes that allow this single component to provide redundancy capability previously requiring two separate systems, thus maintaining reliability while reducing weight and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-service redundancy where the single compressor can serve itself as backup through mode switching. When the primary function is not needed, the control unit can activate the same compressor in emergency mode to provide backup compressed air supply, creating a self-sufficient redundancy mechanism without additional hardware
4Reliability
If compressors remain connected to the electric motor continuously, then compressed air supply is maintained, but energy consumption increases due to poor regenerative braking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic action by switching the compressor between active and inactive states based on compressed air reservoir levels and operational needs. Instead of continuous connection to the electric motor, the compressor is activated periodically only when compressed air is needed, allowing regenerative braking to occur without the energy drain of continuous compressor operation while maintaining supply reliability
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
The solution reduces the weight and cost of compressed air generation systems while ensuring continuous air supply by strategically managing compressor operation, enhancing energy efficiency and extending maintenance cycles.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (301) arranged to generate a driving torque; a first coupling means (304), arranged to selectively assume a first state in which it connects said electric motor (301) to said first compressor (303) or a second state in which it disconnects said electric motor (301) from said first compressor (303)
Implementation Method 2
a first compressor (303)...arranged to receive a driving torque from said electric motor (301) when in said first state, wherein said first compressor (303) is arranged to compress air and to supply said compressed air to a main reservoir (311)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating compressed air of at least one vehicle is described, comprising the step of:)a) selectively connecting a first compressor, or a second compressor, or simultaneously the first compressor and the second compressor, to an electric motor arranged to generate a driving torque.A system for generating compressed air for at least one vehicle is also described.