Railway Detection Device Fixed Transverse Beam Load Cells

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing railway vehicle detection devices are complex and costly due to their movable transverse beams, which complicate installation and maintenance without ensuring efficient obstacle and derailment detection.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a fixed transverse beam utilizing load cells to measure forces in both vertical and longitudinal directions, sending trigger signals to the emergency brake circuit when thresholds are exceeded, simplifying the structure and reducing component count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable transverse beam is used to detect obstacles and derailments, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical movable beam system with a fixed beam combined with load cells (force sensors). Instead of detecting movement through mechanical degrees of freedom, the system measures forces directly acting on the fixed beam, substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler sensor-based measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from positional movement (beam displacement) to force measurement (loads on the beam). By measuring vertical and longitudinal forces on a fixed beam using load cells, the system achieves the same detection capability without requiring the beam to be movable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a movable transverse beam with degrees of freedom is used, then obstacle detection is improved, but installation time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detectionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for complex mechanical mounting arrangements by using a fixed beam that can be simply supported on the bogie. The load cells provide the necessary measurement capability without requiring the beam to be mounted with degrees of freedom, significantly simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and moving parts are used in the detection device, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed transverse beam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a force measurement platform for load cells, and a reference structure for detecting both obstacles and derailments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the detection device's structure, reduces installation time and costs, while maintaining effective detection of obstacles and derailments, and preventing false activations from snow.

Implementation Method 1

The force detection means comprise at least a first load cell, arranged and configured to measure longitudinal forces on the transverse beam, in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad cell measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The force detection means comprise a second load cell, arranged and configured to measure vertical forces on the transverse beam, in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLoad cell measurement:

Implementation Method 3

The transverse beam is connected to the support bracket via a component made of a resilient material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResilient material deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3792135B1A detection device for a railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECH SAS
  • EP3792135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3792135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3792135B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The detection device (10) is intended to detect an event chosen between an obstacle on the track and/or a derailment of the railway vehicle, and is intended to be arranged on a leading bogie of a leading car of the railway vehicle. The detection device (10) comprises: - a transverse beam (14) intended to be connected to the leading bogie (12) by means of connection means, and - force detection means (26), arranged and configured to measure a force in at least one direction. The connection means has no degree of freedom, so that the transverse beam (14) is intended to be fixedly connected to the leading bogie, and the force detection means (26) comprise at least one load cell (28, 30) fixedly connected to the transverse beam (14).