Railway Door Lock Monitoring via Solenoid Coil State Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the state of a locking device for railway vehicle doors can only utilize two states (ON and OFF of a limit switch, leading to potential improper monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device and method that utilize a solenoid with a first coil to monitor the state of a locking device by observing electrical states, including a first member and a second member that establish a locked state, and a solenoid that moves the second member away from the first member based on the energization of the coil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a limit switch is used to monitor the locking device state, then the monitoring system is simple, but only two states (ON and OFF) can be detected leading to improper monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from simple ON/OFF switch states to electrical parameters (current, voltage, impedance) of the solenoid coil. By measuring these electrical parameters, the system can detect multiple states including locked, unlocked, and abnormal states, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a more complex mechanical switching system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical limit switch system with an electrical sensing system that monitors the solenoid coil's electrical characteristics. This substitution allows for more precise state detection through electrical parameter measurement while maintaining system simplicity, as the same solenoid structure serves both actuation and sensing functions
2Reliability
If only two states of limit switch are utilized, then the monitoring system is simple, but the state of the locking device cannot be properly monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical parameters of the solenoid coil and using this information to determine the locking device state. The system provides feedback on not only locked/unlocked states but also on abnormal conditions such as coil failures or mechanical jams, thereby improving reliability and preventing information loss about the true device state
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid coil serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator for moving the locking mechanism and as the sensor for detecting the device state. By measuring the electrical parameters of the same component that performs the locking action, the system achieves reliable multi-state monitoring without adding separate sensing mechanisms, thus avoiding information loss while maintaining simplicity
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 comprehensive monitoring of the locking device's state, allowing real-time detection of locking and unlocking operations, and providing feedback on the door's status and potential issues.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid configured to move the second member in a first direction away from the first member
Implementation Method 2
monitor the state of the locking device based on an electrical state observed when a first coil of the solenoid is energized
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring device for monitoring a state of a locking device, the locking device includes a first member, a second member configured to achieve a locked state of a door of a railway vehicle by establishing a predetermined positional relation with the first member upon a movement toward the first member, and a solenoid configured to move the second member in a first direction away from the first member, wherein the monitoring device is configured to monitor the state of the locking device based on an electrical state observed when a first coil of the solenoid is energized.