Remote Control Unit for Mobile Brake Testing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile brake testing devices for railway vehicles are cumbersome and costly due to their complexity, requiring manual operation and lacking remote control capabilities, which increases operational risks and personnel usage, especially when no locomotive is available for train assembly.
Innovation Solution
Equipping manually operated mobile brake testing devices with a remote control unit and a motor unit that can mechanically operate toggle handles or valves via remote data transmission, utilizing existing telematics systems to enable remote control and monitoring of the brake test process, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation of mobile brake testing device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational safety deteriorates due to increased accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. A control unit receives signals from a mobile communication terminal and automatically actuates the brake testing device, substituting the mechanical manual operation system with an automated electromechanical control system. This reduces operational safety risks by eliminating the need for personnel to physically approach and operate the device near moving trains.
2Productivity
If remote control capability is added to mobile brake testing device, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control unit multi-functional by enabling it to receive commands from mobile communication terminals for various brake testing operations. The same control unit handles different testing functions (brake application, release, pressure regulation) through a unified interface, avoiding the need for separate control systems for each function and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile communication terminal as an intermediary between the operator and the brake testing device. This intermediary transmits control commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for direct physical connection or complex wired control systems, thus improving operational efficiency while keeping the device complexity increase minimal.
3Ease of operation
If remote control unit and motor unit are equipped, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. A control unit receives signals from a mobile communication terminal and automatically actuates the brake testing device, substituting the mechanical manual operation system with an automated electromechanical control system. This reduces operational safety risks by eliminating the need for personnel to physically approach and operate the device near moving trains.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing telematics systems are utilized for remote control, then cost is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control unit multi-functional by enabling it to receive commands from mobile communication terminals for various brake testing operations. The same control unit handles different testing functions (brake application, release, pressure regulation) through a unified interface, avoiding the need for separate control systems for each function and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a remote control unit (9) controlling and monitoring a motor unit (10) based on commands, which are transmitted by a mobile communication terminal (14) through a long-distance data transmission. The motor unit is operated directly or indirectly to control elements utilized for manual operation of a mobile brake testing apparatus (1). A limit switch and/or an electronic air pressure gauge sensor are attached at the motor unit such that the remote control unit determines whether the control elements of the testing apparatus are reached to an end position. An independent claim is also included for a method for remotely controlling a mobile brake testing apparatus.