Rotatable Brake Conversion Valve for Consistent Train Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing braking system in trains has a complex structure, which affects the efficiency and consistency of braking force output, particularly in scenarios requiring different braking demands for various train types, such as long-marshalling and fast-speed express trains, leading to inconsistent braking force output and potential derailment risks.

Innovation Solution

A conversion device comprising a valve body, a rotatable valve cover, and a first shrinkage member, which adjusts airflow velocity by changing the communication paths between air inlet and outlet paths, allowing for compact and simple integration, enabling faster or slower braking force output based on the train's requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conversion device is added to adjust braking force output, then braking demand adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking demand adaptabilityVSAvoidconversion device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cover is designed to be rotatable relative to the valve body, allowing dynamic switching between different mounting positions (first and second positions). This rotational movement enables the conversion device to adapt between different braking demand scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single conversion device structure incorporates multiple passages (first valve cover passage, second valve cover passage, third valve cover passage) and multiple ports that can be configured in different communication states based on the valve cover's position. This multi-functional design allows one device to serve different braking adjustment needs, avoiding the complexity of multiple dedicated devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the valve cover is rotatable to switch between mounting positions, then braking force adjustment flexibility is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidvalve body structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional passages and control mechanisms are merged into a single integrated valve body structure. The first valve cover passage, second valve cover passage, and third valve cover passage are all incorporated into one valve body, with their communication states controlled by the rotatable valve cover. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the flexibility to adjust braking force through rotational positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If the first shrinkage member is provided to slow down gas, then braking force control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force control precisionVSAvoidconversion device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first shrinkage member is strategically positioned at a specific location within the second valve cover passage to locally affect gas flow velocity. Rather than requiring a complex overall structure, this localized component precisely controls the gas flow characteristics where needed, achieving accurate braking force control while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 conversion device simplifies the braking system structure, allowing for adjustable airflow velocity to match braking demands, reducing the risk of derailment and enhancing safety by ensuring consistent braking across the train, while also reducing space usage.

Implementation Method 1

the first shrinkage member may be configured to slow down a gas in the valve body passage from entering the second valve cover passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow velocity control through passage area reduction: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4177480B1Conversion device, braking system, and train
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 MEISHAN CRRC BRAKE SCI & TECH CO LTD
  • EP4177480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4177480B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a conversion device, a braking system, and a train, relating to the field of trains. The conversion device comprises a valve body, a valve cover, and a first shrinkage member, the valve body is provided with a valve body air inlet path, a first valve body air outlet path, and a valve body passage; the valve cover is rotatably mounted on the valve body, the valve cover is provided with a first valve cover passage, a second valve cover passage, and a third valve cover passage; the first shrinkage member is provided at a first port of the second valve cover passage; the valve cover is configured to be rotatable relative to the valve body, so as to be switched between a first mounting position and a second mounting position. Rotatably mounting the valve cover on the valve body can reduce the used space, and is more compact and simple.