Train Brake Rotor Energy Recovery With Axle-Driven Battery Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Railway companies face significant maintenance costs and low profit margins, and there is a need to utilize cleaner energy and reduce emissions from trains.
Innovation Solution
An energy generation system is attached to train axles, utilizing motion transmission mechanisms to convert rotational energy from disc brake rotors into electrical energy, which is stored in batteries for later use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If energy generation systems are added to trains, then environmental friendliness and profitability improve, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy generation system with existing train components, specifically integrating generators with the train's wheel axles and using the train's motion itself as the energy source. This merging approach adds energy generation capability without requiring completely separate systems, thus improving environmental friendliness while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The train's wheel axles serve dual functions: supporting train movement and driving the energy generation system. The generators are integrated into the existing wheel structure, allowing the same mechanical components to perform both their original function and power energy generation, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated components and limiting complexity increase.
2Productivity
If energy generation systems are added to trains, then profitability improves, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation system is merged with the train's existing wheel and axle infrastructure, which are already subject to regular maintenance schedules. By integrating generators into this existing maintenance framework rather than creating separate maintenance requirements, the system can generate additional revenue while leveraging existing maintenance capabilities to control costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained and self-maintaining to the extent possible, with the generators directly coupled to the wheel axles they serve. This integration allows the energy generation components to be serviced alongside the wheel assembly during routine maintenance, reducing the need for specialized maintenance procedures and controlling long-term maintenance costs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If motion transmission mechanisms are used to convert rotational energy, then energy generation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the rotational motion already present in the train's wheel axles as the energy source. By directly coupling generators to the existing rotating components rather than adding complex transmission mechanisms to transfer motion, the system achieves energy generation efficiency while minimizing the addition of complex transmission elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple intermediary elements such as belts or direct mechanical coupling to connect the wheel axles to the generators. These minimal intermediary components are sufficient to transfer rotational energy efficiently without introducing complex transmission mechanisms, thus maintaining energy generation efficiency while limiting complexity increase.
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
This system generates and stores environmentally friendly power, reducing maintenance costs and increasing profitability by utilizing native train operation to produce income.
Implementation Method 1
generators for converting rotational energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
energy storage for later use
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the supplemental generation of energy from operation of a train, and specifically to the generation of energy in connection to the rotation of disc brake rotors in combination with generators. Rotation of the disc brake rotors creates rotational energy that is transmitted to the generators, which then transmits the energy to a series of batteries for storage. The batteries may be stored in the platform for the train and/or within the train car itself. Energy from the batteries may be utilized by removal of the batteries from the train or through a number of outlets, sockets or connectors associated with the train car or platform.