Automatic Train Coupling for High-Power Charging and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing railway vehicle recharging systems depend on overhead power lines, which may not be electrified or have insufficient amperage, require operator intervention, and cause catenary pumping, while ground-to-train communications suffer from low bandwidth and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coupling system with mechanical, electrical, and computer couplers enables railway vehicles to recharge from fixed equipment and exchange data without overhead lines, using low-voltage and high-voltage connections, and includes shock absorption and pneumatic links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If overhead power lines are used for recharging, then trains can be recharged while parked, but the amperage is limited to 150 amps which is insufficient for rapid charging of high-power batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the overhead catenary system and implements it through direct ground-to-train power connectors. This allows high-power charging (up to 1000 amps) to be delivered through dedicated power couplers rather than relying on the limited 150-amp overhead lines, enabling rapid charging while maintaining compatibility with both electrified and non-electrified secondary lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary power transmission system consisting of ground-based power supply units connected to trains through automatic coupling devices. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the electrical grid and train batteries, providing high-power charging capability independent of overhead line amperage limitations.
2Reliability
If operator intervention is required for charging procedures, then charging can be controlled, but the process requires dispatching operators which increases time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service charging through automatic coupling devices that autonomously establish mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and data connections between ground equipment and trains. The system includes automatic detection of coupling status, initiation of charging sequences, and monitoring of charging parameters without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through computer couplers that continuously monitor coupling status, power transmission levels, and charging progress. This feedback enables the automated control system to adjust charging parameters in real-time and detect anomalies, ensuring reliable operation without human intervention.
3Use of energy by moving object
If trains are connected to overhead lines during service maintenance, then they can remain powered, but this contributes to catenary pumping which disrupts voltage and can cause power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power connection function from the overhead catenary system and relocates it to ground-based power supply units. This eliminates the harmful catenary pumping effect caused by multiple trains simultaneously drawing power from overhead lines, while still providing continuous power supply to trains during service maintenance through direct ground-to-train power transmission.
4Loss of information
If GSM telephone network is used for ground-to-train communications, then communication infrastructure is available, but the network suffers from low bandwidth, congestion, and outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated data transmission intermediary system through computer couplers that establish direct physical connections between ground equipment and trains. This dedicated communication channel bypasses the congested GSM network, providing high-bandwidth, reliable data transmission for control commands, charging parameters, and diagnostic information.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic coupling system between a rolling vehicle (10) and a fixed piece of equipment (12) of the transport network on which said rolling vehicle is intended to travel, said coupling system being characterized in that it comprises two conjugate coupling devices comprising a mobile coupling device (20) intended to be mounted on the rolling vehicle and a fixed coupling device intended to be mounted on the fixed equipment, each coupling device comprising a coupling head comprising each of the coupling guide horns (23, 43), a mechanical coupler (24, 44), a low voltage electrical coupler (22, 42), a power electrical coupler (25; 45) and a computer coupler (26, 46).