Train Water Supply Using Ejector Vacuum for Continuous Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional train water supply systems face issues with high maintenance costs, complex configurations, and pressure-bearing requirements, leading to reliability problems and interruptions in water supply, especially in high-speed trains where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A train water supply device comprising a clear water tank, two water tanks, and an ejector, with a vacuum-based system that uses an ejector to create negative pressure for water flow, eliminating the need for pressurization and simplifying the system layout, allowing continuous water supply without special pressure-bearing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electric pump is used for water supply, then pressurized water supply is realized, but the system becomes complex and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric pump mechanical system with a pneumatic system using compressed air from the train's existing air supply system. The air compressor drives the water supply through pressure differential, eliminating the need for electric pumps and their associated control systems, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining water supply pressure capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the train's existing air supply system for water supply purposes, making the air compressor serve dual functions: brake system operation and water supply pressurization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated water supply equipment, simplifying the overall system configuration
2Productivity
If clear water tank is pressurized for water supply, then water can be supplied continuously, but the tank and pipeline require special pressure-bearing capabilities increasing weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure only locally at the water outlet end of the clear water tank rather than pressurizing the entire tank. The compressed air acts on the water at the discharge end to create a pressure differential that pushes water out, while the bulk of the water and most of the tank structure remain at atmospheric pressure, reducing weight requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The water supply system is segmented into a pressurized zone (outlet end where compressed air acts) and an unpressurized zone (bulk of the tank). This segmentation allows the tank to be designed with lighter materials for the unpressurized portions while maintaining sufficient strength only where pressure is applied
3Area of stationary object
If electric pump is hung under train floor with clear water tank, then space is saved, but the pump cannot be maintained online when fault occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric pump from the system entirely, replacing it with a pneumatic water supply mechanism. By removing the pump component, the maintenance accessibility problem is eliminated, and the space previously occupied by the pump and tank can be reallocated or reduced, as the pneumatic system requires minimal additional space
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 solution reduces maintenance costs, enhances reliability, and ensures continuous water supply without interrupting service, even when the train is stopped, making it suitable for high-speed trains by eliminating the need for pressurization and simplifying the system layout.
Implementation Method 1
an upper part of the water tank I is connected with a vacuumizing opening of the ejector (14) through a vacuumizing pipeline (53)
Implementation Method 2
the ejector (14) creates negative pressure for water flow, eliminating the need for pressurization
Implementation Method 3
the water is conveyed from the clear water tank to the intermediate buffer containers by the pressure difference of the clear water tank and the intermediate buffer containers
Implementation Method 4
the water is supplied to water consumption points from the small water tank in manner of flow by gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses a train water supply device and a control method thereof. The train water supply device includes a clear water tank, a water tank I, a water tank II, an ejector, a connecting pipeline and valve elements, wherein the water tank I is connected with the clear water tank and the water tank II through a water suction pipeline and an intermediate pipeline respectively, the water tank II is connected with a water consumption appliance through a water supply pipeline, an upper part of the water tank I is connected with a vacuumizing opening of the ejector and an air source of a train through a vacuumizing pipeline and a vacuumizing air supply pipeline I respectively; the upper part of the water tank II is connected with the atmosphere and the air source of the train through an exhaust pipeline I and a water supply and air supply pipeline II respectively; the water tank I is provided with a liquid level switch I and a liquid level switch II from top to bottom, and the water tank II is provided with a liquid level switch III, a liquid level switch IV and a liquid level switch V from top to bottom; and the train water supply device can continuously supply water, is reliable in operation and low in maintenance cost, has no special pressure bearing requirements on the clear water tank, and can be installed at the bottom of the train according to demand.