Active Torque Control for High-Speed Train Rolling and Yaw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for high-speed trains are limited in controlling rotational motions such as yawing, rolling, and nodding, as they primarily operate in vertical and lateral directions, failing to effectively suppress unfavorable dynamic responses and improve riding comfort and stability.

Innovation Solution

An active control system comprising a sensor, controller, and output device with a power unit, speed-increasing gear set, rotation inertia ring, torque transmission ring, and connecting ring, which applies control torque directly to the train body to manage rotational motions by engaging the motor with the speed-increasing gear set and transmitting torque through the rings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional suspension system is used, then the vertical and lateral vibrations can be controlled, but the rotational motions (yawing, rolling, nodding) cannot be effectively suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol effectiveness on rotational motionsVSAvoidcontrol direction coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension of control by adding rotational control capability to the traditional linear suspension system. The active control system outputs control torque in addition to control force, enabling control in both linear and rotational directions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to address yawing, rolling, and nodding motions that were previously uncontrollable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The active control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output both control force (like traditional suspension) and control torque (new capability). This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle both linear vibrations and rotational motions, making it universally applicable to all dynamic behaviors of the high-speed train.

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

2Reliability

If the suspension system outputs only linear force, then the structure remains simple, but the rotational motions cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuppression of unfavorable dynamic responsesVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the traditional suspension system with an active control system into a unified hybrid system. The active control system integrates both force output and torque output capabilities within a single control architecture, combining the advantages of simple linear control with the new rotational control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with dynamic adaptability, allowing it to switch between force control and torque control modes based on the specific dynamic conditions. The system can actively adjust its control strategy to address different rotational motions (yawing, rolling, nodding) as they occur during train operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing suspension systems are used, then the vertical and lateral directions are covered, but the rotational motions (shaking, rolling, nodding) remain uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional control coverageVSAvoiddynamic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the control capability from three-dimensional linear control to six-dimensional control by adding rotational control around three axes. This allows the system to address yawing, rolling, and nodding motions in addition to the traditional vertical and lateral vibrations, achieving comprehensive dynamic behavior control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The active control system is designed with universal control capability that can handle both linear vibrations and rotational motions through a unified control architecture. The system outputs both control force and control torque, making it adaptable to all types of dynamic behaviors including shaking, rolling, and nodding motions.

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

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 active control system effectively reduces unstable motion behaviors, enhances dynamic stability and riding comfort, and extends the service life of the train by directly applying control torque to manage rotational motions, overcoming the limitations of traditional suspension systems.

Implementation Method 1

the power unit comprises a motor and a speed-increasing gear set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the speed-increasing gear set comprises a main speed-increasing gear and a secondary speed-increasing gear; the motor is fixed on the bottom plate; the main speed-increasing gear is arranged on the motor and the secondary speed-increasing gear is fixed on the bottom plate; the main speed-increasing gear engages with the secondary speed-increasing gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear engagement: Gear

Implementation Method 3

the output unit comprises a rotation inertia ring, a torque transmission ring and a connecting ring which are all hollow circular rings; the rotation inertia ring, the torque transmission ring and the connecting ring are coaxial with the through hole, respectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational inertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS10953898B1Active control system for rolling behaviors of high-speed trains
Publication Date: 2021.03.23 QINGDAO UNIV OF TECH
  • US10953898B1 patent drawing
  • US10953898B1 patent drawing
  • US10953898B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An active control system for rolling behaviors of high-speed trains includes a sensor, a controller and an output device. The output device includes a power unit, an output unit and a casing. The power unit and the output unit are arranged inside the casing. The active control system applies active control torque to the shaking, rolling and nodding of the train body so as to control the train.