Vehicle Control for Wheel-Rail Force Ratio Derailment Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large differences between lateral and vertical forces exerted by vehicle wheels on a route can increase the risk of derailment, particularly in curved sections, due to factors like wheel irregularities, vehicle position, and route parameters.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that monitors and adjusts vehicle operations to maintain a balanced ratio of lateral to vertical forces by changing parameters such as tractive effort, wheel diameter, and applying friction-modifying substances to reduce the risk of derailment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle system maintains high tractive effort for efficient movement, then productivity is improved, but the lateral force ratio increases causing derailment risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including tractive effort, brake force, and speed based on real-time calculation of lateral force ratios. When the ratio exceeds thresholds, the system adjusts these parameters to reduce lateral forces while maintaining safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors wheel parameters, route conditions, and force ratios, then feeds this information back to adjust tractive effort and braking operations. This closed-loop control prevents derailment by responding to changing conditions in real-time
2Speed
If the vehicle travels at high speed on curved routes, then productivity is improved, but the lateral forces increase causing wheel climb or rollover
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates predicted lateral force ratios for upcoming curved sections and adjusts tractive effort and speed in advance before the vehicle enters the curve. This preventive action reduces lateral forces before they become problematic
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts speed and tractive effort based on real-time conditions rather than maintaining constant values. Speed and force application are continuously modified to maintain safe lateral force ratios while optimizing throughput
3Reliability
If the vehicle system applies friction-modifying substances to reduce lateral forces, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses friction-modifying substances as an intermediary between the wheel and rail to reduce lateral forces. These substances are applied at specific locations and times to modify friction characteristics and prevent derailment
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-modifying substances are applied locally at specific wheel-rail contact points rather than uniformly across the entire vehicle system. This targeted application reduces complexity by focusing intervention only where needed
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 system effectively reduces the risk of derailment by maintaining a safe ratio of lateral to vertical forces, preventing wheels from climbing or rolling over the rail, thereby ensuring stable vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
applying friction-modifying substances to reduce the risk of derailment
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling a vehicle system may determine one or more of a route parameter of a route on which the vehicle system is moving or a vehicle parameter of the vehicle system. The system and method may also determine whether a ratio of a lateral force exerted by one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route to a vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route increases to a value exceeding a designated threshold as a result of the one or more route parameter of vehicle parameter that is determined. The ratio of the lateral force to the vertical force exerted by the one or more wheels of the vehicle system on the route may be reduced to a value less than the designated threshold by changing an operation of the vehicle system.