Wheel/rail adhesion enhancement
US6629709B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T8/1705
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
If the wheel/rail adhesion for a railway vehicle is insufficient then the wheels may slip when braking. If slipping is detected, a control system may reduce the brake pressure to permit a controlled level of slip and so to optimize the braking force for the available adhesion. By determining the pressure supplied to the brake cylinder, a signal may be obtained which indicates the value of the adhesion. Alternatively the adhesion may be monitored by detecting any discrepancy between the braking deceleration demanded by the driver and the observed deceleration. The adhesion signal may activate a warning. It may also be used to adjust the rate at which sand is supplied by a sander to the wheel/rail interface. The rate at which sand is supplied may also be adjusted in accordance with other parameters such as the train speed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.