Railcar anti-skid brakes
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A railcar braking system, comprising:
- a brake mechanism configured to apply a variable braking force to a railcar wheel;
at least one railcar wheel rotation sensor configured to detect at least one wheel rotational parameter of said railcar wheel; and
a brake controller in communication with said at least one railcar wheel rotation sensor to receive said detected at least one wheel rotational parameter, said brake controller configured to control said brake mechanism to regulate said variable braking force responsive to said at least one detected wheel rotational parameter.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for incorporating a feedback mechanism (24) into a train railcar wheel braking system (10) to regulate applied braking force. The feedback mechanism (24) provides information to an electronically controlled pneumatic braking system (10) sufficient to detect impending wheel slip or skid. Responsive to the wheel slip/skid information, a brake control processor (18) modulates the braking force applied to the train railcar wheel system to enable the braking system (10) to apply a braking force without damaging the railcar wheel system or rails over which the railcar wheels are traveling.
9 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A railcar braking system, comprising:
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a brake mechanism configured to apply a variable braking force to a railcar wheel;
at least one railcar wheel rotation sensor configured to detect at least one wheel rotational parameter of said railcar wheel; and
a brake controller in communication with said at least one railcar wheel rotation sensor to receive said detected at least one wheel rotational parameter, said brake controller configured to control said brake mechanism to regulate said variable braking force responsive to said at least one detected wheel rotational parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for regulating braking force applied to a railcar wheel, comprising:
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applying a braking force to said railcar wheel;
observing at least one wheel rotational parameter of said railcar wheel; and
responsive to said observed wheel rotational parameter of said railcar wheel, adjusting said applied braking force to said railcar wheel. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for regulating braking force applied to a railcar wheel, comprising:
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receiving a brake command signal;
applying a braking force to said railcar wheel responsive to said received brake command signal;
measuring wheel rotational parameters of said railcar wheel;
responsive to said measured wheel rotational parameters indicating a constant wheel rotational speed, applying a first braking force adjustment;
responsive to said measured wheel rotational parameters indicating a increasing wheel rotational speed, applying a second braking force adjustment;
responsive to said measured wheel rotational parameters indicating a decreasing wheel rotational speed, applying a third braking force adjustment; and
repeating the steps of measuring and responding as required by said received brake command signal.
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Specification