System and method for dynamically coupling two or more axles of a rail vehicle

Abstract

A system is provided for coupling two or more axles of a plurality of axles on a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and a rail track, where the plurality of wheels is received by the plurality of axles. The system includes a coupling device which is configured to couple the two or more axles to dynamically affect a force applied through the two or more axles. One or more characteristics of the force are selected to affect a traction performance of the rail vehicle as the rail vehicle travels along the rail track.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject matter herein relates to rail vehicles, and, more particularly, to a system for dynamically coupling two or more axles on a locomotive.[0002]A diesel-electric locomotive typically includes a diesel internal combustion engine coupled to drive a rotor of at least one traction alternator to produce alternating current (AC) electrical power. The traction alternator may be electrically coupled to power one or more electric traction motors mechanically coupled to apply torque to one or more axles of the locomotive. The traction motors may include AC motors operable with AC power, or direct current motors operable with direct current (DC) power. For DC motor operation, a rectifier may be provided to convert the AC power produced by the traction alternator to DC power for powering the DC motors.[0003]AC-motor-equipped locomotives typically exhibit better performance and have higher reliability and lower maintenance than DC motor equipped locomoti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for coupling two or more axles of a plurality of axles on a rail vehicle. The rail vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and a rail track, where the plurality of wheels is received by the plurality of axles. The system includes a coupling device which is configured to couple the two or more axles to dynamically affect a force applied through the two or more axles. One or more characteristics of the force are selected to affect a traction performance of the rail vehicle as the rail vehicle travels along the rail track.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, the heavier a locomotive, the more tractive effort that it can generate.

In conventional locomotive systems, the weight distribution among the powered axles and nonpowered axles is statically adjusted prior to shipment, and is not capable of being dynamically adjusted once the locomotive trip has begun.

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