The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently announced the winners of the 25th China Patent Awards, with multiple CRRC subsidiaries receiving recognition:
Golden Award for Design
Awarded to CRRC ZELC for the “Electric Locomotive Vehicle” (Patent No. ZL201930541136.7). This design patent introduces innovative biomimetic elements inspired by a lion, giving the heavy-duty electric locomotive a “green and intelligent” identity. The design showcases CRRC ZELC’s strengths in forward-thinking industrial design. It stands out for its originality and engineering feasibility, aligning with modular manufacturing and welding requirements, ensuring excellent manufacturability and scalability.
Silver Award
Awarded to CRRC Zhuzhou Institute for the “Fundamental Wave Current Observer and Extraction System for PMSM”(Patent No. ZL201710516814.4).This patent solves key challenges in permanent magnet drive systems, such as difficulty in real-time fundamental wave acquisition, which hampers high-precision dynamic control and sensorless operations. It enables high-performance control of electric drives with enhanced quality, reliability, efficiency, and safety—offering a “China solution” to global rail transit innovation and contributing to the advancement and internationalization of key equipment industries.
Excellence Award
Awarded to CRRC Nanjing Puzhen for "Rubber-Tired Train” (Patent No. ZL202011403359.5).The patented product, a self-developed digital-guided rubber-tired train, has successfully completed prototype trials and been commercially deployed. With innovations including opto-electromagnetic virtual track guidance and rubber tire running systems, it features high guidance reliability, eco-friendliness, advanced technology, low cost, strong road adaptability, and flexible configurations. Operating at speeds up to 70 km/h, it is suitable for new urban areas, industrial parks, small-to-medium cities, transport hubs, tourist routes, and passenger flow development.
Excellence Award
Awarded to CRRC Vontron Technology for "High-Flux Reverse Osmosis Membrane and Its Preparation and Application” (Patent No. ZL201811566175.3).This patent overcomes the challenge of simultaneously enhancing permeability and selectivity in membrane materials. It has led to the commercialization of 13 product lines, exported to 55 countries and regions, and applied in over 100 water treatment, desalination, and semiconductor ultra-pure water projects across 18 provinces in China. The innovation has significantly advanced production technology, improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and delivered notable environmental and societal benefits.
Excellence Award
Awarded to CRRC Qishuyan Institute for "Method and Device for Resharpening Hob Cutters” (Patent No. ZL201811292573.0).The patent introduces a high-precision grinding method that eliminates gear profile errors, enabling accurate meshing of high-speed gears. This significantly reduces vibration and noise while extending gear life, ensuring both the safety and comfort of high-speed trains.
Excellence Award
Awarded to CRRC Times New Material for "Pre-Compressed Emergency Air Spring Assembly” (Patent No. ZL201711020033.2).This original patent proposes a composite emergency air spring with a pre-compression guiding structure. Compared with similar technologies, it reduces stiffness by over 50% and increases displacement capacity by 60%. Its three-way stop structure enhances vehicle clearance, supporting non-reduced-speed operation of rail vehicles in the event of air loss—an industry milestone.
The China Patent Award is co-hosted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration and the World Intellectual Property Organization. It is the only government award in China specifically recognizing patented inventions and is the highest honor in the country’s patent field, acknowledged by the United Nations’ WIPO.
