Air Actuator Controller for Parking Brake Force Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of heavy-duty vehicles with air brake systems face injury and fatigue due to the need for repeated use of mechanical push/pull valves to set and release parking brakes, which require significant force and reach, leading to sore or injured shoulders, elbows, and wrists.

Innovation Solution

A push/pull valve switch controller with an air actuator and switch linked by air lines, allowing air pressure to be controlled to release or set the parking brake, enabling easier operation by reducing the need for manual force and providing a key lock for added safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical push/pull valve is used to set and release parking brakes, then the parking brake can be controlled, but the operator experiences injury and fatigue due to significant force and reach requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of parking brake operationVSAvoidoperator injury and fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical push/pull valve operation with an automated electronic control system. The electronic parking brake control module receives signals from the controller area network and automatically actuates the parking brake actuators, eliminating the need for manual force application and reducing operator physical strain and injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the existing air brake system infrastructure by incorporating air actuators that work in conjunction with the electronic control module. The air lines and actuators provide mechanical force through pneumatic pressure, converting electronic control signals into physical brake application and release actions without requiring manual operator force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If repeated manual operation of push/pull valves is required for school bus stops, then parking brake control is achieved, but operator shoulders, elbows, and wrists become sore or injured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency of parking brake operationVSAvoidoperator injury to shoulders, elbows, and wrists

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic parking brake system operates autonomously based on control signals from the vehicle's controller area network. The system automatically determines when to apply or release the parking brake based on vehicle status and operational requirements, eliminating the need for repeated manual operator intervention and the associated physical injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation required for each school bus stop with an electronic control system that automatically manages parking brake activation and release, reducing the frequency and intensity of operator physical engagement with the brake control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If air pressure is applied to the push/pull valve to release the parking brake, then the brake can be released easily, but the system requires complex air line routing and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of brake releaseVSAvoidcomplexity of air line routing and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic control module serves multiple functions by managing both the electronic control logic and the pneumatic actuation through integrated control. The system uses the existing air brake infrastructure for brake application while adding electronic intelligence for automated control, eliminating the need for separate complex air line routing specifically for brake release control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control module acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's control system and the pneumatic brake actuators. It receives electronic control signals and translates them into appropriate pneumatic actions, simplifying the overall control architecture by decoupling the electronic control logic from direct pneumatic manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution minimizes operator injury and fatigue by allowing easier control of air brake systems, reducing the physical strain associated with setting and releasing parking brakes, and ensuring safe operation through integrated locking mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

An air parking brake system uses compressed air to apply the service brakes and parking brake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8851244B2Parking brake controller and system for air brake vehicles

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 WILLIAMS FRANK

AI summary

A push/pull valve controller, including a switch and a fluid actuator, and system for use in combination with a push/pull valve to set and release a parking (or emergency) brake in a vehicle having an air brake system. The push/pull valve controller and system may further include additional safety features, such as a key lock.