Air Brake Control Unit for Independent Spring-Brake Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing air brake systems for motor vehicles with spring-loaded brake cylinders and trailer brakes require cumbersome and expensive piping in the driver's cab to achieve a test position where the spring-loaded brake cylinders of the towing vehicle provide a braking effect without actuating the trailer brake.
Innovation Solution
A control unit for the air brake system that includes a trailer control valve with a third connection for negative-acting actuation of the trailer brake, along with solenoid valves and a switching valve to pressurize or vent the spring-loaded brake cylinders, allowing the spring-loaded brake cylinders to be actuated independently of the trailer brake, reducing the need for extensive piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a test position is implemented using conventional piping arrangements, then the spring-loaded brake cylinders can be actuated independently, but the piping becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary device that mediates between the driver's cab controls and the brake systems. This control unit integrates the trailer control valve and switching valve functions, eliminating the need for complex separate piping arrangements. The control unit receives control signals and automatically manages the pneumatic connections, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining independent test position capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the trailer control valve and switching valve into a single integrated control unit. By combining these previously separate components into one unit, the patent reduces the number of pneumatic connections and piping required. The merged control unit can independently control both the trailer brake and spring-loaded brake cylinder actuation, achieving the test position function with significantly reduced piping complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control lines are provided for trailer brake and spring-loaded brake, then independent actuation is possible, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: controlling the trailer brake, actuating the spring-loaded brake cylinders, and enabling independent test position operation. By creating a multi-functional control unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated control lines for each function. The single control unit adapts its internal valve configurations to achieve different control scenarios, providing versatility without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages multiple control functions through a single integrated interface. Instead of requiring separate control lines for trailer brake and spring-loaded brake actuation, the control unit receives control signals and internally manages the pneumatic routing. This intermediary approach maintains independent actuation capability while reducing the visible complexity of control lines in the driver's cab.
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
This solution allows for a cost-effective and efficient implementation of a test position where the spring-loaded brake cylinders of the towing vehicle can provide braking without engaging the trailer brake, enabling staged braking and reducing the complexity and cost of piping in the driver's cab.
Implementation Method 1
which has a first solenoid valve (19) and a second solenoid valve (20) arranged inside
Implementation Method 2
spring-loaded brake cylinders (17) arranged inside a common housing (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Controller (1) has input connection (3) for control signal, input connection (8) for compressed air supply, output connection (9) leading to trailer control valve (11) and output connection (15) leading to spring-storage brake cylinder (17) of motor vehicle. The two magnet valve (19,20) are provided in housing (2), which can be switched from control electronics for aerating and ventilating both output connection and a switching valve (30). The switching valve interconnects the two output connection with one another in one position and in the other position switching valve ventilates the output connection leading to the trailer control valve, while the output connection leading to the spring-storage brake cylinder remains aerated and ventilated over both magnet valves.