Air Brake Controller Detecting Leakage via Pressure Cut-Out Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air brake systems in vehicles are prone to leakage and air flow obstructions due to multiple valves and long connections, leading to potential compressor degradation and reduced air pressure without warning, necessitating an efficient monitoring method to detect such issues.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that receives air pressure signals, calculates the volume of the air system at two different times, and alerts for differences, allowing for compressor operation adjustments to mitigate leaks or obstructions, ensuring consistent air pressure and compliance with regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If air brake systems use multiple valves and long connections to provide braking power to heavy vehicles, then the braking capability is improved, but the system becomes prone to leakage and air flow obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring air pressure at multiple points before leakage or obstruction problems affect braking performance. The controller detects pressure differentials and volume changes early, allowing preventive maintenance before reliability deteriorates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using pressure sensors to continuously monitor air pressure in the air brake system and feed this information back to the controller. The controller analyzes pressure differentials and volume changes to detect leakage or obstructions, providing real-time feedback on system integrity.
2Length of moving object
If the air system has long connections between valves, then the system can serve heavy vehicles, but compressor operation degrades over time without warning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of compressor degradation by monitoring air pressure changes and calculating system volume over time. Before compressor performance significantly deteriorates, the system detects abnormal pressure differentials and alerts operators to potential issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors air pressure and provides feedback on compressor performance by detecting abnormal pressure differentials and volume changes. This feedback mechanism warns of compressor degradation before it affects system reliability.
3Device complexity
If the air system operates without continuous monitoring, then the system is simpler, but leakage and obstructions go undetected until they affect braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using pressure sensors to continuously monitor air pressure and feed this information to the controller. The controller calculates system volume and detects pressure differentials, providing real-time feedback on system health and enabling early detection of leakage or obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own air pressure, calculating volume changes, and detecting anomalies without external intervention. The controller autonomously identifies leakage or obstruction problems and can alert operators or activate warning lights.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for monitoring an air system in a vehicle comprises an input for receiving at least one pressure signal indicative of an air pressure in an air system an output for transmitting an alert to a vehicle operator; and control logic. The control logic is capable of determining an instant cut out time indicative of the time for the at least one air pressure signal to reach a cut out pressure value from a cut in pressure value; determining a difference between the instant cut out time to an average cut out time; and transmitting a leakage alert at the output in response to the instant cut out time being greater than or equal to a predetermined difference from the average cut out time. The control logic is also capable of changing the compressor operation in response to the alert.